2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 54 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (37% of complaints); the 2007 and 2008 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
54
owner complaints
0
fire reports
69,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsWeak spot: steering (37%)
Common problems
Computed from 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)37% · 19 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)27% · 14 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)10% · 5 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)8% · 4 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)4% · 2 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)4% · 2 complaints
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact researched the warning light in the owners manual, which informed the contact to shut-off the vehicle and immediately contact the dealer. The vehicle was towed to nissan of bradenton (1611 cortez rd w, bradenton, florida 34207) however, the mechanic was unable to start the vehicle to diagnose the failure. The contact stated that the shift interlock was previously replaced. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.*dt*jb”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima hybrid. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to freedom nissan of south burlington (1095 shelburne rd, south burlington, vt 05403, (802) 864-7400) where it was diagnosed that the passenger seat cushion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a technical service bulletin. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2019
“The 2009 nissan altima hybrid has ceased to function suddenly while driving down the freeway, putting me at extreme danger. In the first cased, the electronic computer unit was the defective part, on the second occasion, it was the ignition coils. I have had multiple problems with this vehicle, placing me at great risk as the vehicle seizes up without warning and in the middle of the roadway.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“'takata recall' unknown hs warning light on caution light on tiire pressure symbol on sevice engine soon indicator on”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2017
“I was on my way to pickup my wife and the for sone reason the steering wheel became locked . I thought that it was a mistake or something got stuck in the car. I press on the button to start ,nothing and try to turned the steering wheel ,still nothing. I got out of the car and back in ,nothing ,so I did this for 30 minutes until finally gave up. I had to rush to get our other car to pick her up. Luckily, traffic was okay. I have contacted nissan to see if they can do anything ,still waiting to hear from them. I contacted them at this same day. The vehicle was stationary in the parking lot of our apartment.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2017
“2009 nissan altima hybrid's electronic steering column lock ('escl') failed while the vehicle was parked. This failure activates vehicle's anti-theft system and completely disables the ignition, rendering the vehicle inoperable. It could happen anywhere and anytime without a warning.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2016
“Key unlocked car but no display, start button not working (no response at all). Car unable to be started, towed to our mechanic. Diagnostics run, found out it was a steering column lock issue that can only be fixed by nissan!! So towed over there. Now a 1 week wait even to be looked at and part not even in stock.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2016
“For some unknown reason my car would not start on thanksgiving. It only showed a key. I went to nissan the next day to get a new battery for my key fob. And had to get it towed. They said it was a steering column lock and it was over $900. Never heard of such a thing and at such a ridiculous expense. Apparently this is common for this model and I'm hoping for reimbursement as I didn't know about it before 1/1/16. I'm glad we weren't on an out of town trip that day.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2016
“I was not notified about a recall on my vehicle. Now I am getting told that my steering lock control unit needs to be repaired and it is going to cost me $1300.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2016
“2009 altimas appeared to have a known issue regarding the steering lock column. Nissan did not issue a recall, but instead offered to replace the steering lock only once the vehicle broke down, with this offer expiring jan 1st 2016 apparently. My car has only 55,000 miles on it, and in march 2016 started experiencing this issue. Car would just be unable to start at all. I have spent money having to get the car towed to the dealership, and now it will cost me $1325.00 to replace the steering lock. Since this was a known issue that nissan knew about, the replacement coverage period should be extended indefinitely, or a recall needs to be issued.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Altima Hybrid years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Altima Hybrid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 54 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid. The most complained-about area is steering (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 69,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.