DecodedCars2009 Nissan Maxima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /Sv
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Nissan Maxima is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,594 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 2% better than the 2009 midsize car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2009
- New body dimensions: 3.1 in shorter, wheelbase −2.4 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Maxima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Sv | 190.6 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 3,594 lb | 62/38 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +2% | $3,750 | 404 |
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 Maxima under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Nissan Maxima (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Impala | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Maxima.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Nissan Maxima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Nissan Maxima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Steering — 87 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 38 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 30 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 98,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 Maxima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Maxima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 5 |
| 2021 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 22 |
| 2019 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 18 |
| 2018 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 36 |
| 2017 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 106 |
| 2016 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 142 |
| 2014 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 90 |
| 2013 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 52 |
| 2012 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 82 |
| 2011 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 83 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →