CarComplaints.com Notes: We don't recommend the 2009 Maxima nearly as highly as the 2007-2008 Maxima, because NHTSA complaints show a pattern of the electronic steering column lock module failing.

When the module fails it prevents the car from starting, & Nissan dealers charge over $1,000 (!!) to repair it. Nissan recalled the module on some other 2009 models with the same steering lock problem, but for some reason they left out the 2009 Maxima. See this page on the Nissan Maxima Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) defect.

If you're thinking about buying a 2009 Maxima, instead you might consider a 2007-2008 Maxima, or a newer model year.

1.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
105,823 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Nissan Maxima drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2009 Nissan Maxima Owner Comments

problem #10

Feb 202020

Maxima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The battery ran out, I sent it to a mechanic, a fault arrives and now the transmission fails, it does not accelerate when it does so, it gives me a code P0746 I do not know what to do see how they can help me thanks

- Isabela, PR, USA

problem #9

Dec 062019

Maxima

  • 151,000 miles
Passenger side air bag sensors keeps on resetting as no one is sitting on the seat. I have to tell the passenger to jump on the seat for the "air bag off" light to reset. The cvt transmission putter at low speed with a with lots of noise, I have to give it more gas for the noise to stop. The passenger front door lock and driver side rear door lock does not unlock. Fog light on the car is not working, I was told my a mechanic that the relay switch that is built into the steering column is no good and will need to be replaced.

- Thomaston, CT, USA

problem #8

Sep 292019

Maxima

  • 220,000 miles
Power steering fluid leaks completely out and have to refill every two weeks. I was driving down the parkway and my RPM kept jumping slightly. Got off my exit to my university and stopped at a light, then it wouldn't move. After letting it sit for a while I could get it to move across a parking lot, but it shook the whole time and wouldn't go over 1200 RPM. It eventually went completely out and now it doesn't move at all. It is also smoking upon starting it now.

- Nortonville, KY, USA

problem #7

Oct 262019

Maxima

  • 128,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2009 Maxima currently has 128,00 miles on it. Saturday 10/26 my transmission went while on the highway, headed to work, my car began to slow down although my foot was on the gas. It came to a complete stop! luckily I was able to pull into the shoulder. I turned the car off and on and was only able to get another quarter mile down the road with the car stopping again in an exit lane. After towing it to midas, they stated the transmission went. For the mileage to only be a quarter over 100K and the transmission to fail it horrible. I am now looking at a $4200+ repair.

- Bear, DE, USA

problem #6

Sep 022018

Maxima

  • 144,000 miles
The cvt transmission on 09- 2014 Nissan go out and take you to practically a dead stop from 60mph. There have been so many undocumented transmission problems that nissian hides/ denies. There needs to be investigations done on the transmissions and recalled. Cvt stepper motor/ valve body / 09 nissian Maxima

- Okc, OK, USA

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problem #5

Sep 012017

Maxima

  • 119,000 miles
Whining noise coming from engine compartment as soon as vehicle is turned on and continues while running. Many forums describe this as bad secondary timing chain tensioners due to complete wear-out of plastic material. Motor needs to be pulled to replace tensioners. 19 hours labor at dealer plus parts puts this repair at $2500 plus. Photo attached shows new part and old part replaced by a dealer.

- Whitmore Lake, MI, USA

problem #4

Jan 082016

Maxima

  • 114,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Steering wheel lock - ignition lock assembly failure. I purchased my 2009 Nissan MA xima in Nov 2012 and my car has been running pretty good until the dreaded day when I was stranded because my car would not start. I had my car towed and I was told that thevsteeringbwheel lock assembly needed to be replaced $1189. I don't know about you, but im not made out of money. After a little research I discovered that this problem has been happening since 09. This is outrageous and Nissan should have owned up and fixed this problem along time ago. This is unacceptable and there should be a recall and not just a bulletin. There is a problem and nissa needs to fix there wrong, instead selling cars knowing that there is a problem. A recall needs to be issued and Nissan needs to do the repairs immediately with no charge to their customers.

- Randallstown, MD, USA

problem #3

Oct 292013

Maxima 6-cyl

  • 101,648 miles
I have been informed by my dealership that my transfer case is leaking and if I do not repair or replace it the car while driving will basically the gears in the mechanism will grind make a loud noise and just stop. That sounds like a safety concern. When I contacted Nissan usa I was informed my car was out of warranty and they would not replace it even if it was a safety issue. It also is well documented that Nissan has a problem with the transfer case leaking. Why is Nissan not replacing this part while under warranty if they no there is an issue.

- Golden, CO, USA

problem #2

Jun 112013

Maxima

  • 78,000 miles
I have a 2006 Maxima with 78,000 miles. About 2 months ago the automatic transmission started jerking when shifting from gear 1 to gear 2. also jerking from reverse into drive. After stopping, the transmission does not engage and the rpms sky rocket until the gear engages. I have had the transmission serviced but the problem still continues. This is a major problem in heavy traffic where stopping and starting is required due to stop signs and lights. It could also result in another car rear-ending me because the transmission will not engage immediately when accelerating.

- Menands, NY, USA

problem #1

Nov 222009

Maxima

  • 2,585 miles
In Nov. 2009, approx 3 months after purchasing new car, it started intermittently having heavier vibration in the steering wheel. Since then, there is a constant minor pulsing/vibration, with intermittent vibration that has more intensity. When I have more instances of the "heavier" vibration during my commute it causes my hands to tingle. I have been to the dealer 4 times with this complaint - the last time with a regional rep present. To date, the dealer and Nissan corporate consumer assistance has not identified any solution nor any other compensation. I feel there is a defect or design flaw that is producing the vibration, which I can only assume will get worse over time. I am afraid it will eventually put my hands to sleep on a longer trip.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

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