Problems with 2009 Nissan Altima ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The steering lock mechanism failed suddenly. i drove to the grocery store and parked in the parking lot. when i got back in my car to leave, the car didn't start. it didn't recognize the key fob and did not allow me to use the override system. the steering lock warning light came on. i had it towed to the nissan dealership service center. the nissan dealership service team informed me the steering lock mechanism had failed. after doing research, i found this is an ongoing problem with this make and model. nissan extended the warranty for this part but it had expired. this is an ongoing issue with this year, make and model and nissan should be forced to recall this part and reimburse people who had to have it repaired after the extended warranty expired.

Steering wheel lock /ignition , car not able to start using key fob , total steering and brake lock . got off work and could not start car , was running fine prior to work 7am

My car will not start this is the 3rd time this has happens in 2012 they changed my car battery and in 2013 it wouldn't start after work and i towed it to the dealership and they changed the steering and break lock mechanism and now 2016 my car won't start and it is the electronic steering column lock and now there is no warranty, so it is costing me about $900 to 1,000 to fix a problem that should not be happening or that should have a life time warranty.

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. http://web.archive.org/web/20150219214832/http://www.nissanassist.com/web/escl_warranty_extension/programdetails.php?menu=61

I drove to work everything was fine went out on break to start my car and can't do anything windows are lowered and it started to rain the steering lock has went out and leaves you know way of doing anything with the car now i have to miss work to get vehicle put in to a dealership i see many others with the same problems

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. while attempting to start the vehicle, the intelligent key malfunction indicator illuminated and the engine would not start. the cause of the failure was not diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Went to work car, will not start when i went to leave work. standard for a couple of hours. no warning it was going bad.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the steering wheel locked. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column had to be replaced and reprogrammed. the manufacturer was notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start and the intelligent key warning sensor illuminated. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition lock/smart key lock needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer informed the contact that the extended warranty expired. the failure mileage was 60,000.

The date was 12/7/2016. my 2009 nissan altima failed to start at the end of my shift at work. after some research i found that what i had was a faulty escl. i found that this is a very common problem for this model car. the car fails to even turn on the to the acc mode. nissan knows that this is a problem and extended the warranty for only 72 months and has refused to make a recall since it involves a parked car. the temperature for today was 26 degrees and had i been somewhere far from home where my father couldn't pick me up then i'd be stranded in the cold to freeze. this is also a safety concern because the car may fail to start in an unsafe neighborhood or other unsafe conditions. nissan needs to either recall or extend their warranty on the escl.

The escl died today, at night here in maine. searching the for this problem, it seems that this is a known issue with nissan, which did nothing to prevent my teenager from being stranded, at night. i see the part is on amazon for only $400, and takes about 30 minutes to install. why does a dealer want $1000 for a repair of this sort? this is crazy - considering that nissan even extended the warranty on this part to 6 years - i just missed the deadline.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. the contact stated that the push to start feature failed to start the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock mechanism failed and would need to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 78,000. ..updated 03/29/17 *bf updated 08/03/2017*js

When leaving to go home from an event for my kids, the car would not and could not start. the key lock symbol (red) and lock symbol (yellow) were lit on the dashboard. i did some research and found that the it was the steering column lock which many has been complaining about. this should be considered a recall with all the problems. *tr

I got in my car the other day to run to the store and the cars push button ignition would not start the car, the llght on the dash suggests that the steering wheel is not locked, but it is locked. vehicle is parked in my driveway

My car would not start and i was forced to sit in my car for hours as the stores had closed and it took over a hour to have my car towed. this left me in a situation in which i could have been harmed as a young woman in vulnerable situation. nissan states that this is a manufacturer irregularity which means this is something that shouldn't be happening and is a manufacture issue. after getting it diagnosed by a certified nissan dealer, i was told it was my escl. nissan should honor their word and fix the issue at no cost since it's a manufacture malfunctioning issue in which the customer has no control over.

