On 3/13/2013 I drove my vehicle to work at approximately 8:55am and parked everything in car was fully operational and functioned properly. At 6:30pm I approached my vehicle unlocked the door using my key fob, entered the vehicle and proceeded to press the ignition button and nothing happens. After switching on the headlights and noticing no power issues I noticed a flashing indicator light in the dash that said no key present. After being the only car left in the dark secluded parking lot I started off on a journey to purchase a battery for the key fob and it did not solve the phenomenon. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership which is about 60 miles away from my home. The dealer after investigating for a matter of minutes were quickly able to diagnose the problem which was a steering lock module that was very costly. Upon further research, I found that there are a great number of Altima's and other Nissan vehicle that are infected with the same defective steering lock devices that causes you to randomly be stranded in secluded areas without prior notice. This I find highly unethical for Nissan to be totally aware of such defective equipment and not have any concern for the welfare of it's customers nor their children. Im hoping that the NHTSA can protect consumers from bullies like Nissan and help us get the recall we deserve. All we want is a reliable product that can perform the way it was intended to perform. So let's do what is necessary to hold Nissan up to the american standard of putting out quality reliable products and not ripping off consumers.

- Powder Springs, GA, USA

As with dozens of other complaints online, when I attempted to start my 2009 Nissan Altima (which had been sitting with its engine off for no more than five minutes), the key illuminated on the dashboard, the steering and brakes felt unresponsive, and the car would not start. Late, cold, and rainy the night of the incident, the car was towed to the dealership the next morning. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed steering lock unit--a result that is unsurprising to anyone who types those symptoms into a google search. For the small fee of $900, my car was back on the road two days after the incident. Given the frequency with which this appears to be happening to other owners, there is little doubt that this a manufacturing defect that presents a significant risk of injury should the car not start in a remote area or in the path of traffic.

- Kennett Square, PA, USA

Drove car to work. After work went out to vehicle and it would not start. After extensive research learned this has happen to many Nissan Altima owners. There is no warning. Once the car is turned off the steering lock control unit has been failing leaving people stranded - I am one of them. The part can only be purchased at a Nissan dealer. The cost is $1000. No warning. The safety issue is I live in mn. We have extremely cold winter. If I went ice fishing in the middle of no where and came back to my vehicle I would have been stranded with no source of heat. My only hope would be a cell phone, providing I have one. The second part is a local garage wouldn't even be able to repair the vehicle. It can only be repaired by Nissan. I hope you recognize my concern.

- Burnsville, MN, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while parked, the intelligent key warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact shut the engine off and attempted to restart the vehicle but to no avail. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the steering unit would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

2009 Nissan Altima-26,500 miles when vehicle would not start. Key light on dashboard illuminated. Car was towed to dealer who informed me the problem was a faulty steering lock control unit. Cost $900 to repair with no guarantee new part isn't defective. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle and known to the manufacturer. Nissan needs to recall and refund everyone who has paid to repair their defective cars.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

I went to drive home after work and when I got into the car there were no lights illuminated on the instrument panel except for the intelligent key and security indicator lights. I attempted to start the car but it would not even start to turn over. I noticed all of the locks and headlights still worked so I knew it was not an electrical issue. Luckily this happened in the daytime and I was not left, stranded in the middle of the night and/or I harsh conditions, though I have read on forums about others who were not so lucky. Upon calling the tow truck and being taken to the Nissan service station, I was informed by the mechanic there that my car problem could be caused by either a malfunction to the key fob or with the steering lock mechanism. After doing some research I found that it sounded exactly like problems that hundreds of other customers had with the steering lock control. The next day, I was informed by the service dept. That it was indeed the steering lock control (part #48700-9N00B) which was responsible of the car not working. My car is not even 3 1/2 years old and looking at the accumulated mileage, has not been driven extensively. This, compounded with the fact that there are literally hundreds of Nissan customers who have had the exact same part malfunction on the same exact year and model of car with the exact or close mileage is very telling about the quality of the part. There is no reason why a car as young as mine/the others involved should be having a major and extremely costly malfunction such as this one. Clearly this part is faulty and should be recalled.

