CarComplaints.com Notes: We don't recommend the 2009 Maxima nearly as highly as the 2007-2008 Maxima, because NHTSA complaints show a pattern of the electronic steering column lock module failing.
When the module fails it prevents the car from starting, & Nissan dealers charge over $1,000 (!!) to repair it. Nissan recalled the module on some other 2009 models with the same steering lock problem, but for some reason they left out the 2009 Maxima. See this page on the Nissan Maxima Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) defect.
If you're thinking about buying a 2009 Maxima, instead you might consider a 2007-2008 Maxima, or a newer model year.
3.2
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,000 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Multiple instances of the escl (electronic steering column lock) failing. Nissan is offering to replace free of charge for vehicles with certain VIN numbers (NHTSA #10119190, Nissan campaign id PC516). However, Nissan has stated that my VIN# is not part of the program. Nissan has also told me that the NHTSA set the parameters for the voluntary service campaign, and they are unable to explain why my car is not included in the program. I would like to know if it is true the NHTSA set the VIN# parameters for this program, and if so why my car, which has had this problem multiple times, is not included. If it is not true that the NHTSA set the parameters, what are the potential liabilities Nissan faces in blaming the problem on the NHTSA. This is an extremely dangerous problem that has left me stranded on multiple occasions..it happens without warning, and has potential to strand drivers in potentially harmful situations.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
I went outside to start my vehicle and it wouldn't start..the steering wheel is locked and I can't get it unlocked..the steering wheel symbol with 2 up and down arrows on both sides of it lights up on the dash and a red flash in car symbol with a key in the center of it is on along with the lock word on the push button..it won't go past the lock button when I try to start it.
- Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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- Belmar, NJ, USA