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.
My car is a 2009 Altima. I have had one problem after another! I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER NISSAN IN MY LIFE NOR WILL I RECOMMEND NISSAN.
1. I've had to have the transmission replaced - recall
2. I've had to replace steering lock unit - recall
3. Now this! Timing Chain Tensioner! Unfortunately the 2009 models aren't covered under the lawsuit!
If I made a car that had so many problems, I'd make SURE I had customers that were satisfied and wanted to return for another purchase. FED THE HELL UP!!!!!!!!!!!
Brought this car home a week ago after doing extensive research on reliability and performance. Yet, all the research in the world cannot prepare you for what may happen anyway, because you don't know what to search for until it happens. To add to some of the rattles within the cabin from a cheaply made rear deck above the back seats headrests, an engine clatter is evident when starting the engine especially on colder days. Sometimes, it lasts for quite a while and the engine is always puttering at idle as if it were a quiet diesel engine. This seems to be an ongoing issue within the newest generation Altimas (2007-present) and Nissan hasn't seemed to remedy it, that's if they are making acknowledgment of it at all. It's a brand new car, that I bought in cash with my hard earned money, and after a week and only 150 miles, I am beginning to lose my love for the car already... which really sucks! I'm hoping the dealer can help save face, but I am already prepared to take a few thousand dollars of a loss, try to sell it on the private market and get something like a Camry.
- lugnutz,
White Plains, NY, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My car is a 2009 Altima. I have had one problem after another! I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER NISSAN IN MY LIFE NOR WILL I RECOMMEND NISSAN.
1. I've had to have the transmission replaced - recall
2. I've had to replace steering lock unit - recall
3. Now this! Timing Chain Tensioner! Unfortunately the 2009 models aren't covered under the lawsuit!
If I made a car that had so many problems, I'd make SURE I had customers that were satisfied and wanted to return for another purchase. FED THE HELL UP!!!!!!!!!!!
- Sandra S., Elizabethtown, NC, US