Starter problems of the 2009 Nissan Altima

The push-button starter system failed, leaving me stranded. This is a steering lock issue very common to this make and model.

Instrument panel does not light up and car will not start, it doesn't crank, not even a click form the starter, the steering wheel does not lock. Seems to be the electronic steering column lock (escl) as I googled for similar complaints of other owners. Nissan extended the warranty to 6 years on this issue, however cause they know this is a safety issue with this car. They should extend the warranty for a well known defect indefinitely. If this happens in the middle of nowhere is a very serious life and death issue. . Read more...

My car was stationary in a grocery parking lot and push button starter would not start. It was the dead of winter with sub zero temperatures. The dash displayed an illuminated key indicating there may be something wrong with the intelligent key, so I replaced the battery in both keys and the car still would not start. I then tried to jump the car with no success. So I googled "car won't start, 2009 Nissan Altima" and that opened the flood gates. I read tons of complaints about this same part malfunctioning on the 2009 to 2011 Nissan. When I finally towed my car to the dealer, guess what--I had that very issue, something called the "steering lock malfunction". During my research, I even read an article that indicated Nissan was aware of the problem, and had extended their warranty to help, but that extension ended in March 2015 and Nissan would not complete a recall because it was not a safety issue. I say it is a safety issue. Again, my car stopped on me in the dead of winter in the middle of a cold snap. What I also read was that Nissan knew that at least 50% of these cars manufactured would have to have this part replaced and decided to leave the consumer on their own to pay for the repair. I viewed youtube videos where tons of consumers were doing desperate things to avoid spending the $1000 for this repair. They were pulling their fuses for the steering lock system. They were pulling out the part and banging on it. They were sticking a screw driver in the part to release the stuck mechanism to get the car to start. It's a shame that Nissan is aware that this part is defective and has the tendency to get stuck, resulting in disabling the push button starter and they won't do anything about it. I will never, ever, ever buy another Nissan car, especially not a 2009 through 2011. I wouldn't own another Nissan if they were giving them away. This company is unethical.

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the engine stalled and the vehicle failed to start with the push to start button function. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the starter, the fuel line, and the steering column were replaced, but failed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.

My husband went out to start the cars in the morning before work. The Nissan Altima would not start. The brake was firmly pushed and the brake lights came on. We have replaced the key fob batteries and the fuse for the engine starter. The key fob locks and unlocks the vehicle, but the car will not start. The desk shows a small yellow key symbol in the top left corner. We have contacted a mechanic about having the car towed. It seems several others have had this issue and Nissan is doing nothing about it. I will never, ever, ever purchase another Nissan.

Amber 'intelligent key' light started appearing on and off. Finally vehicle refused to engage starter and whirring noise indicating steering lock is functional no longer happens. Vehicle needs to be towed and research indicates the problem is common in 2009 Altimas and other Nissan vehicles. Repair quotes online appear to be in the $900 range. Nissan needs to accept responsibility for this problem and issue a recall.

Entered vehicle, stepped on the brake pedal, yellow "step on brake pedal" lit up, pushed start button, the "acc" lit, and it went to "start" and nothing happened! all the dash lights turned on but no starter engagement or noise. I tried it several times and nothing happened. I called aaa for a tow. When tow truck driver came, I got into the car and it started! I went to the dealer and a cracked battery was found and replaced. In the last month the car has not started several times. My wife has gotten in an out of the car several times and it would finally started. Today,I went to the dealer and explained the situation and asked if there was a service bulletin concerning this issue. The service writer stated that there wasn't. He did say that the brake light switch (p/n 25320-ax00c) has been a problem on some vehicles. I had them check it and it was bad. I had to pay $127. 18! having this part failing in under 23,000 miles is very poor. I have had Nissan vehicles with over 100,000 miles and not had a brake light switch failure! this has left my wife stuck several times and very upset.