2009 Nissan Altima
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 122 |
| 1994 | 106 |
| 1995 | 180 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 160 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 1047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1028 |
| 2009 | 1547 |
| 2010 | 380 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 423 |
| 2013 | 2303 |
| 2014 | 1111 |
| 2015 | 941 |
| 2016 | 544 |
| 2017 | 382 |
| 2018 | 223 |
| 2019 | 223 |
| 2020 | 172 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
55% of complaints: steering — 855 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND I HIT A CURB AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE ENTIRE SECURITY SYSTEM CAUSING MY CAR TO SHUT DOWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120427
30% of complaints: electrical system — 461 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE COMPLETELY TOTALED. IT WAS DRIVEN LESS THAN 2 MILES PARKED AND SHUT OFF. WITHIN 15 MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171226
7% of complaints: engine — 107 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY THE CAR BEGIN TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND GOT OUT THE CAR. FLAMES BEGIN TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130515
6% of complaints: power train — 91 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
A TRAFFIC OFFICER AND INVESTIGATED AN INCIDENT WHERE A VEHICLE OWNER WAS RUM OVER BY HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A PHYSICAL KEY TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THERE IS AN ELECTRONIC "KEY" AND A PUSH BUTTON START/SHUT OFF SWITCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081117
5% of complaints: air bags — 82 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, an unknown Chevrolet Postal truck pulled out and crashed into the vehicle. The steering wheel air bag exploded and hit his face.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231208
I WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN A CHEVROLET SILVERADO TRUCK CUT INTO MY LANE AND STOPPED ABRUPTLY. I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO REACT AND REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE. MY CAR ENDED UP UNDER HIS BUMPER WITH MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130422
SAFETY TIMELINE
NISSAN IS RECALLING 3,403 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH ALLOY WHEELS. SOME THESE WHEELS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD CAUSE ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE LUG
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE IF IT IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE OF THE AFFECTED WHEELS. IF IT IS, THE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES THAT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO THE CORRECT SPECIF
Campaign 08V464000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING 225 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN
Remedy: ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIPS AND REMEDIED AT THE FACTORY. NO VEHICLES HAD BEEN RETAILED.
Campaign 09V006000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR TH
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1
Campaign 09V358000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEP
Campaign 10V401000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (855 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (461 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (107 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V464000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V006000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V358000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V401000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Nissan Altima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Altima?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Altima have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.