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2009 Nissan Altima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 Altima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2009 Nissan Altima is a midsize passenger car built on Nissan’s contemporary platform and equipped with a 4.9‑quart capacity engine that uses 0W‑20 API‑rated oil, reflecting the model’s emphasis on efficient lubrication. Across its production span, the Altima has generated 1,547 owner complaints for this year, with steering issues emerging as the most frequent problem and four manufacturer recalls recorded. When placed within the broader reliability timeline—from 1993 through 2025—the 2009 model sits near the median of complaint frequency, well below the 2013 peak of 2,304 complaints and far above the 2025 low of six, indicating a relatively moderate reliability record for its generation.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2009

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type0W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Note the factory front wiper blades is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP215-60TR16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	1520865F0E
Engine air filter	16546JA00B alt 165460Z000
Spark plug	22401EW61C alt 22401JA01B
Battery	24410JA10A alt 24410JA80A
Front wiper blades	28890JA000 discontinued · alt 28890JA010
Serpentine belt	11720JA10B alt 11720JA80A
Thermostat	210496N220 alt 21049ED00A
Cabin air filter	27277JA00C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	182.7 in
Overall width	70.9 in
Overall height	55.5 in
Wheelbase	105.5 in
Curb weight	3056 lb
Track (front / rear)	60.6 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Altima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.8–7.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 2009 3.5 SE

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2009	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	5.80 sec	14.50 sec	270 hp	FWD
2009	3.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V6	5.90 sec	14.60 sec	270 hp	FWD
2009	Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec	7.10 sec	15.60 sec	198 hp	FWD
2008	3.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V6	5.80 sec	14.60 sec	270 hp	FWD
2008	3.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V6	5.80 sec	14.30 sec	270 hp	FWD
2008	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	6.30 sec	14.80 sec	270 hp	FWD
2008	3.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V6	6.40 sec	14.80 sec	270 hp	FWD
2008	2.5 SL 2.5L I-4	7.70 sec	16.00 sec	175 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 0W-20 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0-26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Engine Oil	0W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.9 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.9 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.9 qt
Power Steering Fluid	USE NISSAN POWER STEERING FLUID

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts	65 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	31 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	23 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	129 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	129 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	600 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	600 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Ignition Timing	15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance	5 degrees

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.04-1.16 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	5.03 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	35

Service checks

Pressure Test	23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	18-22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	177-182 °F
Pressure Test	23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	18-22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	180 °F
Pressure Test	23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	18-22 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	20 ft-lbs / 32 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	98 ft-lbs / 62 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0016 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.024 in / 0.354 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.024 in / 0.354 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	0.945 in / 0.315 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

1.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.0

1.4 ft. lbs

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

1.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.0

1.4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90

22 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

14-15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 95

14–15 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

31 ft. lbs., step 2: 60

31 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

32 ft. lbs., step 2: 84-90

32 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	37 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
2	60 degrees	60 degrees
3	completely loosen bolts in reverse order
4	29 ft. lbs.	29 ft. lbs
5	75 degrees	75 degrees
6	75 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.23 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.	75 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	loosen all bolts in reverse order
3	29 ft. lbs.	29 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees	90 degrees
5	90 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 11 mm and 48 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.11 mm, replace bolts.	90 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 1-10

29 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

24-28 ft. lbs., Step 2: 95

24–28 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 3,750 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 3,750 mi. The big-interval services (every 3,750 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 3,750 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 mi	Battery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Drive Belt (replace) · Emission Control System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel System (inspect) · Headlamp (inspect alignment) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)
Every 60,000 mi	Radiator Hose (replace)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2009 Altima sits within the fourth generation (2007–2012), where complaints escalated sharply from 498 in 2007 to 1,028 in 2008 and peaked at 1,547 in 2009, then plummeted to 380 in 2010. This makes 2009 the highest-complaint year of the generation, with a volume more than triple that of the following model year. Recalls held steady at four, matching 2008, while investigations dropped to zero from three in 2007 and one in 2008, indicating that federal scrutiny did not intensify despite the complaint surge. The top complaint areas for 2009 are steering (542) and electrical system (169), with an additional 186 reports linking both, plus 36 crash and 8 fire complaints. Given this peak in reported issues, a 2009 Altima carries a higher risk of owner dissatisfaction, particularly with steering and electrical systems; a later fourth-generation model like the 2010 or 2011 would likely be a more reliable choice.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

117

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

1,547

Owner complaints

36 involved a crash · 8 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08’09’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,547 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering542

Steering,Electrical System186

Electrical System169

Unknown Or Other71

Air Bags62

Power Train60

Structure50

Engine31

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

08V464000WheelsReported 15/09/2008

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… 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…

09V006000Structure:Body:DoorReported 09/01/2009

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

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 117 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G	2024-05-20	Electrical System	VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D	2024-05-20	Electrical System	CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB10-066C	2024-05-20	Electrical System	CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Altima. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 35 battery Vehicles taking 4.9 qt Engine oil filter 1520865F0E Engine air filter 16546JA00B Spark plug 22401EW61C Battery 24410JA10A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 Altima take?

4.9 qt of 0W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 Altima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.