Problems with 2009 Nissan Altima STEERING

Car was parked. car wont start or crank. the fob opens and locks doors, but engine wont start. dealer replace steering lock unit. nissan forums are full of complaints from 2012 - 2013 with the same issue. nissan did extend warranty on this part but only of few years with out issuing a re-call or notice. part and labor are over $1100.

Faulty steering control lock disabled engine; would not start. vehicle was stationary in parking lot.

Steering lock actuator: steering lock mechanism went out and left my daughter stranded and we had to have veh towed. there was no alternate way to start car or put it in neutral to roll it out of the way. all due to a push start button on car and no other way to operate it safely. having to have it repaired myself which will cost between $1500 and $700. this part should be recalled due to the danger it imposes. also not being able to put it in neutral imposes other damage to car in having to find an alternative way to move veh. *tr

Takata recall. last evening i went to the closest store, which happens to be 12 miles from home. i did as many do when getting to a store. turned off my 2009 nissan altima and locked it as i was walking away from the store. i had left my car off roughly 15 minutes. when i got in the car there were no flashing lights or indication something was wrong. i applied my foot to pedal and pushed the ignition, but nothing happened. i thought the fob possibly needed a new battery, but this wasn't the case. after replacing the fob battery and trying to insert the fob in dash nothing happened. the car left me stranded in cold temperatures after hours of course. with this problem the car would not even slip into neutral to be towed without extensive fees. upon having the 2009 nissan altima diagnosed the "steering lock module" is not working and causing this to put the car out of commission. the fees of towing, parts, and labor are a little over $1,100. *tr

Steering lock mechanism abruptly failed preventing the car from starting. the car was stationary but the problem caused me and my young grandchildren stranded in subfreezing conditions.

Steering wheel lock mechanism issue. this is a known issue with nissan. nissan put an extended warranty that ended january 1st 2016. this is a faulty part and must be added to recall list. went to work in january of 2017, upon going to leave after facility was locked up for night my car had a yellow key light illuminated. applied my break pushed the button and nothing happened. had happened intermediately before hand. i was unable to start my parked car. it was 0f and had to walk home 5 miles. not only does it lock out the key but it does not lock the steering wheel when disengaging the engine. that is a safety issue, if the park mechanism fails or u drive a manual and ur e-brake fails the car could potentially roll away uncontrollably because the wheel can turn freely when car is off. this could potentially harm or worse kill someone. please help do the right thing and make sure nissan can properly take car of this faulty possibly deadly issue. thank you concerned nissan owner. *tr

The electronic steering column lock malfunctioned, leaving the car entirely incapable of starting. the car had been shut off while i was at work, snow had started to fall and it dipped into freezing temperatures. i went to leave work late at night only to find i could not start the car despite my best efforts. the key fob allowed me to unlock and lock my doors, and there was power to the car as the interior lights powered on, but the car wouldn't recognize that i had a key (and a spare key) present. inserting it in the key slot did nothing. it wouldn't even attempt to start if i pushed the "start" button. nissan quoted around $1100 to repair the car once i managed to get ahold of someone at their service department. not having $1100, i repaired it by banging on the escl with a wrench until the escl disengaged, which allowed me to power the car to the "on" position, started the car, and pulled the fuse for the escl to prevent it from engaging again in the future. it has started up every time since i've disabled this part, but it took some major research on my part to find a workaround. this part needs to be fully recalled, in my opinion, especially with this being a proprietary nissan part and safety hazard. had i not had a coworker wait behind with me to give me a slow and slippery ride home (tow trucks had 3 hour waits that night due to ice), i'd have found myself frozen, and then who knows what being that all business shut down over the weekend. this is a safety issue. *tr

On 1/6/17 my 2009 nissan altima would not start due to a locked steering column. i was stranded at a school in below freezing temperatures, and had to ask someone for a ride. this part has been breaking down for awhile. i was fortunate to find a ride. the temperature in kc that day was between 1-14 f with packed snow and ice on the ground. someone could be stranded in a place or situation that is not safe. i was told the car had a faulty steering lock. i had to have the car towed and repaired at a cost of $1,192.34

My steering interlock in my 2009 nissan altima went out on me. i got stranded for 3 hours in 20 degrees weather with my 4 year old son until my tow truck finally got there. car would start so i couldn't even turn heat on to keep my son warm. nissan is still have an issue with these and won't cover the exspenses it should be a recal it's a safety hazzard i

Electonic steering wheel column lock failed. it failed in a parking lot in the evening and left me stranded.

