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2009 Nissan Titan Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Nissan Titan has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear differential and axle seal leaks.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Nissan Titan.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear differential and axle seal leaks

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2009-11 → 2025-01

“Rear driver axle seals leaking very unsafe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638546
“MULTIPLE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS ON PRO-4X MODEL, RESULTING IN FRONT DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE. FIRST DIFFERENTIAL LEAK OCCURRED AT 40,000. SECOND LEAK OCCURRED WITHIN A AFTER THE FIRST WAS REPLACED. BOTH REPLACEMENT SEALS ARE/WERE GENUINE NISSAN PARTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10876510
“I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR END OF MY 2007 NISSAN TITAN. I THOUGH THAT IT MIGHT BE AN OUT OF BALANCE TIRE. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO FIRESTONE WHERE THEY NOTICED MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR AXLE OUTPUT SEAL WAS LEAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10293126

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2023-08

“Our 2009 Nissan Titan was involved in a roll over accident and no air bags deployed. The driver side air bags did NOT deployed at all. My son ended up with a broken collarbone, fractured back rib and possibly humorous fracture on muscle injuries the accident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11529973
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 NISSAN TITAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO AVOID CRASHING INTO A DOG AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10419696
“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY RAN OFF ROAD LOST CONTROL HIT 6 TREES AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY PASSENGER OR PASSENGER SIDE. *TT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11104599

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag emblem and clockspring recall delay

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2024-08

“The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that the air bag emblem had separated; however, the air bag emblem cover remained attached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) which was linked to the failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570851
“I received a recall notice for my 2009 Nissan Titan. I have brought the truck to Premier Nissan, 6636 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA on multiple occasions to have the work performed without success”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607272

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel gauge misreading tied to fuel pump recall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2024-07

“My fuel gauge on my truck does not work properly. When my gauge shows a quarter tank full its completely empty. The reason i know it doesn't is because it died on me in the middle of an intersection and blocked traffic. The gauge still showed a quarter tank of gas”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563271
“MY FUEL PUMP ISSUE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON MY TRUCK. I'VE TRIED FOR A MONTH TO GET IT INTO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND KEEP BEING PUT OFF TIL THE NEXT WEEK. IT FINALLY QUIT COMPLETELY AND I HAD IT TOWED. I WAS PUT OFF ANOTHER WEEK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11233032
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN TITAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO DISPLAY THE CORRECT FUEL LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V074000 (FUEL SYSTEM)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745447

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of braking and parking brake failure

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2019-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN TITAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10574425
“IN JULY 2013, I NOTICED A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I GOT HOME I TOOK THE WHEEL OFF AND IT WAS NOTED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE PAD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE BRAKE SHOE ITSELF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10564931
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PUSHED ENTIRELY TO FLOOR TO ENGAGE. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET THE TRUCK TO SLOW DOWN. LUCKILY AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE TRUCK TO STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172975

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering failure

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2024-03

“MY TITAN HAS ONLY 34617 MILES ON IT AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT WENT BAD AND ALSO SENT METAL SHAVINGS INTO THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. I HAVE TO PAY NISSAN $1200.00 DOLLARS TO FIX THE POWER STEERING UNIT AND TRY TO FLUSH OUT THE METAL SHAVINGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11090060
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN TITAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE GAUGES FLUCTUATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820254
“As I backed into a parking spot I proceeded to try to switch from drive to reverse to straighten out and the lever went floppy. I am stuck in drive with the emergency brakes engaged”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578137

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust manifold and flange corrosion leak

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2012-11 → 2016-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN TITAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOUDER THAN NECESSARY. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820558
“FLANGE CONNECTING TAILPIPE TO MUFFLER RUSTED THROUGH. REMAINING EXHAUST SYSTEM IN PRISTINE CONDITION AND WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF RUST. THIS DISCONNECT BETWEEN MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE ALLOWED HOT EXHAUST TO MELT WIRING HARNESS THAT RUNS ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10485804
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN TITAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FLANGE ON THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS RUSTED ALONG WITH THE TWO BOLTS AND THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10637057

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-12 → 2014-06

“AFTER DRIVING FOR 20 MINUTES WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL PREVIOUSLY ON AND SET AND STILL ON BUT NOT ACTIVATED, I MOMENTARILY APPLIED THE BRAKES AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH THEN LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT THAT HAD RETURNED GREEN THE TRUCK BEGAN TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10604897
“2009 NISSAN TITAN SUDDENLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY ACCELERATED AND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED IT DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMERS SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHEN HE INTENDED TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AT HIS APARTMENT AND HAD COME TO A STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10368979
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN TITAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OWNERS MANUAL ADVISED THAT FLEX FUEL COULD BE USED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STARTED USING FLEX FUEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL TICKING SOUND AND THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE EXCESSIVELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10445915

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On AWD and 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

39 crashes 1990–2024

How the 39 occupant deaths break down

25

driver deaths

14

passenger deaths

39

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Nissan Titan reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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