Electronic steering column lock (escl) failed and was sticks and stranded. i am a full time student as well as working full time. had to get my 09 altima towed to the dealship and lost out on work and made my daily life a financial hardship. it is going to cost me $1100 just for the part and labor. this is a known issue with 2009 altima's and needs to be recalled until nissan fixes the issue. this is very dangerous situation to be in, if i was camping and had no cell phone service my life could seriously be in danger. please issue a recall for this part.

Luckily the car was parked and wouldn't start for this incident. after having it towed they needed to replace the steering lock mechanism. we're glad it wasn't being driven on the highway at the time it failed and possibly locked up the steering column. that could have been deadly. the replacement cost of this part is outrageous and should have been covered or replaced by nissan. they've had a history of issues with this and should refund us the $1000 it cost just for the repair bill. it's ridiculous that people keep getting taken for something like this. something needs to be done to remedy this situation. *tr

The car doesnt start because the car's starting system is faulty. it is called electronic steering column lock (escl) failure. only nissan dealers can fix this issue and they charge exorbitant amount of money for replacing a small part and for labor. this is not caused by a user error but because of a defect with this model itself. there are many such complains online and happens to people randomly. this is a severe health and life hazard. me and my wife were about to leave for remote places when this issue happened and if that would have happened, we would have been in a huge mess! nissan does not even have the courtesy to reimburse the full repair amount. i didn't even ask for the hotel and trip cancellation reimbursement but still they are not ready to budge. i escalated it to three levels but to no effect. this is sad. there must be a recall on this model. my car just has 60k miles on it and i feel cheated to have to pay $1100 for nissan's fault just for the repair, let alone additional expenses i had to incur to book hotel last minute for two days and incur charges for the hotel stays for the rest of my trip. my honeymoon trip was screwed up because of nissan and they are saying they can only reimburse me for the part which is only half the cost. i will sell this car as soon as i can and will never ever buy a nissan car again. but, i would like to see this car recalled asap before it leads to someone's death.

Car won't start do to a defective escl electronic steering column lock. the car left me stranded after work at midnight. the car is useless it does not start. i was never informed by the dealership of any problems with the escl.

Electronic steering control lock failed, leaving me stranded on the side of the road, apparently a common problem with 09 nissan, contacted nissan and opened a case, they called back and refused to help, with anything. what a joke nissan is turning out to be. there are literally thousands of posts on this problem, and nissan gives an unlimited mileage replacement that ended in 2014, i offered to pay for the labor if they would replace the part, obviously they have no interest in my future business. *tr

My wife was driving her 2009 nissan altima and parked. when leaving to go home, the car would not and could not start. the key lock symbol (red) and lock symbol (yellow) were lit on the dashboard. i did some research and found that the it was the steering column lock which many has been complaining about. i took it to the nissan dealer and the part would be $600.00. attached is the printout of the warranty. this had me and my wife stranded on one of the coldest day of the year. they wouldn't consider fixing it unless it was a standard repair. this is crazy!!! it's the holidays and now this is happening. good grief!!! *tr

My daughter was stranded in a not so great area when her car would not start due to a well known issue with nissan altima's electronic steering column lock (escl). nissan did not issue a recall on this dangerous issue, but instead offered an extended warranty if the part failed, without notifying consumers. this is shameful on nissan's part to allow people to be stranded in possibly dangerous situations. the repair will now cost her between $1000 and $1200

Vehicle would not crank after steering mechanism malfunction.

I was driving on highway when "intelligent key" warning light flashed on dashboard. i continued to my work place. when i attempted to leave my place of employment, the steering wheel locked, ignition self start would not work and i had to contact aaa to bring car to dealer. i was told that when this warning light is on, the car may lock up at anytime. i was told that i ought be driving since the steering wheel would lock up in the middle of traffic. one of the representatives at the dealer indicated that many people with this car had similar problems, in fact that day there were three 2009 altimas in the same area going to the same dealer with the "smart key" locking the car. nissan is going to reimburse $800.00+ dollars because i believe they know this is a problem, yet they have not announced an official recall. this is very concerning for all of those people driving this vehicle with the risk of having the car lock while in motion.

