SUSPENSION
2009 Nissan Maxima
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 339 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Nissan Maxima, most frequently naming the steering, electrical and airbags categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 100 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2016 | 5 | 200 |
| Mar 2016 | 4 | 204 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 205 |
| May 2016 | 4 | 209 |
| Jun 2016 | 4 | 213 |
| Jul 2016 | 6 | 219 |
| Aug 2016 | 6 | 225 |
| Sep 2016 | 4 | 229 |
| Oct 2016 | 3 | 232 |
| Nov 2016 | 7 | 239 |
| Dec 2016 | 5 | 244 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 245 |
| Feb 2017 | 4 | 249 |
| Mar 2017 | 3 | 252 |
| Apr 2017 | 2 | 254 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 255 |
| Jun 2017 | 2 | 257 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 259 |
| Sep 2017 | 2 | 261 |
| Oct 2017 | 5 | 266 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 267 |
| Dec 2017 | 2 | 269 |
| Jan 2018 | 3 | 272 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 273 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 274 |
| May 2018 | 2 | 276 |
| Jul 2018 | 2 | 278 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 279 |
| Nov 2018 | 2 | 281 |
| Jan 2019 | 2 | 283 |
| Feb 2019 | 2 | 285 |
| Mar 2019 | 3 | 288 |
| Jul 2019 | 3 | 291 |
| Aug 2019 | 3 | 294 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 296 |
| Oct 2019 | 4 | 300 |
| Dec 2019 | 4 | 304 |
| Jan 2020 | 4 | 308 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 310 |
| Mar 2020 | 4 | 314 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 315 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 316 |
| Aug 2020 | 3 | 319 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 320 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 321 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 322 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 323 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 324 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 325 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 326 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 327 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 328 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 329 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 330 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 331 |
| Jun 2023 | 2 | 333 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 334 |
| Apr 2024 | 2 | 336 |
| Jan 2025 | 2 | 338 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 339 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Steering16839.9%
- Electrical7918.8%
- Airbags4310.2%
- Suspension368.6%
- Engine225.2%
- Interior & seats174.0%
- Visibility112.6%
- Powertrain (other)102.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced by Safelite Auto Glass, the employee at Safelite attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start, and the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column lock had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. Upon further investigation, the contact found Manufacturer Recall Number: PC516, which involved the electronic steering column lock (ESCL). However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that Safelite did not remove the rearview mirror. However, the rearview mirror was left hanging while the windshield was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Service Campaign under PC516 for the same issue, and the Service Campaign had since expired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11709781
- Incident
- Oct 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started shuddering uncontrollably. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving to the residence at 20 MPH. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11639588
- Incident
- Jan 29, 2025
- Mileage
- 200,000 mi
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the push-to-start button was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The immobilizer warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the key fob and the steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11639330
- Incident
- Jan 19, 2025
- Mileage
- 170,000 mi
The steering wheel lock malfunctioned. The part is available for inspection. The car was parked on the street. It endangered others because it would not start and had to be towed. This issue was confirmed and reproduced by the dealer with diagnostics. There were no symptoms prior to this issue and the warning light only came on after the part malfunctioned.
- NHTSA ID
- 11580982
- Incident
- Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front-end mounting strut insulator. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11580536
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2024
In 2016 we had to replace the steering lock mechanism. Went to start the car and a security light came on and car would not start , and had to get the car towed from work. We paid to have the part replaced on 12/23/2016. Now, 11/27/2023 we had the same issue with the steering lock mechanism where we tried to start the vehicle and it won’t due to this same issue. Now having to get the car towed again to have the part replaced. I saw there was a voluntary safety recall on this issue in 2017. We did not receive any letter stating our car was affected, yet we replaced the part in 2016 with no reimbursement and now again in 2023 with the part doubling in cost.
- NHTSA ID
- 11557187
- Incident
- Nov 27, 2023
The airbag light is on and blinking. I did call the local Nissan dealer and they told me there was not a recall for this problem on the 2009 Nissan maxima. This seems very unfair because several recalls have been made on the airbags. Also I was told over 5 years ago that the struts on my car were defective when I had my brakes repaired. I did call the Nissan company and they told me my year was not included in the recall. My car was driving so badly I was having problems controlling it and I had to go ahead and get the front struts replaced and shocks replaced on the back and they had to put a stabilizer bar (sway Bar Link) on it also. I recently had this done. This airbag light had come on 4 years ago but I was thinking it was my seat belt light. When I would remove my purse to the floor it would go off. My brother took my manual out and told me it was the airbag and not the seat belt light. It blinks all the time now. I firmly believe the Nissan company know this 2009 Maxima has defects but they refuse to acknowledge it. Appears they could care less about our safety.
- NHTSA ID
- 11527809
- Incident
- Jun 17, 2023
UNKNOWN
- NHTSA ID
- 11527551
- Incident
- Jun 17, 2023
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION 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. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION 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. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
REMOVING 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.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2019 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 50.4 |
| 2018 | 36 | 2 | 1 | 55.1 |
| 2017 | 103 | 4 | 1 | 62.5 |
| 2016 | 142 | 8 | 1 | 59.4 |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2014 | 95 | 0 | 0 | 40.1 |
| 2013 | 62 | 0 | 0 | 34.2 |
| 2012 | 107 | 0 | 0 | 36.8 |
| 2011 | 106 | 0 | 0 | 36.5 |
| 2010 | 275 | 1 | 0 | 38.8 |
| 2009Viewing | 339 | 1 | 0 | 38.4 |
| 2008 | 78 | 0 | 1 | 40.7 |
| 2007 | 129 | 1 | 1 | 40.9 |
| 2006 | 576 | 2 | 0 | 44.8 |
| 2005 | 948 | 2 | 0 | 45.1 |
| 2004 | 1,425 | 2 | 1 | 49.3 |
| 2003 | 206 | 4 | 1 | 53.8 |
| 2002 | 205 | 9 | 1 | 59.5 |
| 2001 | 172 | 7 | 1 | 54.2 |
| 2000 | 360 | 3 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 1999 | 165 | 4 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 1998 | 113 | 6 | 0 | 57.5 |
| 1997 | 102 | 6 | 1 | 63.2 |
| 1996 | 96 | 5 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 1995 | 152 | 5 | 3 | 63.1 |
| 1994 | 89 | 5 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 1993 | 78 | 6 | 1 | 61.1 |
| 1992 | 110 | 5 | 2 | 62.7 |
| 1991 | 76 | 4 | 0 | 54.0 |
| 1990 | 106 | 4 | 0 | 53.2 |
| 1989 | 62 | 4 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 1988 | 60 | 1 | 2 | 63.3 |
| 1987 | 176 | 1 | 2 | 65.2 |
| 1986 | 60 | 2 | 2 | 70.7 |
| 1985 | 54 | 2 | 2 | 71.4 |
| 1984 | 30 | 0 | 2 | 51.1 |
| 1983 | 5 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1982 | 4 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.