2009 nissan maxima wont start

So I was hoping my first reddit post would be a little more lighthearted.. But anyways, woke up yesterday to my 2009 Nissan Maxima not starting. I thought it was the battery so I went ahead and replaced it with a brand new one. After searching the Nissan forums (to no avail) I have determined it's not my key since I am able to unlock, lock, set of the alarm and open the trunk from it.

I am getting this icon on my dashboard: http://imgur.com/a/YDTVG and I'm not getting the "press brake" notification that I normally would get.

Does anybody have any ideas?

Nissan Maxima owners have reported 58 problems related to car will not start (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Nissan Maxima based on all problems reported for the Maxima.

1 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 03/14/2020

My vehicle was driven to and parked at my place of employment in the am and by noon my vehicle would not start. I was leaving my job by noon to go to the hospital- sequentially I was I'll. I had to get a ride to handle my medical needs. I later had to have my car towed to nissian, where I was billed for a recalled item: the electronic steering column lock which has been part of recall since 2017.

See all problems of the 2009 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

2 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 01/01/2020

Unable to push start car ignition. A key signal shows on dash and car will not start after shutting down engine. The key is in the car at the time. My daughter has been stranded several times because she can't get push start ignition to start. I have read that other owners of this make and more have had same issue.

See all problems of the 2010 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

3 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2012 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 11/17/2019

Car will not start, steering wheel locks, key fob light is on, brake is stiff. This is not the first time Nissan had this problem. My car only has 50,000 miles on it.

See all problems of the 2012 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

4 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 10/08/2019

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that when attempted to depress key start button, the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or a dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. VIN unavailable. Bp.

5 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 08/23/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start because the steering column would lock up. Also, the key indicator illuminated and the contact had to take off the paneling and tap the steering column box to get the steering column to unlock for the vehicle to start. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The steering column was replaced by the previous owner and the dealer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 173,247.

6 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 11/14/2016

I went outside to start my vehicle and it wouldn't start. . The steering wheel is locked and I can't get it unlocked. . The steering wheel symbol with 2 up and down arrows on both sides of it lights up on the dash and a red flash in car symbol with a key in the center of it is on along with the lock word on the push button. . It won't go past the lock button when I try to start it.

7 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/11/2016

Stranded twice car will not start because of steering lock module not releasing allowing the car to start.

8 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 01/03/2016

Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle would not start. The contact tried repeatedly with no success. The contact stated that there was a key with a lock warning symbol illuminated in the dashboard. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. Ed.

9 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 12/07/2015

Got off of work and I tried to crank my car and it wouldn't start. The key symbol was on but that's it. So I got it towed to local mechanic through my insurance and I payed 35. They couldn't find the problem so I had to get it towed the car lot where I bougjt it from and it cost me $125. I've since did research and it seems that a lot of people has having the same problem and paying over $1, 000 out of pocket. Now iam waiting for my leinholder to tell me I owe them $1, 000. I really like my 2009 Nissan Maxima but I will not buy another one.

10 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 12/01/2015

I drove to a friends was out of the vehicle about one hour. The vehicle was parked still. I returned to the vehicle and it wouldn't start. I call roadside assistance and got a tow to Nissan dealer. I was told I had to pay $115. 00 diagnostic fee. Then they told me that it was my steering lock unit and it would cost me $1109. 09.

11 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 11/07/2015

I went to start my vehicle and an orange light that read "key" popped up on the dashboard. On my ignition button the "lock" word was luminated. My vehicle would not start, nor turn on electrical systems. I was stranded from picking up my daughter, which caused chaos and unnecessary obstacles that could have been a safety issue. My vehicle was in the off position, parked after only 2 hours after last use. Schools can call child protective services if you do not pick up your kid by a certain time. That proves that if I didn't find a way to get my daughter picked up in a timely manner she would've been in danger. Thank god I was in front of my home when this happened because I could've been in a hostile neighborhood, in the cold, with no heat. The piece in question that was the problem. . . Quoted by Nissan is the "steering lock. " this piece has been recalled by Nissan in the earlier models, but apparently not for my vehicle. (which is the year after the one that is recalled) apparently they didn't fix this issue. What if I was someone who needed to be home to take medicine at a certain time, or I didn't have a phone to tell the school where my daughter is waiting for me the issue, or my wife was in labor? this piece is an unnecessary hazard and needs to be fixed.