I am unable to start my car due to the steering wheel lock. my key fob works perfectly fine and i did not do anything out of the ordinary when i went to start my car yet i cannot drive it and i am stuck in the frigid cold in front of my job.

My car was stationary at a gas pump when it failed to start. i had to get it towed to dealer to replace the electronic steering column lock (escl) unit which had failed and prevented the engine to start. nissan had issued an extended warranty, 72 months/unlimited mileage due to known manufacturing irregularities of the escl. unfortunately for me, the malfunction occurred after the warranty time had expired but i feel the issue is one that needs to be addressed for all owners of vehicles with possible faulty escl units.

Nissan altima 2009 has a defective steering lock system. suddenly this evening after work when i get back to the car, it just did not start. this is a dangerous situation if it would have happened any remote place and i would have been stranded. i see there have been several people complained about this on the internet but nissan has not recalled this car. please investigate and take appropriate steps. they should either replace the defective part of just replace the car.

Parked car at a planet fitness because my 6 year old autistic daughter was having a meltdown. when that was all and done with we come back to the car and it will not turn on. the no key icon comes on the left top side the lock sign is blinking, and no key in the middle red sign. . my children and i are stranded. *tr

I have a 2009 nissan atima . i got in my car today it started ok, went to drop my daughter at daycare, and after getting back to car, it would not start, showed picture of steering wheel and push button would not start the car, i have researched online here and found out it was the steering security lock box, it's very common issue for 2009 nissan and there was a extended warranty on it, which ended in july 2016 since it's defective part . it's a security problem with all 2009 nissan altimas plus with my work sometimes i go into very bad neighborhoods at night and being stuck there is a very dangerous situation, i can't afford to pay what the dealer wants to fix this obvious faulty part that nissan new about and never receive a recall at all and i have own this car since 2011, so now my job is in jeopardy because i need this car for my job. this problem is a definite safety problem., i just hope no one with children or a pregnant woman is stuck while in labor or in very cold temperatures, or in a place where cell phones do not work. shame on you nissan for not fixing this problem in these cars indefinitely, it is a defective part and should be replaced free of charge i paid today 1268.74 for replacement and fixing.

Takata recall, defect steering lock unit, unable to start engine! after parked nissan 2009 altima at a shopping mall, "nokey" light is on, car can be lock and unlock through remote control key, but no display information visible at the dash board, wheel is locked and unable to switch gear. nothing can be done to the car!

The steering lock mechanism is defective the car shut off causing it to steer hard. then car won't start. it costs $800+ to fix the car. it only has 70,000 miles on it.and at one time this part had a lifetime warranty on it then nissan changed it to 6 years when they started to get complaints. our car ran out of the warranty in july but we didn't receive a notification about it . luckily we was able to bypass the steering lock. someone needs to check nissan altima's car accident deaths because this could cause a serious car wreck and i predict this has already happened. nissan needs to recall this defective part.

Nissan altima 2009 parked on side of road in order to change drivers. the electronic steering column lock activated after the vehicle was turned off and the vehicle could not be restarted. this was an extremely dangerous and emotionally damaging experience. what should have been an easy routine change to an experienced driver in an unknown neighborhood resulted in passengers being stranded and requiring assistance to contact and wait for a tow-truck for an otherwise functioning vehicle. the vehicle was ultimately brought to nissan for repairs (at the recommendation of nissan consumer affairs) with estimated cost of $1290. compared to the listed kbb price of the vehicle at $6442, the costs for repair is about 20% of the value of the vehicle. nissan consumer affairs later informed us that the vehicle is outside of warranty (which was extended for a period of 6 years up to 2015 as nissan was aware of the escl defect for our vin) and will not assist with repairs. *tr

While home from college for the holidays, my daughter's car was stranded at a gym after hours. we had to have her car towed to the nearest nissan dealership, which was 60 +/- miles away. we have since found the steering mechanism is a common issue with the 2009 nissan altima and in fact the warranty for this concern had been extended until 2015. since it's 2016 the $900+ repair is not covered. had this been a recall we would have been notified and would have repaired the mechanism long before this became an issue. i would first of all like to report this incident as a safety concern and secondly request an explanation as to why this hasn't elevated to recall status.

The car would not start with fob. was not the battery, had power throughout the car. the key indicator light was flashing in the dash. brake lights worked. did some research and found that there was a know problem with the escl unit. never received any type of notification. luckily, i was at work when i got stranded.

Recently my 2009 nissan altima experience a steering column lock failure that left my car incompacitated (unable to start) and left me in freezing cold temperatures.

Car woould not start with push button. did start remotely but as soon as tried to restart car after getting in, car would not start. defective locking mechanism in steering wheel so would not start. if late at night in no cell service area what do you do? no way to call for help? car no start? car was parked in garage. remotely started then tried to restart after getting in car. push button start will not work because the steering lock mechanism is defective. many many of them do this. after replaced ok. this should definitely be a safety recall. note cost is $1045 to fix. very bad safety situation. needs reconsideration for recall.. is problem with 2009 and 2010 altima's.

My vehicle was in a parking space and when i went to start the car it didn't make a sound and the steering column was not locked. got towed to the dealership and was told it was a steering wheel lock malfunction. read on the internet that this is a known problem for my 2009 altima. i repair cost was almost $1000 which it totally ridiculous but it needed to be fixed. this could be a safety hazard that can be avoided

Unable to start car due to steering lock failure. car was parked outside on cold winter night. left businees early am, car recognized smart key but would not pass out of lock position. had battery and remote checked issue due to failure in the ignition control module

Went out to go home from work and it would not start...waited 3 hours for aaa and finally cancelled it when i realized it was not a battery issue...i had called nissan dealership and the service person told me that it should work if i put the fob in the little fob insert on the car...did not start...i had my sister bring me the other fob and it made no difference...after 3 hours, i cancelled aaa service and just went home...it was very cold and it was dark. i drove my daughter's altima to work the next day and called aaa to tow it to the dealership(towed at 8:30 am). they did not have time to look at it because they were so busy. i had left a note in the drivers seat about the steering lock issue with the 2009 altima. the next day they told me it was no longer under the "extended warranty" and the part might be in chicago and if so would be ready the next day (3 days later). when i went in to discuss this with the service manager about why this was not a recall or nissan should cover the charges because it was a defective part that had been installed...he told me that the part was on "back order." he was not helpful at all...we can't just pay for everyones repairs. things fail on cars. nissan needs to recall this and restore the trust in nissan cars. i have been a customer for about 30 years and there is no loyalty with customers with nissan as i can see. it was a $1092 repair for the defective part that nissan used. i am thankful that i was not on vacation or in another area. this needs to be a recall because it is very unsafe and can happen with no warning.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start because the steering was locked. the contact spoke with the dealer and was advised that the extended warranty was expired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 91,000.

Nissan knew of this problem of the defective steering lock system, but did not do a recall. they changed an indefinite warranty to a 6 year warranty in january 2016. i ran to the store on my lunch hour to pick up a few items, came out and car would not start. had to have the car towed to nissan. had to sit in a parking lot waiting for tow truck for 2 hours, only to find they had to come back for the car after 11 pm when parking lot emptied out, as with the steering locked you could not move the car out to get onto the flatbed.upon looking up this problem, found that nissan knows this happens to this car, but refused to do a recall, just extended the warranty. unfortunately, my warranty expired last year - i purchase this car brand new in april of 2009. now they want almost 1100.00 to replace this part they knew was defective to begin with! i am waiting to see if the dealership is going to be of any help in getting this replaced for no charge.

2009 nissan altima steering lock failure occurred for no reason, fault, wear and tear, leaving me stranded without the key working to start the stationary car. nissan admitted a defect and extended the warranty on the 2009 nissan altima steering lock part knowing this, but placed an expiration on the extended warranty. this expiration did/does not cover the actual cars impacted and was, i believe, solely designed to avoid a formal recall. i did not receive any communications informing me of this defect, including during all of my dealer servicing visits that were within the warranty period. the steering lock failed on my 2009 nissan altima. the dealer, clay cooley in irving tx service advisor said that i was six months out of warranty and it would cost $1,200.00 to repair it. nothing was wrong with my key fobs and the car was in great shape with the exception of the defective 2009 altima steering lock that prevents my car from reading my key fobs. this should be a recall without expiration. i purchased the car new from nissan and remain the original owner. nissan should bear the cost for this entire $1,200.00 repair as it is not normal wear and tear, preventative, of any control of myself. it is a manufacturer defect. *tr

The power lock steering keeps on locking the start system and car can`t start .

The steering lock failed. the car wouldn't start and was stuck in the lock position. i had to have the car towed to a dealership and it is now going to cost me $957 to fix for parts and labor.

3 times in the last 2 weeks my wife has been stranded in sub freezing temperature due to the electronic steering column lock (escl) not unlocking. each time the car has been stopped and does not restart. having read multiple reports nissan extended the warranty on the part and even removed it from 2010 models however i am out of luck since the extended warranty has expired. this defective part should be part of a national recall and consumers should be reimbursed for fixes and towing cost. currently nissan will not fix the issue until it is occurring which means you have to wait to be stranded some where and have it towed to a nissan dealership to be fixed which is absolutely insane. i am lucky that me and my wife are handy and have been able to restart the card by literally hammering on the escl until it unlocked. if we had kids or were in the middle of an emergency this would be gathering national news attention on how nissan knew about a defective piece and (even replacing it in the next years model). i would appreciate anyone's help if bringing awareness of nissan's negligence. *tr

I tried to start the vehicle this morning, which has a push-button start, but the car wouldn't start. the outdoor temperature was around 6 degrees. i got a light on the dash that that indicates there's a problem with the steering wheel lock mechanism (attached photo). the vehicle will not start unless this lock mechanism is replaced. apparently, there was a voluntary recall on the wheel lock mechanism for owners who've had issues, which expired jan 2016. the part and repair can cost $900-$1000. here is a link to the expired service bulletin: http://web.archive.org/web/20150219214832/http://www.nissanassist.com/web/escl_warranty_extension/programdetails.php?menu=61

All of a sudden, my car would not start the ignition after locking it. even the dashboard lights won't come up. fortunately i was in the city and could get it towed to the dealer. it was found out that the electronic steering column lock (escl) had gone corrupt. when i searched on internet, it appeared that this is a common problem with 2009 nissan altima models. however there is recall issued by the company. i had to get the steering column lock replaced at my own cost, which was over $700. i was lucky that it happened within city limits. had i been at a remote place, i would have been in a lot of trouble. this is a clear case of negligence on the part of the company. when it is known that escl is a problem for 2009 altima's then the company should at least get the part replaced. utterly disappointed with nissan. it's certain that i'll definitely not be buying a nissan for the rest of my life.

Power steering lock, has broke again after being fixed just 50,000 miles before. it is time for a recall. this happened in situation where i could do nothing to fix it. getting a tow and a bill of over 1000 is not my version of a good day. recall!!

Takata inflator my nissan was stopped to pick my grandkids up from school and when i went to start the vehicle it wouldn't start and the steering wheel was locked and we was stranded for two hours tell i got towed to my daughters house

The electronic steering lock module for my car is starting to go bad. once the module does go bad i will not be able to start my car and would have to have it towed to a dealership to be fixed where the charge begins at $800 to have the part repaired. this seems to be a common issue among nissan cars in general. they have extended warranties for this issue but won't issue a recall even though this is a known and common issue.

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

I was driving my car all day with no problems at all. i decide to the grocery store with my son and after doing all my shopping i get back into my car and the key security light was on and i tried to start the car by pressing the push start button and it would not start. the key allows me to lock and unlock the door even recognizing it when i put it in the ignition but would not start. me and my son was stranded for hours in cold. i had to leave the car in the parking lot for 3 days before i was actually available to get it towed. and then i was informed its going to cost about $1000 to have it fixed because of a steering lock. when i researched this is a common and known issue with these cars. i just got this car about 2 years ago why do i have to pay for something i didn't do to the car. why are these cars still being stole to the public and people not aware of these issues. this could of happen anywhere!! and i don't stay in the most safest area these problems are dangerous for them to just happen anywhere. and it's december!!! it's cold!!! why am i coming out of pocket for a nissan issue!!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. after operating the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to operate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering ignition lock needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

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

I am the latest victim of faulty steering lock on 2009 nissan altima. i didn't know until it happened with me. i along with my family (including 10 months old kid) went out around 7:30 pm on 10th dec 2016 and stopped to fill fuel at the nearby fuel station. switched off car's ignition before filling fuel as usual but was unable to start it later. car ignition didn't start at all, both steering and brakes got locked and didn't move at all. eventually car was showing key symbol repeatedly. it was little cold outside and started raining as well. had to get car towed back home, it took me 3 hours to get home as towing service was delayed as well. meanwhile attempt to jump start the vehicle also didn't help as batteries were all okay. being sunday next day, no repair shops and nissan dealer were opened. during this time researched about the issue and learnt that there is a defect on 2009 nissan altima steering lock system which disabled the car until replaced. and nissan had kept only extended warranty of 6 years on this part but there was no recall. i had to get vehicle towed to nearest nissan dealership on monday and upon diagnostic they also found the same problem. had to cough up $1200 to get it replaced including labor charges. it is huge dent to pocket but seems there was no choice. it is unfortunate that nissan has decided to not to recall this part even after learning mutliple reports and its defectiveness. keeping 6 years extended warranty doesn't help as low mileage car will take more years to detect this problem. moreover there is extra burden on consumers of their time, spoiled plans and money. worst case if it happens to someone at remote location where getting help is bleak. i urge nhtsa to take this matter seriously and direct nissan to recall/reimburse on the defective parts. safety of consumer should be top priority than profits.

