2009 Nissan Maxima
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Steering
Steering leads by volume: 168 of 339 complaints (50%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 78 in 2008 to 339 in 2009.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | vs. 2009 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700 | 3,700 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19 / 25 | 19 / 25 | 19 / 26 | 19 / 26 | 19 / 26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423 | 423 | 404 | 404 | 404 | |
| Complaints filed | 129 | 78 | 339 | 275 | 106 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 15 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Steering: 168 of 339 NHTSA complaints (50%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Nissan Maxima get?
EPA rates it 22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Nissan Maxima?
EPA estimates $3,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 80 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 168 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 42 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 43 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
SUSPENSION · Campaign 09V358000 · Sep 16, 2009
Defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK.
Consequence: IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).