12 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 11/03/2015

Unexpectedly the 2010 Nissan Maxima wouldn't start. I then check this website, and find a ton of complaints about the same issue! the electronic steering lock control! I don't understand how Nissan isn't held responsible for this faulty part. I paid almost $40,000 for a car that won't start. This can happen without any warning. My issue occured with my 4 month old son in the vehicle while everyone else I knew was at work. This is completely unacceptable! this same part number was recalled in previous years for the Maxima! the vehicle was stationary after stopping at the bank to make a deposit. Will someone please hold Nissan responsible for this ongoing issue!.

13 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 03/06/2015

I have 2010 Maxima and it has been working great. This morning, I started the car to warm it up for my daughter and turn it off for about 10min. When she was ready to leave, the car would not start. Car has power and door locks work fine locking and unlocking but nothing happens when you push button to start the car. Looks like many complaints about the same problem that is related to steering being locked and there is no way to unlock it. 2009 Maximas had the same problem and Nissan did a recall to fix it but nothing on 2010. . . Why ??? this is a safety concern and needs attention ASAP.

14 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 03/02/2015

My 2010 Nissan Maxima would not start after it was driven to work. The dash light flashed a yellow key, the brake peddle was hard, and the push button was locked. The vehicle was towed to a local dealership where they confirmed the problem was with the electronic steering lock.

15 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/23/2015

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the engine, the key warning light illuminated and the engine failed to start when the automatic push button was pressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock mechanism failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

16 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/19/2015

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and all the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

17 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/18/2015

I went to start my 2010 Maxima and it wouldn't start. I thought it was the battery, so I changed it. No difference. Then I saw that the key indicator was lit on my dashboard. So I checked my key fob, it was fine. Then I began to google the issue and saw that there was a recall on the 2009 altima/maxima's on the electronic steering column lock (escl). I read that owners of Maxima's would remove the bottom dashboard and jiggle or tap the escl and the car would eventually start. I tried this remedy, and it worked. . . Temporarily. The light went off but the very next day it came back on. I was hesitant to start my car after the incident. The car started but the light stayed on. I assumed that there was an electrical issue, but since the car started I went on about my daily routine. Then it happened, I was away from my home, on a date, in the snow, and it wouldn't start again. There I was trying to start my car without tools in the snow!! there are countless complaints about this issue on the internet. Many have gone unresolved, and there are many unsatisfied Nissan owners out there. I love my Maxima, but I am very unsatisfied with Nissan and how they have handled this issue. Especially since they admitted fault with the 2009 model, yet new models still have the same issue. I contacted Nissanassist. Com and filed a complaint and was told that they we're sorry but that they would not assist me.

18 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/14/2015

My wife went shopping before the blizzard, came out car wouldn't start, I hear this is a common on this year of car.

19 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/10/2015

I get in my car by opening the doors with my intelligent key (in other words, the battery isn't dead). Once inside the car, the key light blinks on even though I had the key in my hand. I can't start the car or even press the brake in, the car won't go into acc mode because it doesn't detect the key (again, I'm able to lock, unlock doors, open hood and even sound off the alarm through the same intelligent key. . ?) . I put the fob into the slot and it flashes to eject it. . . Now my car will not start and my windows are stuck down. . . I went to get my other key fob and still doesn't read the key. . . Now my car is stuck and I can not drive it. . . Soooo what I have tried to do was beating on the steering column, making it tilt and all over n over and nothing. . . Unplugging the battery for over 30 minutes in hopes of 'restarting' the alarm system putting in the intelligent key into the slot where the key goes (off the left side of the steering wheel) . . Still key light blinks indicating I need a key. . . . Now looking this up there are alot others with this problem with a 09-10 Nissan Maxima and the gtr has same issue and a recall was done on that. . . So can we please get a recall on the 09 nissian Maxima so this can be solved for myself and others?.

20 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 01/05/2015

I tried to start my car this morning but the car would not start. There was yellow light that said key and when I tried to depress the break nothing happened. There was an extended warranty for the 2009 Maximas for the same exact issue that I have - its due to the stearing column locking. No extended warranty was given for the 2010's which is wrong because clearly there still a problem with the steering column that was not fixed for the 2010 models but Nissan stated that is was infact fixed and no warranty/discount/etc will be given for the 2010s. I will have to pay over $1000 for faulty design due to Nissan. Never buying another Nissan again!.

