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2009 Nissan Maxima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Maxima years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Maxima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 99.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

272 reports with mileage · 67 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 168 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

Suspension complaints

36 reports
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200,000 miles · Jan 30, 2025
Suspension

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 f…

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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 ODI #11639588

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2024
Suspension

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 in…

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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 ODI #11580536

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineSuspension

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 repla…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11522966

Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2022
Service BrakesSuspensionWheels

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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #11495700

120,000 miles · Aug 10, 2022
Suspension

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the suspension. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension) and he needed to pay out of pocket for the repair…

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The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the suspension. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension) and he needed to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they stated that the vehicle warranty had expired and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11478586

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2021
Suspension

I own a 2009 Maxima. I took the vehicle into a repair shop to diagnose a problem that i was experiencing with the suspension. The vehicle made a thumping noise on rough or bumpy road surfaces and felt as though the front end was going to break apart whenever I hit even a small pot-hole. I was told that the complete strut assembl…

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I own a 2009 Maxima. I took the vehicle into a repair shop to diagnose a problem that i was experiencing with the suspension. The vehicle made a thumping noise on rough or bumpy road surfaces and felt as though the front end was going to break apart whenever I hit even a small pot-hole. I was told that the complete strut assembly as well as the lower control arms had to be replaced. I was also advised that my vehicle was unsafe to drive. The cost and labor to replace these parts is approx. $1,400. I can't afford to repair the vehicle at this time as I am unemployed due to Covid-19. I'm no mechanic but I will have to attempt to repair the vehicle myself.

NHTSA ODI #11428771

10,684 miles · Dec 12, 2019
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GASTONIA NISSAN (2275 E FRANKLIN BLVD, GASTONIA, NC 28054, (855) 274-8641) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK AND THE STEERING BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GASTONIA NISSAN (2275 E FRANKLIN BLVD, GASTONIA, NC 28054, (855) 274-8641) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK AND THE STEERING BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER RECALL CAMPAIGN REGARDING THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE STRUTS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V358000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 38170451. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,684.

NHTSA ODI #11288720

174,000 miles · Aug 23, 2019
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other

INTI STEERING LOCK WOULDNT ALLOW ME TO TURN ENGINE OFF AFTER PARKING IN MY DRIVEWAY THEN NOT STARTING AFTER I HAD TO DISCONNECT BATTERY CABLE TO STOP ENGINE WHICH I AM FINDING OUT TO BE WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR MODEL & OTHERS ALSO HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF RECALL ISSUE WITH BOTH FRONT STRUTS SAME YEAR & MODELS

NHTSA ODI #11245961

133,358 miles · Jul 2, 2019
Suspension

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE AXLE ON MY CAR IN 2013 AND IN 2019 WHICH HAS BEEN CRACKED EACH TIME. IT WAS STATIONARY AND I WAS HAVING MY BRAKES DONE.

NHTSA ODI #11228951

72,300 miles · Jan 30, 2019
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SWAY BAR HAD SNAPPED. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A CLICKING METAL SOUND WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER (AUTONATION NISSAN LAS VEGAS, 5800 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146, (702) 570-1013) STATED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SWAY BAR HAD SNAPPED. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A CLICKING METAL SOUND WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER (AUTONATION NISSAN LAS VEGAS, 5800 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146, (702) 570-1013) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE SWAY BARS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE MANUFACTURER CALLED BACK AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL OR CURRENT WARRANTY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A WARRANTY, WHICH WAS NOT TRUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,300.

NHTSA ODI #11173130

Official recalls

1

09V358000 · Suspension

Sep 16, 2009

NISSAN 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 CRACK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.