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.
8.8
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $4,030
- Average Mileage:
- 131,250 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 13 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- new transmission (9 reports)
- not sure (4 reports)
transmission problem
Helpful websites
- No one has added a helpful site for this 2009 Altima problem yet. Be the first!




A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
After my 2009 Altima started hesitating I had the $125 computer check done. Said it could be the c02 sensors , transmission,, etc. Hesitation was getting worse on a slight incline. Or from a dead stop to starting.to go forward. I could not believe several weeks ago I was starting to leave my driveway and it was performing. I turned around and thought just to take other car. No indicating lights like check engine or oil or anything just the hesitation. Well next day i could not depress the brake pedal which I just had the component changed under pedal and the standard computer check for $125.00. Not sure of issue?
Well I googled issue and guess what Nissan this is what you are known for!!!. Not sure of how bad it is but $5,000 to $6500.00 going repair and a lot fail within 40000 miles after repair. Well, I guess it will sit so I can decide what to do. I should have kept my Toyota Camry 2004 which my granddaughter now has with 297000 miles and going strong. Never a issue. I have had a lot of cars and only regular maintenance kept them going strong. Just disappointed. New tires last sept and new brakes in rear in May or June now it sits dead in driveway. Live and learn as I know no help from NISSAN. Going back to Toyota and I will google any issues and recalls before I go looking.
- Sheila P., Monroe, US