Is the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2009 model has the highest complaint index (100) of the five Altima Hybrid model years and ranks worst overall, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other years.

What is the top problem area for the 2009 Altima Hybrid?

Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 26 of 54 complaints (48%), with a median mileage at failure of 66,500 miles, largely tied to steering lock units that prevent the car from starting.

Does the 2009 Altima Hybrid have any recalls?

NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Altima Hybrid, unlike the 2007 and 2008 model years which each had one recall.

How does the 2009 Altima Hybrid compare to other years?

The 2009 model's complaint index of 100 is far higher than the 2010 (25, Good verdict) and 2011 (0) model years, and higher than 2007 (50, Caution) and 2008 (75, Avoid).

What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2009 Altima Hybrid?

Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 69,000 miles, with steering complaints centering around 66,500 miles and electrical complaints around 67,500 miles.

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks worst of 5 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 54 complaints, mostly tied to steering lock and electrical failures. It carries an Avoid verdict, though NHTSA lists no recalls for this year.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 100/100; #1 of 5 Altima Hybrid years
Verdict: Avoid; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 54; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 0; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 2; reported in complaints
Fires: 0
Injuries: 0
Top issue: Steering
Best nearby year: 2010; rated Good

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 34; 35 city / 33 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 0 / 0

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 35 MPG
Highway: 33 MPG
Combined: 34 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $1,900; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Regular
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2009 compared with other Altima Hybrid years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2007	Caution	50	27	1	34
2008	Avoid	75	16	1	34
2009	Avoid	100	54	0	34
2010	Good	25	12	0	34
2011	No verdict	0	4	0	33

All Nissan Altima Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2009 model has the highest complaint index (100) of the five Altima Hybrid model years and ranks worst overall, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
What is the top problem area for the 2009 Altima Hybrid?: Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 26 of 54 complaints (48%), with a median mileage at failure of 66,500 miles, largely tied to steering lock units that prevent the car from starting.
Does the 2009 Altima Hybrid have any recalls?: NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Altima Hybrid, unlike the 2007 and 2008 model years which each had one recall.
How does the 2009 Altima Hybrid compare to other years?: The 2009 model's complaint index of 100 is far higher than the 2010 (25, Good verdict) and 2011 (0) model years, and higher than 2007 (50, Caution) and 2008 (75, Avoid).
What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2009 Altima Hybrid?: Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 69,000 miles, with steering complaints centering around 66,500 miles and electrical complaints around 67,500 miles.