2009 Nissan Maxima Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
94/100
#2 most-complained of 19 Maxima years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2009 Nissan Maxima has 339 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 94 out of 100 — #2 highest of 19 Maxima model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is steering (168 complaints, 50% of the total). Complaints report 7 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries.
- Complaints
- 339
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26 hwy
Top 2009 Nissan Maxima problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering168 (50%)
- Electrical System81 (24%)
- Airbags43 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires42 (12%)
- Other34 (10%)
- Engine25 (7%)
- Structure & Body25 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers11 (3%)
- Brakes9 (3%)
2009 Nissan Maxima recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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).
2009 Nissan Maxima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- 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 Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Nissan Maxima ranks #2 of 19 among Maxima model years (Complaint Index 94/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 339 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
- The most reported problem areas are steering (168 complaints), electrical system (81 complaints), and airbags (43 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 70,500 miles.
- Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2009 Nissan Maxima, most recently reported 2009, covering suspension, wheels & tires.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
- EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Maxima at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,650. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.