Problems · NHTSA complaints

2009 Nissan Maxima problems

Owners filed 339 complaints about the 2009 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA between Feb 2009 and Jan 2026. The most-cited component is steering (168).

Complaints
339
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering168
  2. Electrical system79
  3. Air bags43
  4. Suspension36
  5. Engine18
  6. Seats15
  7. Power train11
  8. Structure8
  9. Visibility/wiper7
  10. Wheels6
  11. Service brakes4
  12. Engine and engine cooling4
  13. Visibility4
  14. Tires4

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20098
201015
20116
201224
201340
201447
201547
201657
201725
201812
201923
202015
20213
20226
20236
20242
20252
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

168 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2026SteeringODI 11709781

Electrical system

79 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2025Steering, Electrical systemODI 11639330

Air bags

43 reports4 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2023Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11527809

Suspension

36 reports1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2025SuspensionODI 11639588

Engine

18 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 19, 2023Suspension, Electrical system, EngineODI 11522966

Seats

15 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2018SeatsODI 11105304
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026

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