DecodedCars2009 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe 2.5s, 2dr Coupe 3.5se, 4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s, 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5 Se
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 35 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 182.7–189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,056–3,516 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 57% better than the average 2009 midsize car (21.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,095 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 116 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,056 lb (2dr Coupe 2.5s).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (35 city / 33 highway), 57% better than the 2009 midsize car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1095 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Altima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Altima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe 2.5s | 182.7 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,056 lb | 61/39 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.5se | 182.7 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,186 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s | 189.8 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,150 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5 Se | 189.8 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,307 lb | 61/39 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD | 189.8 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,516 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Hybrid Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 / 33 / 34 | +57% | $1,950 | 261 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +20% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +20% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +20% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +20% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +2% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +2% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Nissan Altima under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Nissan Altima (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Sep 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V401000 · 7,948 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2009 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 627 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 302 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 81 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Altima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Altima | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 161 |
| 2019 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 234 |
| 2018 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 226 |
| 2017 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 393 |
| 2016 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 555 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 952 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →