Include my 2009 Altima 2.5sl to the growing list of steering column electrical short problems. I too had just turned off the car and 20 minutes later returned to find it would not start. Brake felt depressed when I first put my foot on it. Pushed the button and nothing happened. Tried the key in the dash slot, and nothing. Called dealer, he told me to try and jump start with cables and that didn't work. Had to have it towed to dealer. Was told it was the very common electrical steering column short, and the fix was $1100. Luckily I had purchased a service contract when I bought the car in 2011. Paid deductible of $100. This absolutely should be a Nissan recall. Dealer told me the problem is on the recall list for the 370Z, but had not made it yet for Altima. I did see through research and a friend who works for Nissan, that they changed that wiring in the model years that followed.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the electronic key light illuminated and the push to start button failed to function. The contact was unable to start the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 36,000. Updated 5/7/13 updated 05/22/2013

- Brooklyn , NJ, USA

I left work on February 6th and went to drive home, but my car would not start. My car is push button start and it did detect my key as I was able to unlock my car. When I pushed down on the brake to start my car it was very hard to push. My car would not start and a key warning light came on. The local Nissan dealership came to my work and had to disengage the steering wheel lock control unit in order to drive it back to their shop. They said that the car was unsafe to drive, except back to the dealership. They determined that it was a failed steering lock. This is an anti theft component of the car. My estimate was $662. The part was on back order at that time and they did not know when it would be in. Nissan did not offer me a rental car and I was without a car for a week. The part came in a week later and the car was fixed that day. My bill was $662.03. This steering wheel lock defect is a safety hazard as it could have happened while driving the car. There is no guarantee that it will not happen again either. After doing some research I found that Nissan changed this part of the Altima when making the 2010 models. I noticed a lot of people with the same issue after researching. This malfunction should be looked into further by Nissan and in my opinion it needs to be a recall. It's understandable when normal wear and tear issues happen to your car, but an issue like this is a defect and needs to be paid for by Nissan. My car is of course out of warranty at this time. Below is a website that I came across when doing research and found a lot of other people with the same issue:

- Carey, OH, USA

Drove my car to location, turned car off, returned to car 5 minutes later would not start. Thought it was battery, fuse, or dead key fob battery. Called dealership service manager stated other people have had same issue. He instructed me to turn steering wheel and push ignition button...didn't work. On my dash panel I noticed the key light symbol was lit up, when I tried to start car with the keyfob that didn't work either. Had to have car towed and at dealership to change the steering lock. It malfunctioned and cannot be repaired needs to be replaced. Part has been ordered and should be replaced on 03/21/2013. Estimate is $914.

- Napoleonville, LA, USA

On 3/13/2013 I drove my vehicle to work at approximately 8:55am and parked everything in car was fully operational and functioned properly. At 6:30pm I approached my vehicle unlocked the door using my key fob, entered the vehicle and proceeded to press the ignition button and nothing happens. After switching on the headlights and noticing no power issues I noticed a flashing indicator light in the dash that said no key present. After being the only car left in the dark secluded parking lot I started off on a journey to purchase a battery for the key fob and it did not solve the phenomenon. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership which is about 60 miles away from my home. The dealer after investigating for a matter of minutes were quickly able to diagnose the problem which was a steering lock module that was very costly. Upon further research, I found that there are a great number of Altima's and other Nissan vehicle that are infected with the same defective steering lock devices that causes you to randomly be stranded in secluded areas without prior notice. This I find highly unethical for Nissan to be totally aware of such defective equipment and not have any concern for the welfare of it's customers nor their children. Im hoping that the NHTSA can protect consumers from bullies like Nissan and help us get the recall we deserve. All we want is a reliable product that can perform the way it was intended to perform. So let's do what is necessary to hold Nissan up to the american standard of putting out quality reliable products and not ripping off consumers.

- Powder Springs, GA, USA

As with dozens of other complaints online, when I attempted to start my 2009 Nissan Altima (which had been sitting with its engine off for no more than five minutes), the key illuminated on the dashboard, the steering and brakes felt unresponsive, and the car would not start. Late, cold, and rainy the night of the incident, the car was towed to the dealership the next morning. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed steering lock unit--a result that is unsurprising to anyone who types those symptoms into a google search. For the small fee of $900, my car was back on the road two days after the incident. Given the frequency with which this appears to be happening to other owners, there is little doubt that this a manufacturing defect that presents a significant risk of injury should the car not start in a remote area or in the path of traffic.

- Kennett Square, PA, USA

Drove car to work. After work went out to vehicle and it would not start. After extensive research learned this has happen to many Nissan Altima owners. There is no warning. Once the car is turned off the steering lock control unit has been failing leaving people stranded - I am one of them. The part can only be purchased at a Nissan dealer. The cost is $1000. No warning. The safety issue is I live in mn. We have extremely cold winter. If I went ice fishing in the middle of no where and came back to my vehicle I would have been stranded with no source of heat. My only hope would be a cell phone, providing I have one. The second part is a local garage wouldn't even be able to repair the vehicle. It can only be repaired by Nissan. I hope you recognize my concern.

- Burnsville, MN, USA

I would like to add my 2009 Nissan Altima to the growing list of owners who've experienced the illuminated key of death. I've had the car for 4 1/2 months and the vehicle had 34,900 miles on it. Noticed the illuminated key on Friday, researched it and saw it said call the dealer in the manual. Saturday the light was off so I figured I was good. Had a major snowstorm Saturday. Sunday, went to the shopping center, parked and went inside. Came out an it was dead. I knew exactly what it was from reading the hundreds of reports on it. Had it towed to the dealer on Monday. He had the parts and back on the road later that evening. Only $950 poorer and aggravated that I only purchased this "reliable" vehicle 4 months earlier. This is definitely my first and last Nissan. When you see that key, or even if you don't, its not a matter of if you'll break down, but when and where. Nissan, you suck! step up to the plate and at the very least, cover the repairs and towing. I know you don't give a rat's [xxx] about your customers but do the right thing. A Nissan will never be in my driveway. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Trenton, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the steering lock failed and would not allow the contact tom move the steering wheel to start the vehicle. In addition, the anti-theft system engaged erroneously. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering lock unit malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance because the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 59,050.

- North Little Rock , AR, USA

Electronic steering lock assembly failed preventing the car from powering on or starting. It took almost two weeks for the dealership to receive the replacement part. From my research, it appears that many other people have experienced the same part failure. The part was not covered under the power-train warranty and was almost $900 to get repaired. Nissan recommended we report the issue for a possible future recall.

- Antelope, CA, USA

2009, Nissan Altima 2.5S. Would not start, yellow illuminating key in left hand corner. Towed to dealership said could be one of 3 things. I told him I looked online and it was the steering wheel lock mechanism. He called me the next day and confirmed the problem. Cost would be 900 which included a freight fee of $50.67. First time ever for a shipping fee at a car dealership. Mileage is 60,149.

- Severn, MD, USA

Last Monday Feb 4 I went out to start my car an go to work. Nothing happened. It didn't even recognize my keyfob. The key light was lit up on dash. I had my battery in my car replaced and my keyfob battery replaced. After further research I found that its the steering control lock that was failing. I called my local Nissan dealer in owensboro ky and they said the part was on back order and didn't know when it would be in" I have been without a car for over a week. [xxx] at Nissan in owesboro said no rental cars where available. I have a small child and I work so I need my vehicle in working order. I called Nissan customer service and she said I would only be refunded if the part was recalled which it isn't. so I have to pay out of pocket for the part, labor, and $90 to have it towed 22 miles to owensboro to be fixed. Im sorry but in my opinion its not my fault it failed. I paid over $12,000 for the car now I have to pay another $800 to be fixed" that's unacceptable! something needs to be done! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Mchenry, KY, USA

Had stopped to get breakfast. Locked my car and upon returning unlocked the car and tried to start vehicle with no success. There was no response from my car. When the tow truck arrived I then learned that the brakes were stiff and steering wheel did not want to turn. We had it towed to Nissan dealer. After leaving it there I did some investigating online about potential problems. Was shocked to see how many people had the same problem as me presently and past. Apparently, several people found themselves in similar situations with getting no help from Nissan of North America with replacement of the steering lock mechanism. I had yet to hear if this was my problem but was given the sad/expensive news a day later that indeed I would be included in the growing number of Nissan owners who would have to pay to have this faulty part replaced. But the fun didn't stop there. The part is on backorder (because so many are needed) until further notice and there are recalls on my car that no one bothered to tell me about. I called Nissan and left a message with a customer service rep who was going to forward my concern onto a regional concern specialist. When she called me back two days later she informed me that it is not Nissan job to let their owners/drivers know about recalls but the dealers job. In addition, she's pretty sure that no help will be given to replace the part that will cost me 700 dollars. But she would ask and call me back three days later. She is supposed to call me tomorrow with the answer. Shocked is the only word that comes to mind about my situation. I can't believe that this part has caused so many people so many problems but it is not on a recall list somewhere. Is there nothing to be done for it? even the service tech at the dealer has told me that they have replaced several. My car was parked when it quit responding but someone could be driving. Help!

- Canmer, KY, USA

After I was finished working I got in my car to go home. I put my foot on the brake and pushed the start button. Nothing happened. I saw an icon of a key in the upper left hand corner of the dash. I took out my owners manual to see what that meant. I read that the remote battery might need to be replaced. I went into the home depot where I work and bought new batteries. I replaced the battery but now I was getting a no key icon. I called the Nissan dealer where I bought my car for some advice. They said maybe the remote lost its memory so I called my husband to bring me the extra key. He came.we tried again but it did not start. The no key came up again. After trying for two hours I called aaa for a tow to my mechanic. The next day I went to my Nissan dealer.I told him what happened and he said it is the steering lock computer. It would cost about $850. He also said this is a problem with this car. This problem should be recalled by Nissan.

- Little Falls, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the ignition warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 50,000.

- Philadelphia , PA, USA

Parked can in front of store and attmpted to start it but it would not start. Yellow "key missing" light comes on but it won't start. Key battery is new, car battery is new, won't jump start. Car is dead. Turns out to be the steering lock mechanism. Only 57, 000 miles and this is only one of many issues we have had with this car. New battery (2) new brake switch new alternator new A/C pump new front rotor.

- Anaheim Hills, CA, USA

Electronic steering lock control board - car will not start and is illuminating the yellow key symbol. Had to have it towed to the dealership and they diagnosed it as a failing electronic steering lock control board. They told me that the part is around $500 and with labor the total is $779. Was told it has been happening a lot with this model and mileage. My car is less than 4 years old so I should not have to spend this much money to drive it. Please insist on them recalling this issue and reimbursing the full amount to me. If not, this will be my last Nissan.

- Hoover, AL, USA

When my daughter went out to start the vehicle, the security system for the steering column lock/unlock would not allow the car to be started due to it saying that the steering column was locked when it actually wasn't.this seems to be a very common problem in all of the 2008-2009 Nissan Altima.it has been at the Nissan dealership for 5 days now, and they are telling me it will be another 5 days before they can get the part needed due to it being on backorder.these cars should be recalled by Nissan before someone gets stranded.the only thing that can be done when this relay quits is to have the car towed to the closet dealership.this repair costs around $1000 (labor, parts, towing),and that is if and when they can get the part.

- Georgetown, KY, USA

Car will not start and is illuminating the yellow key symbol. Had to have it towed to the dealership and they diagnosed it as a failing electronic steering lock control board. They told me that the part is around $500 and with labor the total is $950. Furthermore, the part is on back order and they do not know when the part will be available. They indicated possibly two weeks. Was also told that this is an issue that is going on with this part and that I should call Nissan to file a complaint with the Consumer Affairs department at 800-nissan1. It looks like there are tons of people having this issue, so if you are as well, please log your incident/complaint with Nissan at the number above as well entering it on this website.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

I purchased this used 2009 Nissan Altima from a dealer in my local town. When I bought the vehicle it had around 36-38,000 miles on it (can't remember at this time). Had the vehicle for a little over a year, I do regular maintenance on it and have had no problems. I drive this vehicle approx 100 miles a week, and when I went to leave work the other day the vehicle wouldn't turn on. The intelligence key battery was charged, the battery for the car was charge, I unhooked the battery and reset it, still nothing. The vehicle was in park and I couldn't do anything to get it to turn on. I towed it to the local dealership who ran a diagnostic and said it was the, "steering lock control unit" which would cost $717 for part and labor along with a $70 diagnostic fee. I was lucky I wasn't stranded in a bad area or without a way to reach someone. They need to recall this part, too many incidents with this part in Nissan vehicles.

- Leesburg, FL, USA