- Astoria, NY, USA

I would like to add my 2009 Nissan Altima to the growing list of owners who've experienced the illuminated key of death. I've had the car for 4 1/2 months and the vehicle had 34,900 miles on it. Noticed the illuminated key on Friday, researched it and saw it said call the dealer in the manual. Saturday the light was off so I figured I was good. Had a major snowstorm Saturday. Sunday, went to the shopping center, parked and went inside. Came out an it was dead. I knew exactly what it was from reading the hundreds of reports on it. Had it towed to the dealer on Monday. He had the parts and back on the road later that evening. Only $950 poorer and aggravated that I only purchased this "reliable" vehicle 4 months earlier. This is definitely my first and last Nissan. When you see that key, or even if you don't, its not a matter of if you'll break down, but when and where. Nissan, you suck! step up to the plate and at the very least, cover the repairs and towing. I know you don't give a rat's [xxx] about your customers but do the right thing. A Nissan will never be in my driveway. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Trenton, NJ, USA

03/06/2013, my husband attempted to pick me up from the train station, and my 2009 Nissan Altima coupe would not start. We contacted the Nissan dealership whom gave us a couple of options, place the key in the port, put the car in neutral, and get the spare key, nothing, worked! so the last option was to get the car to the dealership. First, it had to be towed there, a diagnostic was done, it was stated that steering lock control unit was needed, this was a whooping $800. Now I read the forum on this and this is a monopoly, every one whom commented whose mileage was between 30, 000 to 60,000, this problem occurred. Now this definitely needs to be recalled if you add up everyone whom has spent $800 or more to get this price fixed and is truly over a million dollars. Its really shame that people whom want a nice car have the pay such an expense, this was my first car in 10 years and was really proud of myself and still am and have recommended other Nissan to members of my family but my I am truly upset that only after having my car less than a year, I had to incur such a major expense like this one. Please recall this! we need a stop to the madness!!!!!!!!

- Burlington, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the steering lock failed and would not allow the contact tom move the steering wheel to start the vehicle. In addition, the anti-theft system engaged erroneously. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering lock unit malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance because the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 59,050.

- North Little Rock , AR, USA

While over 700 miles away from home in Minnesota winter weather, my car would not start. After trying to jump the battery, car still would not start. Lights would turn on radio, etc.. I was stranded and had to have my car towed the next day to the dealership and discovered that the steering lock mechanism (part number 48700-9N00B) had broke not allowing the steering wheel to lock so car would start. The car only has 34,545 miles on it, however, age of car is 3 yr 5 month so not covered under warranty. After extensive research on the internet, it has been confirmed that an alarming number of complaints due to the same issue with repairs running $1,000 on average have been found. I and others feel this part should be recalled or covered my the manufacturer. It is unreasonable that his particular part would need to be replace as many times as it has. By leaving consumers stranded and unable to operate their cars due to a defective part not only becomes nuisance, but in my opinion, a safety hazard.

- Cape Girardeau, MO, USA

Started the car one cold morning and it ran fine. Stopped for coffee at starbucks came out and the car did not start, did not click, did nothing. Turns out, the car had to be towed to a dealer which cost $85, then evaluated $120, then repaired for a broke steering mechanism lock $940. I returned to review this problem on line and found numerous complaints for the same condition. I am also told this was corrected for the 2010 models. Why is not a recall for this condition? I plan to go to the next step to recover my money...

- Massapequa, NY, USA

Electronic steering lock assembly failed preventing the car from powering on or starting. It took almost two weeks for the dealership to receive the replacement part. From my research, it appears that many other people have experienced the same part failure. The part was not covered under the power-train warranty and was almost $900 to get repaired. Nissan recommended we report the issue for a possible future recall.

- Antelope, CA, USA

2009, Nissan Altima 2.5S. Would not start, yellow illuminating key in left hand corner. Towed to dealership said could be one of 3 things. I told him I looked online and it was the steering wheel lock mechanism. He called me the next day and confirmed the problem. Cost would be 900 which included a freight fee of $50.67. First time ever for a shipping fee at a car dealership. Mileage is 60,149.

- Severn, MD, USA

Last Monday Feb 4 I went out to start my car an go to work. Nothing happened. It didn't even recognize my keyfob. The key light was lit up on dash. I had my battery in my car replaced and my keyfob battery replaced. After further research I found that its the steering control lock that was failing. I called my local Nissan dealer in owensboro ky and they said the part was on back order and didn't know when it would be in" I have been without a car for over a week. [xxx] at Nissan in owesboro said no rental cars where available. I have a small child and I work so I need my vehicle in working order. I called Nissan customer service and she said I would only be refunded if the part was recalled which it isn't. so I have to pay out of pocket for the part, labor, and $90 to have it towed 22 miles to owensboro to be fixed. Im sorry but in my opinion its not my fault it failed. I paid over $12,000 for the car now I have to pay another $800 to be fixed" that's unacceptable! something needs to be done! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Mchenry, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the start button for the ignition would not start the vehicle. The steering lock light illuminated on the instrument panel when the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated the steering lock needed to be replaced. The dealer responded as if this was an isolated issue. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage and current mileage was 57,915. Updated 3/28/13 updated 05/10/2013

