2009 Nissan Altima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Nissan Altima has a complaint index of 95, the second-worst of 21 model years, driven mostly by steering complaints (56% of all reports) at a median 80,000 miles. NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering suspension, structure, and other components, and the model earns an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 21 Altima years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,547
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 36
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 21
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 21 / 2
Top 2009 Nissan Altima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering859 (56%)
- Electrical System474 (31%)
- Engine158 (10%)
- Other153 (10%)
- Structure & Body104 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain95 (6%)
- Airbags91 (6%)
- Brakes72 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires54 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers48 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel can lock up unexpectedly, sometimes after hitting a curb, cutting power to the vehicle's systems.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, resulting in crashes into buildings or walls.
- Vehicles reportedly hydroplane or lose rear-end stability in light rain, even at moderate highway speeds.
- A fuel injector hose connection was described as separating on long trips, allowing gasoline to spray near hot components.
- Front airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a crash where the driver was traveling around 35 mph.
- The vehicle's electronic key/push-button start system was linked to an incident where the car rolled while left in drive with the engine off.
2009 Nissan Altima recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V401000Sep 10, 2010Other7,948 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
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.
Risk: Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
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 september 16, 2010. Owners may contact garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 09V358000Sep 16, 2009Suspension, Wheels & Tires26,398 vehicles
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 the strut insulator to crack.
Risk: If the strut insulator is cracked, there is a potential for the strut rod to come out of its mounting position, which could affect vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.
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 (1-800-647-7261).
- NHTSA 09V006000Jan 9, 2009Structure & Body225 vehicles
Structure:body:door
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 manufactured with an out-of-specification weld on the door assembly.
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Remedy: All the affected vehicles have been brought back from the dealerships and remedied at the factory. No vehicles had been retailed.
2009 Nissan Altima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,075
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Compared to other Altima model years, the 2009 ranks poorly. It has a complaint index of 95, the second-highest among 21 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2009 Nissan Altima?
- Steering complaints make up 56% of all reports for this year, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles. Electrical system issues are the second-largest category at 31%.
- Does the 2009 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 Altima, covering suspension components (strut insulators and alloy wheels), a side-impact structural issue, and an aftermarket GPS battery. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2009 Altima compare to nearby model years?
- The 2009's complaint index of 95 is worse than the 2008 (85, Avoid) and much worse than the 2007 (45, Good) and 2011 (30, Good), making 2009 one of the weaker years in the lineup.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Nissan Altima?
- EPA rates the 2009 Altima at 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,075.