Research

2009 Nissan 3 SeriesRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 153 owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan 3 Series. Most complaints involve steering (88) and electrical system (67).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
153
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Nissan 3 Series as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

153 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2010 – Dec 2025
  1. Steering88
  2. Electrical system67
  3. Power train26
  4. Fuel/propulsion system9
  5. Engine8
  6. Air bags6
  7. Engine and engine cooling4
  8. Structure3
  9. Vehicle speed control2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 3 Series model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19962
2003275
2004144
200583
200653
200773
200824
2009153
2010110
201140
201216
201317
201410
20153
20163
20175
20182
20191
20201
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

88 reports
“The contact owns a 2009 Nissan 370Z. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel locked up, and the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with steering module failure. The contact called the dealer to schedule an appointment, and the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Nissan Voluntary Service Campaign Number: P3208; free of charge, because the vehicle had already been previously repaired under the Voluntary Service Campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle history did not display the completion of Nissan Voluntary Service Campaign Number: P3208, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 15, 2025SteeringODI 11705027

Electrical system

67 reports
“My vehicle has only 12,400 miles, and the passenger air bag light will not go off and the airbag light in the dash keeps blinking. Millions of Nissan vehicles have had the same problem. I want my Nissan dealership, where I purchased this vehicle ( M’Lady in Crystal Lake, IL ), to fix this at no cost to me.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2021Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11424973

Power train

26 reports
“I GOT INTO MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AND TRIED TO START IT BY FIRST PUSHING THE CLUTCH AND PRESSING THE START BUTTON. WHILE PUSHING THE CLUTCH DOWN, IT FELL TO THE FLOOR AND STAYED THERE AND NEVER CAME BACK UP. I HAVE TO LIFT IT WITH MY LEFT FOOT.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2017Power trainODI 10967085
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Nissan 3 Series as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 5438
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2009 3 Series questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan 3 Series have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2009 Nissan 3 Series problems?

Owners filed 153 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (88), electrical system (67), power train (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026