21 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 12/24/2014

Electronic steering column lock - (escl) failed. Car will not start. Key fob is operational. Known issue with 2009-2010 Nissans. Units are defective, Nissan not willing to take responsibility for 2010 parts. Failure will happen instantly, and will leave you stranded anytime anyplace. Vehicle has to be towed to dealership for repair. Repair cost is >$1,000. 00.

22 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 12/22/2014

I was at the gas station getting gas. When I went to try and start it up the car ignition remains in the lock position. The car will not do anything. In the far left console the key symbol remains lit on the dash board. The key remains lit on the dashboard. I have been reading different forums and it said that it is the steering wheel lock. My car will not start at all and I even changed my battery out.

23 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 12/14/2014

2010 Nissan Maxima (electronic steering column lock) issue. After starting my car and driving 5 minutes to the gas station, I turned off my car and went inside the gas station. When I came out to start the car, I saw little indicator on the dash that looks like a key. I also see an indication, instructing me to remove my key fom from the dock. All and all my car will not start, and after research I seeing that loads of other are having the same issue. I'm expecting Nissan to not cover this. My car has been towed to the local dealership for repair. I strongly agree that this issue should be covered under a recall, since it's the exact same issue the 2009 models are having.

24 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 12/07/2014

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the key sensor light illuminated and the vehicle would not start. The contact notified the dealer who indicated that the intelligent key security system had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 82,000.

25 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 11/23/2014

Came out of the store and the car would not start. Got the car tow to the Nissan dealer on Monday November 25th 2014. The dealer said it was a internal short in the steering lock that cost me $950. 00 to repair.

26 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 11/19/2014

After getting back into my car after dinner, my car would not start. The steering wheel moves, but the brake pedal was locked. The push ignition switch would only go in the "lock" position. The "key" icon was lit up on the left side of the dash. Putting the fob key into the slot (the back up way of starting the car) also did not work. From what I read on line, many 2009-2010 Nissan models have had this problem, which has been attributed to a steering column lock mechanism that doesn't disengage. I imagine this will cost me about 700-1000$ to fix, not to mention the cost to tow the vehicle to the Nissan dealership.

27 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 10/19/2014

I drove my 2010 Nissan max to church. . . The vehicle was working perfectly and we had just recently had it serviced. When I got in vehicle to leave church the vehicle would not start. The key fob would lock and unlock the door but nothing else would come on. There was a light on the dash showing a key but nothing else worked. I had the vehicle towed to the Nissan dealership the next day and was informed the electrical steering column lock switch was not working and needed to be replaced. Repair would cost $1100. I was informed no recalls for 2010 but 2009 altima and Maxima had same issues and recall was done for that year only. I am so upset and disappointed with Nissan especially after reading all the other complaints as well. We have always owned Nissans but I am totally reconsidering my next vehicle purchase.

28 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 10/15/2014

The car after being driven to work and parked in garage stopped working. After leaving the car for a few hours, while at work, I realized the car wouldn't start and like others the car lock sign was on. Reading further about it, it is a very common problem with Nissan's electrical steering control lock and has been reported by many others. After towing the car, the mechanic mentioned the same but Nissan doesn't cover this model. It covers 2009 Maxima and altima, even some other models but not this one. It is costing me over 1200 dollars for the repair, that include 650 dollars for the part, 400 dollars for labor as this is extensive, and then taxes and change. Nissan needs to reimburse its customers for such faulty parts.

29 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 06/09/2014

The car has power. All electronics seem to work, however, when I depress the brake and push the ignition button the car will not start. The first time I try to start it, it will turn over very slowly. Then every time after that, it will give me a metallic clicking sound but will not turn over. I went through the cold and hot start up procedures to no avail. The car still has power, I. E. If I place the button to the on position everything will turn on electronically, but the car still will not start. I have had this problem for several months now. The battery is an interstate battery and has been tested as good. The only time the car will start now is if I get a jump.

30 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 03/06/2014

The steering wheel lock became faulty and vehicle will not start. The same part number of steering wheel lock was put into the Nissan Maxima, Nissan gt-r, and Nissan 370z. The part was recalled in the gt-r, however it hasnt been recalled in the Maxima or 370z. The total work for the repair is $1300. Nissan should be responsible for the costs of the repair due to a faulty steering wheel lock. Nissan recently came out with a revision to the steering wheel lock because the part was faulty.

