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.

6.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
80,000 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2009 Nissan Altima electrical problems

electrical problem

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2009 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #2

Jun 012017

Altima SL 2.5L V4

  • CVT transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

During hot weather, or even after the car has been running for awhile, you cannot see the digital display on the radio. Can't tell what time it is... can't see what is playing, or what channel you are on. Horrible quality in their display choices!! Never had a vehicle that had this much trouble... buyer beware!!

- Mark T., Western Springs, IL, US

problem #1

Jul 072016

Altima 2.5 S

  • CVT transmission
  • 40,000 miles

The readout of the radio and clock started fading, and becomes increasingly worse in hot weather. At first it would come back like normal, but now it is fairly unreadable most of the time.

- Jesse W., Marysville, WA, US

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