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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$700
Average Mileage:
81,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replaced catalytic converter (2 reports)
2009 Nissan Altima exhaust system problems

exhaust system problem

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2009 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #2

Feb 182016

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 98,000 miles

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

Had to shell out 500 bucks for a cracked exhaust manifold on my 09 Nissan Altima. I own also an 05 Altima and there is nothing wrong with Exhaust manifold, seems like quality on the 09 is not the same. I would take my 05 Altima anytime vs the 09.

- decepcionado, Pocono Summit, PA, US

problem #1

Jan 082016

Altima S

  • CVT transmission
  • 65,000 miles

While my Altima was in the shop having the Steering lock mechanism replaced, I went ahead and had my car inspected since the registration expires next month. Lucky for me, my car wouldn't pass inspection due to an exhaust leak. Lo and behold my catalytic converter was cracked at one of the weld seams. Thought it would be covered under warranty, since Federal Law says they should be covered for 10 years/100,000 miles. According to Nissan Consumer Affairs, this part is only covered for 5 years or 60k miles, so with 65k miles on my car, I'm fresh out of luck. Again, this was my first Nissan and will be my last Nissan.

- Sabrina H., Austin, TX, US

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