31 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 03/03/2014

On 3/3/14 my 2009 Nissan Maxima would not start. Symptoms of this issue - key recognized(unlocks and when inserted into key fob port there is a notification) - pressing start button does not work, locked remains illuminated(eg acc and on do not activate) - Nissan intelligent key warning light - all lights come on in the car - brake lights work - electronic seats still move I experienced a dead battery just 3 months earlier so I was sure this was not the issue. Plus I had a new battery. I googled a combination of the symptoms with my model/year and many links came up. Turned out to be the "steering lock failure" which was under a extended warranty. 5 years or 72 k miles. Worst part of the experience was dealing with the people at the midway Nissan on bell road dealership in phoenix. The experience left me knowing that they care more about making money today than earning return customers. Luckily they warranty paid for everything. But they were willing and ready to screw me over.

32 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/09/2014

Arrived at work on 9 Feb 2014, car was working perfectly fine. When it was time to go home, car would not start and a red blinking light with a keylock appeared on dashboard, an attempt was also made with additional key to no success. After researching problem online, it is a well known problem with the automatic steering wheel lock mechanism where it just stops working for no apparent reason. It was recalled on all 2009 Nissan Maxima and altimas, mine is a 2010 manufactured in sept 2009 and the part number is the same as the 2009 Nissan Maxima model. Car was towed to nearby Nissan dealer where they stated my VIN number did not show up as a potential candidate for the 2009 issue extended warranty. I paid $1272 for the repair bill where it is clearly a factory defect and have had zero luck with Nissan customer affairs. They simply denied my request stating that there is no known problem with 2010 and needed more people to come forward. I continued my quest online to search other drivers who had similar issues and have found an entire forum dedicated to this same problem with everyone having the same outcome and having to pay out of pocket expenses for a well documented issue with this model. When car was at Nissan, the option was pay $1200 to fix the issue or leave the car there, there was no other option given or provided as an alternative.

33 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/04/2014

Steering wheel locked and car will not start. Battery works fine, intelligent keys work fine, windows will not roll up. I had to get it towed to the dealership and they could not tell the reason of its malfunction since it wont start. They ran their tests and consulted that it is the steering wheel locking unit. I was told that it would cost 750 to replace. They also told me to call 1800 Nissan 1 and file a complaint. I then had it towed (paying out of pocket this time) to my house until I can pay for the part and have it fixed. It is ridiculous that Nissan has not recalled or even extended warranty for other year models, or at the least make some kind of contribution towards the cost of their own manufacturing mistakes. Instead, they assume that this same issue will not happen to other models. Yet with researching, there are a plethora of customers going through the exact same issue with the exact same part and getting screwed. So much for customer service, they surely will not have much customers if they continue to leave this issue hanging dry. I will assure that I will not recommend others to purchase Nissan vehicles.

34 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 02/04/2014

Went to work park the car with no problems, came out of work car would not start. Thought it was the batteries in the remote due to the yellow light with the intelligent key on the dash, and then remember I just replaced the battery. The doors would unlock and lock with no problems, the brake petal would not go in. Then thought it was the battery hood up a charger and it read it was on 70% charged, called the dealer they told me to have it towed in. The dealer called me the next day and told me it was the steering column, when I asked them why would it do this the only answer they had for me was this has been a problem with this year make and model. With the towing and the diagnostic check and the part with labor it's costing me over 1,000 dollars, the standard warranty does not cover any of this, all out of pocket. I just got rid of a 2008 gl 450 Mercedes Benz, because of having problems with it, I have a 4 year old visually disabled child that I am constantly traveling long distances to medical appointments so this is absolutely unacceptable to me. I always have loved Nissan and this is my 4th Nissan and was planning on purchasing a pathfinder in the falltime. When I purchased this car I stood by the dependability of the name, and I'm very disappointed.

35 Car Will Not Start problem of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Failure Date: 01/15/2014

My 2009 Nissan Maxima will not start. The yellow key light on the left comes on briefly. I had it towed to the dealership and was told it is the steering column lock module and that it will cost over $900 to repair, not to mention over $100 for the diagnostic exam. I don't feel consumers should have to pay for a problem that they have not caused. It's apparent that this is happening frequently according to the research I have done. I feel that Nissan should pay this cost.

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