Steering lock controler is broken and its a common problem on all altima and nissan doesn't take risponsibility

The electronic steering lock has malfunctioned. the car would not start, leaving myself and two children stranded.

Car stalled twice both parked in a parking lot. battery works and key fob works with doors. but engine wont start with push button start. electronic steering column lock defect.

Was driving altima running great got ne tires service done. went to a friends house when i came back to start the altima wouldn't start. i tried everything changing batteries in car, remote batteries changed. i finally came across this video and explain everything that was happening and said nissan is aware of this issue but doesn't want to put a recall on it. it's believe it's a major safety problem what would have happen driving down the highway in their vehicle automatically stop and locked the strain will basin only one direction i would cause a major car pile up with myself and possibly many others because it is faulty part nissan has put in. i have work in the car business for 10 years and i have never seen a manufacture do what they're doing right now. they have put me and my family in major jeopardy. *tr

The electronic steering column lock (escl) has broken without any warning and my car has become a giant brick and i can't even place the car in neutral to move it. i walked out to start my car for work one day and i found out my car was dead.

Electronic steering column lock failure. leaves car disabled where ever you are. car will not start. must be towed. nissan had an earlier recall but never published it to 2009 altima owners.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. while in park, the vehicle failed to start and "key fob" was displayed across the message board. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified and stated that there was an extended warranty for the electronic steering column lock (escl); however, the warranty was expired. the failure mileage was 50,000.

Escl replaced after failing to allow push button start and failed again a few months later.

Parked in garage, wouldn't start, steering lock system was not working so the engine didn't recognize the push button start, had to have it towed to auto mechanic to have the part replaced for $1,000 plus towing! nissan stopped using this part in 2010 so they must know it was a bad part. i could have been anywhere when this happened and been stranded.

Today the steering wheel control lock went out. after doing some research i found that this is a common problem and there is not a recall to cover this defective part. clearly nissan has acknowledged this is a problem as they have had recalls that expired. this is not a maintenance issue that an owner should have to pay for. this is strictly a defect in electronics system. what would happen if my wife and 4 year old were stranded on days where the heat in memphis can reach indexes of 115 and it can get as cold as 10 degrees?

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. when the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it failed to start and the steering wheel locked up without warning. the contact received an email that informed her of the failure; however, the vin was excluded from the recall. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel locked. the push to start button failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the nhtsa campaign number was unknown. the failure mileage was 91,000.

Electric steering column lock (escl) failed and left me stranded at work. had to wait 2 hours for someone to come get me.

The push button start will not recognize the key "fob". i can still unlock and lock my doors with the fob, pop open my trunk, but the system that is supposed to recognize my key and unlock my steering wheel is faulty. reading up this has been a problem for many '09 altimas and nissan even extended a warranty on this part, unfortunately that warranty is expired and my car now has the problem.

The electrical steering column lock (escl) failure which wouldn't allow the car to start is the most stupid thing i've ever heard. and that nissan wouldn't recall it is a big shame on the manufacturer. on top of that, they charge ridiculously expensive to have the part replaced ($600+labor)??!! this is super unsafe for drivers in the northeast as we may get stuck in a cold winter freezing to death for what? there is even no mechanic problem with the car. just a little wedge-like thing that wouldn't drop to where it's supposed to be???? ridiculous!!

We are currently experiencing what so many nissan owners have noted online... the steering lock mechanism has malfunctioned. (the key light is on, the steering wheel won't lock, doors still lock/ unlock). this is a widespread problem in the electrical system, and many people have expressed frustration online. it is electrical, so all our proper maintenance performed means nothing. our situation was the 90 year old grandfather stranded at the grocery store parking lot for 2.5 hours. once he returned to the car, it would not crank. the car is just now to 90,000 miles, and now we learn that nissan was aware and extended the warranty for a time, and now it has expired. there was no notice sent out nor was there an official recall. our $1000 repair bill for a common problem spanning several years and several models is not acceptable. please force them to do a recall!!! it's a widespread, known issue that they are already aware of.

