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.
2.4
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,886 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.
My dashboard is melting to the point where there is a dangerous glare from it on my window when I drive. Not only is it sticky and impossible to clean but the glare makes it hard to see the road.
My 2009 Nissan Maxima is no longer starting and the brake and steering wheel have locked. It does not recognize that I have a key even though I do. Any attempt to start the vehicle results in a sporadic tick tick or screeching type noise for lack of a better word.
My Nissan Maxima 2009 would not start and had to be towed to find out that it was my locking steering control on the column. I was stranded and Nissan North America refused to cover this even though they new this flaw would happen at 72000 miles my car had 76000.my car was parked in my work parking lot. This should be a recall....
Luckily in the driveway after loading car for food bank delivery, I tried to start but no light asking to press foot on brake to start came on was my first clue something was wrong. Key locks/unlocks/open trunk/alarm works but will not start engine. "key warning light" comes on. Tried both keys but nothing. Disconnected/reconnected battery without success. Steering wheel is unlocked. Insert fob to try & start manually but nothing. My neighbor is a local mechanic & came over to help. Stumped him so I guess I will be calling to get a tow to dealership in the morning after unloading food bank donations! after reading several hundred complaints about this issue in just a matter of few minutes, I am sure there are hundreds of thousand Nissan unsatisfied customers who have had to deal with this. Step up Nissan & do the right thing. I do not have $1000 to fix this problem. We also have an Altima so wondering when that will go too. No more Nissan for us!
- Jamison, PA, USA
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I am experiencing shuddering/hesitation at take off. No warning lights showing so I called world care Nissan in san antonio, tx and was told this is normal. This continues to happen and seems more pronounced now.
On the morning of 1/8/13 I drove my 2009 Nissan Maxima to my commuter parking lot, and realized that I didn't completely park in my space after turning the car off. I proceeded to start my car with the push stop/start but nothing happened. As soon as I realized my vehicle wouldn't start, I became very upset because I just purchased the vehicle last January and only had a powertrain warranty that was still active. I immediately contacted the service department of the Nissan dealership I purchased the vehicle from and complained, while crying lemon law. The service technician attempted to help me start the vehicle while over the phone and after realizing what the issue may be, he explained that there is a common issue with the 2009 Nissan Maxima's that he believes the computer module in the steering column had gone bad. I asked if Nissan had recalled that part since it was a common issue, his answer was no and informed me it's going to cost around $750 just to purchase the part, and with labor around $900-$1000 to repair. I said if this is a common issue with my model, then why didn't Nissan recall that part. The service technician had no explanation other than mentioning, it hasn't happened to enough people yet which I feel is completely absurd! this is a huge safety issue as my vehicle wouldn't start without any indication, or warning beforehand. Please help!
I am a soldier stationed in germany who encountered a tire blow out on 6 December 2011. I was fortunate enough to be driving on the military base and someone caught my attention to notify me. I took the vehicle to the auto shop on the base and told they could not order the tire through any of their vendors and I had to go through the local economy. However, before I left they inspected the tire to identify what caused the flat and stated it was a manufacturer defect. The tire seperated from the seams. It was very disturbing this happended, because I usually have my 10 year old daughter in the vehicle. Also I am usually driving in the wee hours of the morning or at night. In addition the tire will cost $300 to pay for. I paid additional money for a tire warranty, which does not cover manufacturer defects.
My wife is a high school teacher. She has an assigned spot which is right up to the curb near an entrance to the school, approximately 150 feet between curb and building. As she entered her spot and prepared to come to a complete stop, with her foot on the brake, the engine made a loud noise, she saw an exclamation point flash twice on the dashboard, and with her foot still on the brake, the car raced uncontrollably forward jumping the curb and did not stop until she pushed the stop/start button on the dashboard of the keyless system. As there were many students and several teachers in the vicinity, it is extremely fortunate that the car stopped for my wife and every one else in the area.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Knoxville, TN, USA