2009 Nissan Maxima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2009 Nissan Maxima
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2009: 339 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1982	4
1983	5
1984	30
1985	54
1986	60
1987	176
1988	60
1989	62
1990	106
1991	76
1992	110
1993	78
1994	89
1995	152
1996	96
1997	102
1998	113
1999	165
2000	360
2001	172
2002	205
2003	206
2004	1425
2005	948
2006	576
2007	129
2008	78
2009	339
2010	275
2011	106
2012	107
2013	62
2014	95
2015	1
2016	142
2017	102
2018	36
2019	18
2020	21
2021	3
2022	5
2023	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 49%

49% of complaints: steering — 165 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TWO DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED FROM MY HOUSE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, FIELD STEERING WAS SO OUT OF CONTROL I HAD A HARD TIME KEEPING IN MY LANE THE BRAKES WERE IF YOU WERE TO JUST TOUCH THE BRAKES...

NHTSA ODI report, 20200725

The steering wheel lock malfunctioned. The part is available for inspection. The car was parked on the street. It endangered others because it would not start and had to be towed.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240403

In 2016 we had to replace the steering lock mechanism. Went to start the car and a security light came on and car would not start , and had to get the car towed from work. We paid to have the part replaced on 12/23/2016.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231128

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 23%

23% of complaints: electrical system — 78 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SPARKS BECAME VISIBLE ONCE THE HOOD WAS OPENED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120319

AIR BAGS 12%

12% of complaints: air bags — 40 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while at a complete stop, another vehicle driving approximately 70 MPH, crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained hips and back pain.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230209

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180402

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150602

SUSPENSION 10%

10% of complaints: suspension — 35 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240401

ENGINE 5%

5% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2009 — complaint volume: 339

R 20091008 — suspension

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