Ecsl went out and my high school daughter was driving the car at the time as we were out of town, this could really be a hazard and definitely was costly as far as towing, thank god we have an extra vehicle but she had to find transportation, had the stress being 17 and not really knowing what to do, the car sat until we got home to have to towed to dealership, missed some of school. this part definitely should be recalled and put back out there indefinitely to be warrantied. i had heard nothing prior but good things about this vehicle and then after reading about the same year and model of vehicle i am praying after the fix this will be the only time it happens!

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. the contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated consistently without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sensor failed on the passenger side of the vehicle. the seat bottom assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

While i was at work and done with my shift i went out to my car and press the break and push the push start button it did not start it turns out that the electronic steering control lock is defective i could've been hurt or killed or put it in a dangerous situation if i had no one around me to help me out. my life was put at risk with a car that would not start. the car was stationary when this happened and it happened in a rule area of california which is the searne valley which is almost all desert. i was able to have the car towed to the valleyhigh nissan in victorville california and they are quoting me $947 to have this part replaced.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. when the contact parked the vehicle and locked it with the fob, it failed to start upon her return. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the esc needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 68,000. updated 12/23/16*lj updated 02/07/17.*jb

Nissan has refused to recall their faulty electronic steering lock unit that is needed to turn the vehicle on. if it does not lock the wheel in place it will not allow the push start ignition to start the vehicle, thus leaving their occupants stranded with no option other than to have their vehicles towed to a nissan dealership and forced to pay upwards of $1200 for the replacement of a defective factory part. they offered a extended warranty to address this issue, but neglected to inform consumers of this. they are clearly trying to get out of paying for their mistakes and are passing the cost on to their unsuspecting customers.

Notice a key indicator light on dash... vehicle wouldn't start! i was in a very dark area by myself and didn't know what to do! i was scared for my life because i was alone and didn't know what would happen!!

Car will not start. steering lock mechanism malfunction. car parked on street in front of our house. at least i'm not on a trip. nissan won't fix under a recall. they had an extended warranty to cover this problem, but it expired. owners of pre-owned cars were never notified.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the key fobs were defective and needed to be reprogrammed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

I have a 2009 nissan altima that i purchased as a pre owned in 2012. since that time i have brought the car to the dealer for oil changes and repairs on many occasions. at no times while the car was getting serviced was i informed that there was a potential problem with the steering wheel lock sensor and the car would ot start and because of that nissan had extended the warranty to cover the repair or replacement of the part, earlier this week my car would not start and i had to have it towed 35 miles to my mechanic who diagnosed the problem as a steering lock sensor failure. the cost to repair the car was 725.00. i conducted some research the problem and found several articles on line concerning the problem and that nissan had extended the warranty. again, i was never notified in person while the car was being serviced or by mail by the dealer or nissan. based on my research i believe that the dealer or nissan had the obligation to notify me of the potential problem. at the time that the sensor failed i was approximately 35 miles from home and had to have the car towed. at times i have my grandchildren with me and this could have been a more serious situation if they were with me.

Car will not start due to steering lock on vehicle malfunctioned x 4. towed to dealership for diagnostic only to be told repair is 900.00. contacted nissan who is going back on their word to pay for repair. car also has airbag lights that come on while driving. car is always in parked positioned when there is a problem.

Car will not start with key fob . called tow on three different occasions. last tow was told to knock on steering lock box to start car. car was towed due to inability to get car running. unable to pay for diagnosis at dealership because of cost of 100. unable to pay for tow because of 65 dollar cost. stuck out in the middle of no where and now my car is useless . will not be buying another nissan or recommend to anyone. i am afraid i am going to lose my job because of no transportation thanks to nissan.