2009 Nissan Altima: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Peak complaints for the 4th generation: electronic steering-column-lock failures leave cars unable to start, on top of the CVT risk. A troublesome year to own. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Nissan Altima ranged from $19,900 to $29,380 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Peak complaints for the 4th generation: electronic steering-column-lock failures leave cars unable to start, on top of the CVT risk. A troublesome year to own.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-altima-buying-guide
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima
- jalopnik.comhttps://www.jalopnik.com/2036273/nissan-altima-reliability-consumer-reports/
Known issues
-
CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.
widespread · typically 50k–120k miles · transmission
-
Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.
commonly reported · typically 40k–130k miles · electrical
-
Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare.
commonly reported · body
-
Takata airbag inflator recall affects these model years.
occasional · other
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- endurancewarranty.comhttps://www.endurancewarranty.com/vehicle-guides/nissan/unreliable-vehicles-t…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | $19,900 | discontinued | — | — |
| S | $21,540 | discontinued | — | — |
| SL | $25,150 | discontinued | — | — |
| SE V6 | $25,680 | discontinued | — | — |
| SL V6 | $29,380 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-nissan-altima-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($19,900). Higher trims started higher (up to $29,380), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-altima/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-altima-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Nissan Altima have?
Documented issue patterns include: CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012; Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports; Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare; Takata airbag inflator recall affects these model years. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima reliable?
Peak complaints for the 4th generation: electronic steering-column-lock failures leave cars unable to start, on top of the CVT risk. A troublesome year to own.
How much did the 2009 Nissan Altima cost new?
Between $19,900 and $29,380 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Nissan Altima expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
Checking a listing right now?
The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.
Add to Chrome · FreeNo account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.
Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.