I go to college in a remote part of nebraska and in the winters it gets really cold and when you have a car in the middle of nowhere and it does not want to start. thanks nissan for not caring if i die of exposure. i live in remote town that doesn't even have a grocery store. everything is closed by 6pm in my town and we are the last place to close in my work town which is a 30 min drive home. both of these towns would be considered small town midwest farm towns, so when i close work and i can't start my car at midnight, i'm stranded. i can't go back into work to keep warm as the lock and alarm are activated when i leave. no one is up and the only people on the streets are the cops & are not taxis to drive me 30 mins to another town home. point is, my car doesn't turn on, i'm left out in zero degree weather or below zero with one heck of a wind chill to just wait for some one that is over an hour away to come get me. if i'm lucky enough to find some one in peru, ne. otherwise i am call my mother in lincoln, ne. that's over an hour and half drive. i have been stranded now 3 times since december 10, 2016. 1st time. i was told it is my battery. replaced it to no resolve. 2nd time was told it is my alternator. tested fine and since it started fine at the dealership they said my car was fine. 3rd time, i hoped on the internet and to my complete surprise and shock to find that this is not an isolated issues. nissan has known about the steering lock control unit stranding people for years and has done nothing to notify there customers or have it as a recall, but only as a warranty issue which expired 1-2016. i have already spent over $300 trying to get the problem fixed. i am a college student putting myself through college. that was my book money this semester. i don't have rich parents and need a reliable car. nissan get it together and make this a recall to fix it!!

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.

My 2009 nissan altima's steering column lock is defective. it's failed in my car twice now leading to costly repairs/replacements. the car will be running perfectly when i arrive at my destination and i proceed to turn off the car and leave. upon returning, the intelligent key warning light appears and it becomes nearly impossible to turn on the car. sometimes a jump will start the car (which has a new, fully charged battery), but many times nothing works except getting the car towed to mechanic to have the column lock replaced. the steering column lock is supposed to stop theft, not keep me from starting my car when i'm trying to get home from work at night. it's absurd that this is such a common problem with the nissan altima's and that nissan refuses to take responsibility for their defective product. now that winter is approaching, i may be forced to spend hours outside in the freezing cold trying to get my car to start because the column lock is defective and completely unreliable. it is just not safe to drive in a car you are afraid to turn off because it may not start again, especially in the cold or when you are far from home.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock was faulty. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

So i was at work came out to start my car and it wouldn't start...thought it was my battery it wasnt that. got it towed to nissan dealership.young lady advised me it was steering column lock.after doing my research i seen this matter to alot of nissan customer's.the cost was over 1,000 dollars and seen the warranty expired last year. had to paid other people to get back and forward to work and pick my child up from childcare. called nissan1 the woman told me it would take 3 business day to review my case....she called today telling me it was nothing they can about this matter.i was pissed off. this problem wasnt my fault and nissan knew about this problem way before me. its sad to be a customer to nissan. they really dont care about their customers or this problem seem like everyone having. *tr

Takada recall- the car was stationay and would not start.

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

For the 2nd time, the electronic steering column lock has malfunctioned in my 2009 nissan altima. this is utterly ridiculous! this is not normal maintenance. someone needs to hold nissan or the manufacturer of this part accountable for this. i am so disgusted with nissan!!

The steering lock broke while i was driving straight in a parking lot, forcing the engine to shut off. i have 10 month old twin daughters and this could have resulted in a very serious car accident if the vehicle was on a main road or highway and going at a faster speed. supposedly this is a well-known issue with 2009 nissan altima's (and other year models as well). instead of a recall, nissan extended the warranty on this part by one year. i called nissan and they told me that the extended warranty expired in august 2015, so i will have to pay for this out of pocket. the estimated cost is between $1,100 and $1,300. the car doesn't start at all, and apparently only nissan dealers can fix it. this is very worrisome that nissan acknowledged this as a problem, but did not consider the safety of its customers and issue a recall. *tr