2009 Nissan Altima

1,547 federal complaints (2,150 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 115 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 34 model years of the Nissan Altima →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
23 city / 32 hwy
Federal complaints
1,547
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
862
Electrical system
466
Other
146
Engine & cooling
118
Power train
95
Air bags
92
Body & structure
90
Speed control
49
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 39 complaints01 years old: 22 complaints2 years old: 33 complaints3 years old: 95 complaints4 years old: 227 complaints5 years old: 124 complaints56 years old: 252 complaints7 years old: 391 complaints8 years old: 142 complaints9 years old: 64 complaints10 years old: 52 complaints1011 years old: 36 complaints12 years old: 29 complaints13 years old: 18 complaints14 years old: 12 complaints15 years old: 8 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,547 of 1,547 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 62 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 89 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 190 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 261 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 237 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 142 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 118 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 69 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 30 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 10 complaints200,000+ miles: 8 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,216 of 1,547 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

862 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"TURNED CAR OFF IN PARKING LOT. WOULD NOT START DUE TO STEERING LOCK, TOWED TO DEALER . AWAITING RESULTS AS PER NISSAN..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Electrical system

466 complaint records2 fire reports2 crash reports
"WENT TO WORK CAR, WILL NOT START WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE WORK. STANDARD FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. NO WARNING IT WAS GOING BAD...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

