Problems · by component

2009 Nissan Maxima suspension problems

36 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Nissan Maxima cite suspension, 11% of all 339 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
36
11% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the suspension

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2024SuspensionODI 11580536
“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
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 1, 2022Suspension, Wheels, Service brakesODI 11495700
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2022SuspensionODI 11478586
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2021SuspensionODI 11428771

Showing 6 of 36 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

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.

SuspensionReported Sep 16, 2009NHTSA 09V358000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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