YearToAvoid

2009 Nissan Maxima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2009 Nissan Maxima has a complaint index of 94, the second-worst of 19 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Steering complaints dominate at 50% of reports, with one recall for cracking front strut insulators.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
94/100
#2 of 19 Maxima years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
339
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
7
reported in complaints
Fires
2
Injuries
6
Top issue
Steering
Best nearby year
2019
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22
19 city / 26 hwy
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Top 2009 Nissan Maxima problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering168 (50%)
  2. Electrical System81 (24%)
  3. Airbags43 (13%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires42 (12%)
  5. Other34 (10%)
  6. Engine25 (7%)
  7. Structure & Body25 (7%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain11 (3%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers11 (3%)
  10. Brakes9 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners describe power steering hoses leaking fluid onto the exhaust manifold, in some cases igniting a fire under the hood.
  • Steering feels out of control shortly after purchase, making the vehicle hard to keep in its lane.
  • Several owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed crashes, resulting in injuries.
  • One owner reported sparks and a melted alternator visible at engine startup, prompting a fire department response.
  • A brake failure shortly after purchase was reported to cause a collision at low mileage.
  • An owner described unintended acceleration while parking, leading to a collision with a light pole.
2009 Nissan Maxima complaints: complaints filed per quarter182009 Q12011 Q12013 Q22015 Q22017 Q22019 Q32022 Q12026 Q1
339 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2009 Q1 to 2026 Q1; peak 2013 Q1 (18).

2009 Nissan Maxima recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Caution50129121
2008Good4479021
2009Avoid94339122
2010Avoid83275122
2011Caution72106022

All Nissan Maxima years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2009 Maxima a complaint index of 94, the second-highest (worst) among 19 model years tracked for this model, so it ranks poorly compared to other Maxima years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Steering is the top problem area, making up 50% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 63,500 miles. Owners also reported electrical system issues (24% of complaints) and airbag problems (13%).
Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have a recall?
Yes, one recall (campaign 09V358000) covers front strut insulators that may crack due to being out of specification; Nissan replaced both left and right insulators free of charge.
Should I avoid the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, this year carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Maxima years, ranking 2nd-worst of 19 years with a complaint index of 94.
What year Nissan Maxima should I avoid?
Among Maxima years, 2005 has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2009 at 94; both carry Avoid verdicts, while 2019 and 2022 earn Best verdicts.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.