2009 Nissan Maxima Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Nissan Maxima, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering16839.9%
- Electrical7918.8%
- Airbags4310.2%
- Suspension368.6%
- Engine225.2%
- Interior & seats174.0%
- Visibility112.6%
- Powertrain (other)102.4%
- Body & structure81.9%
- Brakes71.7%
- Other / unspecified71.7%
- Driver assistance51.2%
- Tires & wheels41.0%
- Fuel system20.5%
- Transmission10.2%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I recently had my father pass away and my mom gave me his car , the air conditioning stopped working then the serpentine belt broke so I had a mobile mechanic come out and replace serpentine belt and tensioner. Then the power steering wheel fell off on freeway luckily no one was hurt I had to have the power steering pump replaced and another new serpentine belt installed. Then I went to get tires and an alignment done on the vehicle because it was driving kinda weird to be informed that the struts need replaced when I know my father had the struts replaced less then a year ago . Now today I was driving came to a red light and lost all power i could not even use hazard lights because I had no power. I was stuck there.I had to get towed home and purchased a new battery then called a mobile mechanic and was informed I have an ecm failure.with that being said car is unsafe to drive oh and serpentine belt broke again.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
UNKNOWN
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I recently had my father pass away and my mom gave me his car , the air conditioning stopped working then the serpentine belt broke so I had a mobile mechanic come out and replace serpentine belt and tensioner. Then the power steering wheel fell off on freeway luckily no one was hurt I had to have the power steering pump replaced and another new serpentine belt installed. Then I went to get tires and an alignment done on the vehicle because it was driving kinda weird to be informed that the struts need replaced when I know my father had the struts replaced less then a year ago . Now today I was driving came to a red light and lost all power i could not even use hazard lights because I had no power. I was stuck there.I had to get towed home and purchased a new battery then called a mobile mechanic and was informed I have an ecm failure.with that being said car is unsafe to drive oh and serpentine belt broke again.
CVT transmission whinnying with loss of power when accelerating
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SEAT LOOSE AND ROCKS FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING
NOTICED THAT MY SEAT WAS ROCKING FORWARD AND BACKWARD WHEN BREAKING AND ACCELERATING. READ ON REPAIR PAL THAT NISSAN MURANO'S WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. HTTPS://REPAIRPAL.COM/DAMAGED-SEAT-ADJUSTER-ASSEMBLY-MAY-CAUSE-NOISEROCKING-MOVEMENT-780. THIS SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD AS SEAT MAY COME LOOSE.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DASHBOARD MELTING IS CAUSING EXTREME GLARE ON THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD AND DIFFICULT TO SEE DURING THE DAY OUT OF WINDSHIELD SO IT'S AFFECTING MY DRIVING ABILITY. AND EVERYTHING IS STICKING TO IT AND IT'S DESTROYING THE OTHER PARTS IN MY VEHICLE IT IS MELTING ON TOO. I HAVE SUN VISOR ON EVERYTIME OUT OF THE VEHICLE BUT STICKINESS IS ALWAYS THERE AND CONTINUES TO MELT REGARDLESS.
THE DASHBOARD HAS MELTED CAUSING SEVERE GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS DEFECT MAKES IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE CARS AND PEDESTRIANS. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED FOR OUR SON AND AT THIS POINT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT A NEW DASHBOARD OR AS WE HAVE IT TODAY, COVERED WITH A TOWEL. WE HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN AT LEAST 3-5 TIMES HOWEVER THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN TO DO TO ASSIST. I DID TELL THEM THAT THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR THEM TO ONLY COVER CARS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND THEY SHOULD BE LOYAL TO ALL CUSTOMERS REGARDLESS OF THE STATE.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BATTERY RAN OUT, I SENT IT TO A MECHANIC, A FAULT ARRIVES AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION FAILS, IT DOES NOT ACCELERATE WHEN IT DOES SO, IT GIVES ME A CODE P0746 I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO SEE HOW THEY CAN HELP ME THANKS
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS KEEPS ON RESETTING AS NO ONE IS SITTING ON THE SEAT. I HAVE TO TELL THE PASSENGER TO JUMP ON THE SEAT FOR THE "AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT TO RESET. THE CVT TRANSMISSION PUTTER AT LOW SPEED WITH A WITH LOTS OF NOISE, I HAVE TO GIVE IT MORE GAS FOR THE NOISE TO STOP. THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LOCK AND DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK. FOG LIGHT ON THE CAR IS NOT WORKING, I WAS TOLD MY A MECHANIC THAT THE RELAY SWITCH THAT IS BUILT INTO THE STEERING COLUMN IS NO GOOD AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PAINT ON THE HOOD AND ROOF OF MY 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA IS FADING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (KEATING NISSAN LOCATED AT 333 INTERSTATE 45 S, CONROE, TX 77301), AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. *DT*JB