- Old Fort, OH, USA

Had stopped to get breakfast. Locked my car and upon returning unlocked the car and tried to start vehicle with no success. There was no response from my car. When the tow truck arrived I then learned that the brakes were stiff and steering wheel did not want to turn. We had it towed to Nissan dealer. After leaving it there I did some investigating online about potential problems. Was shocked to see how many people had the same problem as me presently and past. Apparently, several people found themselves in similar situations with getting no help from Nissan of North America with replacement of the steering lock mechanism. I had yet to hear if this was my problem but was given the sad/expensive news a day later that indeed I would be included in the growing number of Nissan owners who would have to pay to have this faulty part replaced. But the fun didn't stop there. The part is on backorder (because so many are needed) until further notice and there are recalls on my car that no one bothered to tell me about. I called Nissan and left a message with a customer service rep who was going to forward my concern onto a regional concern specialist. When she called me back two days later she informed me that it is not Nissan job to let their owners/drivers know about recalls but the dealers job. In addition, she's pretty sure that no help will be given to replace the part that will cost me 700 dollars. But she would ask and call me back three days later. She is supposed to call me tomorrow with the answer. Shocked is the only word that comes to mind about my situation. I can't believe that this part has caused so many people so many problems but it is not on a recall list somewhere. Is there nothing to be done for it? even the service tech at the dealer has told me that they have replaced several. My car was parked when it quit responding but someone could be driving. Help!

- Canmer, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the manual start button on the vehicle failed to function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 31,316.

- Aberdeen, MD, USA

I got into my car with my 3 month old son to bring my fianc dinner at work. After we dropped dinner off we stopped by the gas station to get gas. I turned off my car to pump, and when I returned to the driver seat I put my foot on the brake like normal and hit the start button and nothing happened. I assumed my car had died, but my lights would still come on and I noticed a warning light that said key. I had my 3 month old in the car and it was cold outside so I quickly flipped through the manual to find out what that light meant. After reading about it in the manual and looking it up online I quickly realized this is a recurring problem in the Altima. I had to call my fiances father to come pick us up and have my car towed. So now I have to pay for the car to get towed and from everyone else's complaints it will cost atleast $700 to fix. Nissan has a huge issue they need to recall. I travel a lot with my 3 month old, and what if this would have happened at a random gas station far away from family. I do not feel the we should have to pay for their mistakes in making this vehicle. Something needs to be done about this now.

- Ocean Springs , MS, USA

Part 2 - confirmation number 10500119 part 1 --- I wanted to add that I purchased this car new in 2009. This will cost me out of pocket $685 and of course like a said previously the warranty of 3/36,000 being the years that expired first. I've only had this car 3 1/2 years you shouldn't have major problems like this with a car this early. This should be a big red flag to the Nissan company!.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

First problem started with a funny sound when the car would start and sometimes it would not start the first time with pushing the auto start. This was about 6 months ago and about 4 months ago I got the visual on the column that the smartkey was low and had them replace by the dealership and reprogrammed in both keys. This is when all the problems started delayed start not starting then I left home and arrived at work fine the morning of 02/25/13 and had to travel to another site and tried to start car and it wouldn't even attempt to start. I had a mechanic friend come look at it and then the illumination of the low key and the no key showed up but still would not start. We took smartkey out to dealership and replaced again tried this and it didn't start. We checked everything and called dealership back and they said we could put the smartkey in the slot to start car this didn't work either. I finally had it towed to the dealership and they said it's a steering lock mechanism and electric problems. I've had this car only 3 1/2 years and this is ridiculous and seems to be a big problem with numerous other Nissan. I've been told by the dealership they are using the same part to fix my car and it could happen again. What scares me and could put my life in danger is the steering could go out while I'm driving and could kill me. I have told my family if I'm in an accident to test my steering and if that's the reason for the accident or my death they are to sue Nissan. This should be a recall and fixed with dependable parts and if it happens again and again they should replace with no cost to the consumer parts or labor. Of course, my warranty has expired because of the 3 yr. Always the case. I want full reimbursement from Nissan because this definitely needs to be a recall!!!!!!!!

- Roanoke, VA, USA