2009 Nissan Maxima problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Nissan Maxima, most often about steering. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Median mileage
122,938 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Steering is the most-reported problem area, named in 10 of 35 complaints (29%).
  • Airbags (6) and electrical system (6) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 122,938 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
  • It ranks 4th of 18 Nissan Maxima model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2009 Nissan Maxima problems by category

  • Steering · 1 crash
    10 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    8 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Electrical System
    6 complaints
  • Suspension
    6 complaints
  • Engine
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1 complaints
  • Brakes
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Steering9
Unknown or other8
Air bags6
Suspension6
Electrical system5
Engine4
Structure:body2
Power train1

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k110k–30k30k–60k360k–100k4100k–150k7150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2009 Nissan Maxima complaints that list mileage.

2009 Nissan Maxima recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2009 Nissan Maxima complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jan 8, 2026CTTowedSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11709781 · source
  2. Filed Jan 30, 2025200,000 miMOSuspension
    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 complaint #11639588 · source
  3. Filed Jan 29, 2025170,000 miGATowedElectrical SystemSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11639330 · source
  4. Filed Apr 3, 2024OHSteering
    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 complaint #11580982 · source
  5. Filed Apr 1, 2024CASuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11580536 · source
  6. Filed Nov 28, 2023PASteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11557187 · source
  7. Filed Jun 19, 2023TNAirbagsOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11527809 · source
  8. Filed May 19, 2023CAElectrical 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 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11522966 · source

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Other 2009 Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology