Model year guide

2009 Nissan Maxima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Nissan Maxima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 187 on record.

2009 Nissan Maxima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Nissan Maxima at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints339
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$9,974

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2009 Nissan Maxima recalls 1

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #09V358000 · 16/09/2009

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.

Fix: 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).

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2009 Nissan Maxima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 339 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2009 Nissan Maxima safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2009 Nissan Maxima 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2009 Nissan Maxima MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,450

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2009 Nissan Maxima worth?

Low
$7,200
Typical price
$9,974
High
$13,000

From 187 comparable 2009 Nissan Maxima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Nissan Maxima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,800
Total$24,050
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,974) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,188), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2009 Nissan Maxima trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5 SV · 3.5 S
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl

2009 Nissan Maxima vehicles on record

Other Nissan Maxima model years

2009 Nissan Maxima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2009 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Maxima?

Based on 339 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, suspension, air bags.

What is the 2009 Nissan Maxima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2009 Nissan Maxima crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Nissan Maxima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Maxima at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2009 Nissan Maxima worth?

Comparable 2009 Nissan Maxima listings run roughly $7,200–$13,000, typically around $9,974 (from 187 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.