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.
3.3
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,400 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.
On 9/12/22, my son purchased a 2009 Nissan Maxima from Street Cars. My son was told that the car did not pass the state inspection, but all items on the list were taken care of. The salesman noted the Air Intake Tube would be ordered for the car and installed once received. My son paid $5299 in cash. My son wanted to pay with a cashier's check, but the salesperson requested cash. On the way home to Woodbridge from Fredericksburg, the vehicle began to slow down as if it were going to cut off. My son slowed down and proceeded home. On 9/13/22, my son went to Minnieville Exxon to have the vehicle emissions test completed, and the car was listed as "Not Ready." In addition, seven (7) additional issues must be addressed before the vehicle can pass. We began calling the salesman at 11:45 am, sent a text message at 12:17 pm, and called until 1:30 pm. Due to what we felt were deceptive practices, we traveled to Street Cars in Fredericksburg to speak with the salesman about returning the vehicle for a refund. The salesman stated the vehicle was sold "As Is-?? and is on the Bill of Sales. We asked about the sign on the front of his business which states "3-Day Return Policy". The salesman said it does not apply to cash cars or discounted cars. When asked about the items on the failed inspection report being taken care of, the salesperson refused to discuss it further. The salesperson stated my son should use the warranty, where he will be responsible for half the cost of all repairs. When the salesperson was asked about the Air Intake Tube order, he refused to provide a confirmation number for the order, a telephone number, or a location for the company. My son did not receive any title paperwork and was told to sign the vehicle delivery form when items had not been received. We contacted ASC Warranty company which was provided with the vehicle, and they told us to take the car to any automotive repair shop for an estimate. We took the vehicle to Sheehy Nissan in Manas
Control arms both need repair, repeated issues with tire inflation gauges, tire wear, struts, and steering. Needed repair costing $2700 to replace control arms.
Recall 2009 Nissan Maxima when driving this vehicle the front end of the car is not stable feel like the car is wobbling and the tire is going to come off. And I always hear this loud cracking/popping sound when backing up and when I put the car in drive and go forward, while driving I sometimes can her this cracking/squeaking sound and also the tire indicator constantly stays on. I have take it to the shop to be checked, and they have check the air pressure in each tire on my car and also the spare tire in the trunk of my car several times. And the tire indicator will not go off. God forbid if when I go over a speed bump the entire car makes this loud squeaking sound. When my vehicle engine is on passage airbag indicator keep blanking and will not go off, stays on constantly. Something is wrong with this. I do not feel safe with passage in my car because of this problem. By the grace of god I have not had an accident." God blessed"
In May 2014, a roaring sound suddenly started, got worse, & then we had to have the dealer replace a wheel bearing. The sound quietened a little but was still there at all speeds. Then, we had to have the dealer replace another wheel bearing a couple of weeks later. In late August 2014, we again heard the noise & had to replace the 3rd wheel bearing. In my 61 years, this is the only car with which I have ever had a defective wheel bearing problem. Each time, I am out of pocket nearly $500! I bought this car new and have babied it; there is no reason besides faulty parts to cause this. From reading online, I see a pattern of faulty wheel bearings in Nissan Maximas. I could overlook 1 bad wheel bearing, but 3"??" and now I am worried #4 may be lurking.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Woodbridge, VA, USA