| Issue ID | 1340933 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10934919 |
| Manufacurer | Nissan North America, Inc. |
| Brand | NISSAN |
| Model | ALTIMA |
| Model Year | 2009 |
| File date | 10/12/16 |
| Component | STEERING |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | 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. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 78200 |
| Number of Occurences | |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | ROUND ROCK, TX |
| VIN pattern | 1N4AL21E99NXXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | N |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | |
| No. of fatalities | |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 0 |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |