CarComplaints.com Notes: You don't want to get 2009 and 2010 Altima owners started about their cars. That is, unless, you know how to start their cars.

These vehicles can suddenly become impossible to start thanks to a faulty electronic steering column lock (ESCL). Nissan dealers will gladly replace it, but that will run you $1000.

More info & videos about the Nissan ESCL defect are available over at NissanProblems.com.

It's one of the many reasons this car was named CarTalk's Turd of the Week and given our Beware of this Clunker badge. Two dubious honors.

6.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$220
Average Mileage:
56,200 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace rotors/brakes (1 reports)
2009 Nissan Altima brakes problems

brakes problem

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2009 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #3

Sep 082010

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

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

Only had car about a year, took to it local mechanic since the front wheels were making al ot of noise and grinding. He had to replace rotors and brakes. Called Nissan dealer they said too bad, even though under warranty I had to take it to them

- Evelyn W., Pittsburgh, PA, US

problem #2

Aug 062014

Altima LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I am having nothing but trouble, brakes were just to start. I just replaced the transmission 4,000 dollars later. Also what concerns me the passenger side front wheel, the coil thing behind the tire looks to me it busted off a large chunk, was just sitting there when I was looking for the banging noise. I want to know if my car was recalled?

- Natasha W., Clyde, AB, canada

problem #1

Jul 012010

Altima 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,500 miles

The brakes sound like metal to metal at different times of the day. No special time and not always when just getting started. I checked the pads and they looked good. The dealer checked and said they could not find nothing and that Nissans just do that. Something is not right with the brake system to make this type noise. It stops when brakes applied, but the sound is bad.

- Ron C., Marietta, GA, US

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