118 complaint records5 fire reports3 crash reports
"CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT WORKING CAUSING THE CAR TO DRIVE INEFFECTIVELY, CAR SPEED DECLINES AND SOMETIMES THE CAR RPMS STAY AT 3000 AND WON'T ACCELERATE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
10V401000EquipmentNISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.Normally free
09V358000SuspensionNISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO...Normally free
09V006000StructureNISSAN IS RECALLING 225 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
08V464000WheelsNISSAN IS RECALLING 3,403 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH ALLOY WHEELS. SOME THESE WHEELS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2009263
2009-09-11
Suspension2,276On certain vehicles, the metal upper strut insulators may have been manufactured incorrectly and, as a result, could fail.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB09-131C
Apr 2026
StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label.
NTB10-066C
May 2024
Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-027D
May 2024
Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-107G
May 2024
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB09-081K
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB13-028I
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-019H
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB16-003C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-145B
Mar 2023
Service BrakesABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
VisibilityWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
VisibilityREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-027C
Feb 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-082E
Feb 2022
Fuel SystemDTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001F
Dec 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-041B
Jun 2021
Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ALTIMA SEDAN WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM Service Campaign ID # PC044 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC044.
NTB09-031A
Apr 2021
SuspensionVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA AND MAXIMA; LEFT REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE Service Campaign ID # PC005 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC005.
NTB99-001e
Feb 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
PC023 2009 Altim
Sep 2020
WheelsExpiration Notification - Alloy Wheels Campaign Summary: In 2009, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2009 Model Year Nissan Altima 2.5 Sedan (L32) vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the alloy wheels.
NTB09-119a
Aug 2020
EquipmentVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ALTIMA 2.5 SEDAN WITH 16 INCH ALLOY WHEELS Service Campaign ID # PC023 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC023.
NTB17-018a
May 2020
SteeringVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 – 2010 MAXIMA AND ALTIMA ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC516 is No Longer Active.  Repair orders opened after May 28, 2020 are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC516.
EXPIRATION NOTIF
May 2020
SteeringExpiration Notification – Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE May 14, 2020 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.
EXPIRATION NOTIF
Mar 2020
SteeringElectronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE March 6, 2020 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-082b
Jan 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingNISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin does NOT apply to LEAF vehicles and Titan XD vehicles with V8 diesel engine. This bulletin has been amended. See Amendment History on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-030a
Nov 2018
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year.
Revision 1-NEVAP
Nov 2018
EngineOBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer personnel aware that we are re-notifying customers at this time.
NTB17-030a
Aug 2018
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made throughout. It is necessary for you to read this revised procedure to properly perform this action.
NTB17-082a
Aug 2017
Service BrakesNISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-082
Jul 2017
EquipmentNISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING IF YOU CONFIRM The MIL is ON in an APPLIED VEHICLE with DTC P0456 (EVAP VERY SML LEAK) AND - DTC P0456 is not caused by a loose fuel fill cap (refer to NTB13-097).
NTB17-030
Mar 2017
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS SLOW OR DIFFICULT TO FILL IF YOU CONFIRM The fuel tank is slow or difficult to fill (filling nozzle shuts off before tank is full). IMPORTANT: Make sure this incident has been duplicated at a gas station by dealer service staff.
PC516
Feb 2017
SteeringElectronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on specific MY2009-10 Nissan Altima (L32), Altima Coupe (CL32), Altima Hybrid (L32H), and Maxima (A35) vehicles to replace the existing...
PC516OL
Feb 2017
SteeringNissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on specific MY2009-10 Nissan Altima (L32), Altima Coupe (CL32), Altima Hybrid (L32H), and Maxima (A35) vehicles to replace the existing ESCL with an Electronic Steering Column Box (ESCB).
NTB17-018
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ? 2010 MAXIMA AND ALTIMA ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the Electronic Steering Column Lock (Steering Lock Unit) on certain specific 2009 ?
NTB13-079e
Oct 2016
Engine2007-2010 ALTIMA; REDUCED PERFORMANCE DUE TO CVT FLUID TEMPERATURE PROTECTION LOGIC This bulletin has been amended to remove 2011 and 2012 model years. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB12-057C
Sep 2016
Power Train"ALTIMA, SENTRA, AND ROGUE; CVT FAIL-SAFE CONDITION SERVICE INFORMATION THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN AMENDED. THE APPLIED VEHICLES SECTION HAS BEEN REVISED. NO OTHER CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE. PLEASE DISCARD PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS BULLETIN."
NTB09099A
Apr 2016
EquipmentIF YOU CONFIRM A refrigerant leak at a refrigerant pipe/hose joint location. ACTIONS 1. Inspect the metal surfaces of the pipe/hose joint for damage or contamination.
NTB09131B
Apr 2016
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met.
NTB09081C
Jan 2016
VisibilitySERVICE INFORMATION The purpose of this bulletin is to give Nissan dealers guidelines to help determine if windshield breakage is covered under warranty or is the customer?s responsibility.
AT13-014D
Nov 2015
EngineSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
NTB13079D
Nov 2015
Back Over PreventionIF YOU CONFIRM: The vehicle speed is, or was, reduced by the CVT fail-safe (reduced vehicle speed) after continuous operation under the following conditions: * High RPM and/or high speed driving (RPM of 4000+ or speeds of 65 mph (104.6 km/h) for 1.0 - 1.5hrs or more) * Driving...
NTB13028A
Nov 2015
VisibilitySERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool.
NTB13088A
Sep 2015
Lane DepartureSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition -...
NTB14057A
Aug 2015
Power TrainSERVICE INFORMATION The information in this bulletin is provided to help ensure correct diagnosis and repair of fluid leaks. All fluid leaks, when properly diagnosed, should be repaired (whether under warranty or customer pay) to ensure proper vehicle operation.
NTB15060
Jul 2015
Back Over PreventionSERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires.
NTB15055
Jun 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingSERVICE INFORMATION After ECM reprogramming, the Calibration Verification Number (CVN) needs to be automatically calculated prior to State emissions testing (also known as Inspection Maintainence, I/M, or SMOG testing depending upon location).
NTB99060G
Mar 2015
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION NOTE - Failure to follow the procedures in this bulletin may result in the denial of a warranty claim. In an effort to protect the paint finish, Paint Guard Film (PGF) is applied on many new Nissan vehicles.
NTB12078A
Feb 2015
Power TrainSERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it?s not.
NTB00042D
Jan 2015
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death.
NTB13015A
Jan 2015
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION DTC B2190 (NATS ANTENNA AMP) can be stored for the following reasons: 1. Something other than an Intelligent Key is inserted into the Key-Slot. 2. An Intelligent Key issue. 3. A wiring issue between the Key-Slot and the BCM. 4. A Key-Slot issue.
NTB14107
Nov 2014
Electrical SystemSERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the driver is resting their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating.
NTB14011
Sep 2014
SteeringSERVICE INFORMATION When replacing the Electronic Steering Column Lock, there are two possible service parts that may be shipped to the dealer: 48700-9N00B or 48700-1NC0A. These part numbers are interchangeable.
NTB-12-120-A
Sep 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityNISSAN: INFORMATION PROVIDED REGARDING REMOVAL OF THREE WAY CATALYST AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT, IF NEEDED, OF UPPER/LOWER (HEAT SHIELD) EXHAUST MANIFOLD COVERS. MODEL 20007-10 SEDAN/COUPE, 2007-11 HYBRID. *PE
NTB12120A
Sep 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingSERVICE INFORMATION When an exhaust manifold and three way catalyst assembly is removed from an applied vehicle for any reason: 1. Remove and discard the exhaust manifold stay and its related parts. 2.
NTB-13-079
Aug 2014
Power TrainNISSAN: THE CVT FAIL-SAFE LOGIC HAS CAUSED A REDUCTION WITH THE VEHICLE'S MAXIMUM SPEED. *JS UPDATED 11/16/2013 *JS UPDATED 9/29/14. *PE
NTB10066A
Jun 2014
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION Related to communication codes U1000, U1001, U1002, U1010: - Always diagnose the communication codes first.

Showing 60 of 115 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Altima →