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2009 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 S CVT

The 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 S CVT is a 175-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 sedan with a xtronic cvt and front-wheel drive. It starts at $21,540 MSRP and is rated at 26 mpg combined.

It makes 175 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (26 mpg combined).

The Altima measures 189.8 inches long on a 109.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,189 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$21,540 ($32,636 *)
MSRP with Destination$22,235 ($33,689 *)
Destination Charge$695
Engine
Engine Type2.5L I4 (QR25DE)
Displacement2.5 L
Horsepower175 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve
Injection TypeSequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMPI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
TransmissionXtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
1st Gear2.35
Reverse1.78
Final Drive5.8
Fuel Economy
City23 MPG
Highway31 MPG
Combined26 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular
Tank Capacity20 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-link
Front Stabilizer Bar0.86 in
Rear Stabilizer Bar0.68 in
Brakes
Front Brake Disc11.7 in x 1.02 in, vented
Rear Brake Disc11.5 in x 0.35 in
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 x 7.0 in
Wheels Rear16 x 7.0 in
Tires FrontP215/60R16
Tires RearP215/60R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length189.8 in
Width70.7 in
Height57.9 in
Wheelbase109.3 in
Front Track60.9 in
Rear Track60.8 in
Ground Clearance5.6 in
Cargo Volume15.3 ft³
Curb Weight3,189 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.6 in
Headroom Rear36.8 in
Legroom Front44.1 in
Legroom Rear35.8 in
Shoulder Room Front55.7 in
Shoulder Room Rear55.5 in
Hip Room Front56.8 in
Hip Room Rear52.5 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2009 Nissan Altima 4-DR. w/SAB
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2009 Nissan Altima 2-DR. w/SAB: overall not rated

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan ALTIMA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 10, 2010 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

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.

Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 10V401000

Sep 16, 2009 · SUSPENSION

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).

NHTSA campaign 09V358000

Jan 9, 2009 · STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

NISSAN IS RECALLING 225 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION WELD ON THE DOOR ASSEMBLY.

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIPS AND REMEDIED AT THE FACTORY. NO VEHICLES HAD BEEN RETAILED.

NHTSA campaign 09V006000

Sep 15, 2008 · WHEELS

NISSAN IS RECALLING 3,403 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH ALLOY WHEELS. SOME THESE WHEELS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD CAUSE ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE LUG NUTS ATTACHING THE WHEEL TO THE VEHICLE TO BECOME LOOSE.

Consequence: IF THE LUG NUTS BECOME LOOSE, IT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE IF IT IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE OF THE AFFECTED WHEELS. IF IT IS, THE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES THAT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

NHTSA campaign 08V464000

1,547 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan ALTIMA

Owner Complaints

1,547 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan ALTIMA (36 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 19 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Steering859
Electrical System466
Unknown Or Other146
Engine107
Power Train95
Air Bags91
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jan 16, 2026 · Steering
“The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked, preventing the remote start feature from functioning as designed. The vehicle was towed to…”
Jun 10, 2025 · Engine
“1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The cylinders are constantly misfiring. 2 )How was your safety or the safety of others put at…”
Jan 13, 2025 · Steering
“After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.”
Dec 21, 2024 · Air Bags 1 injury
“Was stopped at a red light - when light turned green car in front of me proceeded to go but stopped . I pressed on the brake at a speed of no more then 15 miles an hour and the driver side airbag from…”
Dec 11, 2024 · Steering, Electrical System
“The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle using the key fob, the vehicle failed to start. The contact depressed the brake pedal and ignition…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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