Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)
Free remedy
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Research · Midsize Cars
2009 Nissan AltimaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 1,547 owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Altima. Most complaints involve steering (859) and electrical system (466). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21–26mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Sep 2010
Owner complaints
1,547
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Suspension
Free remedy
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.
Structure: door
Free remedy
NISSAN IS RECALLING 225 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION WELD ON THE DOOR ASSEMBLY.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1,547 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2008 – Jan 2026
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 Altima model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 125 |
| 1999 | 96 |
| 2000 | 176 |
| 2001 | 168 |
| 2002 | 1,062 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1,091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 498 |
| 2008 | 1,031 |
| 2009 | 1,547 |
| 2010 | 381 |
| 2011 | 242 |
| 2012 | 426 |
| 2013 | 2,315 |
| 2014 | 1,113 |
| 2015 | 955 |
| 2016 | 555 |
| 2017 | 393 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 234 |
| 2020 | 182 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
- Crashes reported
- 36
- Fires reported
- 8
- Injuries reported
- 21
- Deaths reported
- 2
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
859 reports4 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked, preventing the remote start feature from functioning as designed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.”
Electrical system
466 reports2 crashes2 fires
“The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle using the key fob, the vehicle failed to start. The contact depressed the brake pedal and ignition button, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact was unable to depress the brake pedal to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
Engine
107 reports3 crashes4 fires
“1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The cylinders are constantly misfiring. 2 )How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes. 3) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. 4) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, by a private auto service center. 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. 6) Problem description: The service technician from the repair shop tried replacing the plug, coil, injector but it still misfires. Later the technician reported that this is a problem listed as recall (Recall Reference number : NTB13-056a, Campaign ID: PC131) for 2007-2008 Nissan Altima, but the same problem exists in 2009 Nissan Altima and is not listed as recall. Links for references are given below. The technician is sure that it is the same problem and NISSAN should fix it by recalling instead of asking the Owners to pay for this known recall issue. Repairing this issue by…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
8 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Altima Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Altima Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| Altima Coupe Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| Altima Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| Altima Coupe Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
- 26mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Nissan Altima as of Nov 10, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2009 Altima questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Altima have?
4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2009 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners filed 1,547 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (859), electrical system (466), engine (107). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Altima at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026