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 9/12/22, my son purchased a 2009 Nissan Maxima from Street Cars. My son was told that the car did not pass the state inspection, but all items on the list were taken care of. The salesman noted the Air Intake Tube would be ordered for the car and installed once received. My son paid $5299 in cash. My son wanted to pay with a cashier's check, but the salesperson requested cash. On the way home to Woodbridge from Fredericksburg, the vehicle began to slow down as if it were going to cut off. My son slowed down and proceeded home. On 9/13/22, my son went to Minnieville Exxon to have the vehicle emissions test completed, and the car was listed as "Not Ready." In addition, seven (7) additional issues must be addressed before the vehicle can pass. We began calling the salesman at 11:45 am, sent a text message at 12:17 pm, and called until 1:30 pm. Due to what we felt were deceptive practices, we traveled to Street Cars in Fredericksburg to speak with the salesman about returning the vehicle for a refund. The salesman stated the vehicle was sold "As Is” and is on the Bill of Sales. We asked about the sign on the front of his business which states "3-Day Return Policy". The salesman said it does not apply to cash cars or discounted cars. When asked about the items on the failed inspection report being taken care of, the salesperson refused to discuss it further. The salesperson stated my son should use the warranty, where he will be responsible for half the cost of all repairs. When the salesperson was asked about the Air Intake Tube order, he refused to provide a confirmation number for the order, a telephone number, or a location for the company. My son did not receive any title paperwork and was told to sign the vehicle delivery form when items had not been received. We contacted ASC Warranty company which was provided with the vehicle, and they told us to take the car to any automotive repair shop for an estimate. We took the vehicle to Sheehy Nissan in Manas
LEAKING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, ONLY INDICATION WAS ILLUMINATED WARNING LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 9/12/22, my son purchased a 2009 Nissan Maxima from Street Cars. My son was told that the car did not pass the state inspection, but all items on the list were taken care of. The salesman noted the Air Intake Tube would be ordered for the car and installed once received. My son paid $5299 in cash. My son wanted to pay with a cashier's check, but the salesperson requested cash. On the way home to Woodbridge from Fredericksburg, the vehicle began to slow down as if it were going to cut off. My son slowed down and proceeded home. On 9/13/22, my son went to Minnieville Exxon to have the vehicle emissions test completed, and the car was listed as "Not Ready." In addition, seven (7) additional issues must be addressed before the vehicle can pass. We began calling the salesman at 11:45 am, sent a text message at 12:17 pm, and called until 1:30 pm. Due to what we felt were deceptive practices, we traveled to Street Cars in Fredericksburg to speak with the salesman about returning the vehicle for a refund. The salesman stated the vehicle was sold "As Is” and is on the Bill of Sales. We asked about the sign on the front of his business which states "3-Day Return Policy". The salesman said it does not apply to cash cars or discounted cars. When asked about the items on the failed inspection report being taken care of, the salesperson refused to discuss it further. The salesperson stated my son should use the warranty, where he will be responsible for half the cost of all repairs. When the salesperson was asked about the Air Intake Tube order, he refused to provide a confirmation number for the order, a telephone number, or a location for the company. My son did not receive any title paperwork and was told to sign the vehicle delivery form when items had not been received. We contacted ASC Warranty company which was provided with the vehicle, and they told us to take the car to any automotive repair shop for an estimate. We took the vehicle to Sheehy Nissan in Manas
CONTROL ARMS BOTH NEED REPAIR, REPEATED ISSUES WITH TIRE INFLATION GAUGES, TIRE WEAR, STRUTS, AND STEERING. NEEDED REPAIR COSTING $2700 TO REPLACE CONTROL ARMS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN
CAR DOES NOT START. DIFFICULT TIME GETTING INTO THE CAR WHILE USING MY KEY FOB. WHEN I PUSH THE IGNITION BUTTON THERE IS NO NOSE AND NO LIGHTS. TRIED JUMPING THE CAR FOR 15 MINUTES WITH NO SUCCESS. I WAS TOLD BY THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP MECHANIC THAT IT IS THE STEERING LOCK SYSTEM. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME FOR TOWING AND LABOR AND PARTS. MONEY I DO NOT HAVE. READING UP ON THIS PROBLEM TELLS ME THAT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON JULY 8, 2014 (10 DAYS AFTER THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND ONLY THE 4TH TIME I HAD DRIVEN ON THE NEW TIRES) I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO PHYSICAL THERAPY (ABOUT 15 MILES AWAY) ON THE INTERSTATE IN BATON ROUGE, THE CAR WAS FEELING A LIL SHAKY BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS THE ROAD CONDITIONS KNOWING I HAD JUST PURCHASED NEW TIRES. WHEN WE WERE RETURNING HOME MY TIRE LIGHT CAME ON AND I STOPPED TO LOOK AT THE TIRES. I GOT OUT LOOKED FOR A FLAT DID NOT SEE ANY LOW TIRES AND THEN RETURNED TO DRIVING HOME. WHEN I ENTERED THE INTERSTATE MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AGAIN AND I STAYED AT A 50 MPH SPEED JUST HOPING TO MAKE IT HOME, AFTER ABOUT 5 MILES THE TIRE BLEW OUT AND STARTED SLAPPING THE SIDE OF MY CAR, I WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR WITH MY 10 YEAR OLD AS A PASSENGER. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE SAFELY BUT VERY SCARED AND CONFUSED. AS I EXAMINED THE DAMAGE I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TIRE, IT WAS UNROLLED FROM THE RIM, IT WAS PEELED IN A STRIP. I WAS NOW STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY CHILD IN OVER 100 DEGREE TEMPERATURE. WE RETURNED THE TIRE TO SAMS CLUB WHERE WE PURCHASED IT, THEY ORDERED ME A NEW TIRE AND TOLD US TO CALL GOODYEAR ABOUT THE DAMAGED TIRE, THE SERVICE CENTER SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN A TIRE PEEL OFF THE RIM LIKE THAT ONE. WE FILED A CLAIM JUST AS GOOD YEAR ADVISED US TO DO AND SHIPPED THE DAMAGED TIRE. AT THIS POINT I AM DRIVING ON A SPARE TIRE AND HAVE DAMAGE TO MY CAR THAT WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. I HAD TO TAKE A DAY OFF WORK TO GET 2 QUOTES FOR THE DAMAGE AND I RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THAT THE TIRE WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. THE GOODYEAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT WAS RUDE AND THE MOST UNHELPFUL PERSON I HAVE EVER SPOKEN WITH! I AM A HARD WORKING MIDDLE CLASS AMERICAN WOMAN AND THIS IS THE MOST UNJUST THING I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. I AM MENTALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR FOR A LONG DISTANCE AND NOW I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE A DAMAGED CAR. GOODYEAR IS THE WORST COMPANY I HAVE EVER HAD DEALINGS WITH. PLEASE HELP! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA WITH KUMHO ECSTA 4X TIRES, SIZE 245/40/19. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRE WALLS CRACKED AND WERE CRACKING ACROSS THE TREAD. THE TIRES WERE TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE DID NOT CONSTITUTE A HAZARD. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 8/27/14*CN UPDATED 09/17/2014 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not sure what is goiNg I have spent so Much money replaciNg parts on this car. And it is still not fixed. It’s one thing after Another . I cannot fight out why the engine light is on its like the whole care is malfunctioning. And no one knows what it is. And heavy smoke From tail pipe. While driving it feels Like It Wants to StAll like the gas gets stuck . I was told To buy a control module but it didn’t need that . And I can’t Afford To Keep trying to Fix it. It’s my only Car and I’m A non working single Mom trying my Best to fix it. But this car is Causing So Much depression I don’t know what else to do. Because it’s costing too much and times is already hard.
THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING, REVERTS BACK TO IDLE RPM AND PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DOES NOT PROPEL THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED AFTER BEING REPAIRED BY NISSAN. ON ANOTHER OCCASION IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASE MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA IN JULY 2003. SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT MAJOR PROBLEMS. I PERFORM THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE ON THE CAR AND STILL HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THINGS THAT SHOULD HAVE LASTED ON THE CAR THE CD PLAYER HAS BEEN REPLACE AND WHEN OUT AGAIN TWICE. TENSOR ASSEMBLY AND TIMING BELT ALSO 1500. AND NOW I HAVE THE REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION ANOTHER 3100.00. THIS IS RIDICULOUS FOR A CAR THAT HAS A LUXURY PRICE TAG. NISSAN HAS NOT BE HELPFUL AT ALL AND DO NOT TRY TO ANSWER OF HELP IN ANY WAY. NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL ALL 2004 MODELS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVIN WITH YOUR LIGHTS ON DIM YOU CAN'T HARDLY SEE THE ROAD. THE LIGHTING DOES NOT EXTEND FAR OUT IN FROM OF THE CAR. IT ONLY SHOW A FEW LIL FEET OUT IN FRONT OF THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED USIN OTHER BULB TYPE TO SEE IF IT WORKS BETTER. AND NO IT DOESN'T. SOMEONE SAID NISSAN TOLD THEM THE CARS AREN'T GROUNDED THAT GOOD. I DRIVE WITH MY ON BRIGHT TO SOMEONE BLINKS AND TELL ME TO DIM MY LIGHTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .