Many 2013–2018 Nissan Altima and Maxima models experienced premature brake booster failure, resulting in loss of brake assist, increased stopping distance, and a “hard pedal” condition. Nissan issued extended warranty coverage for affected vehicles after widespread complaints and internal investigations.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Nissan | Altima | Caution |
Component: Brake Booster Assembly Issues: loss of brake assist, hard pedal, increased stopping distance Notes: booster diaphragm failure common; Nissan issued extended warranty for affected VINs Legal context: covered under brake booster warranty extension program |
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| 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Nissan | Maxima | Caution |
Component: Brake Booster Assembly Issues: intermittent loss of brake assist, hard pedal, vacuum leak Notes: similar failure pattern to Altima; updated booster design introduced mid‑cycle Legal context: included in extended warranty coverage for brake booster defects |
Nissan and Infiniti vehicles from 2009–2014 suffered widespread failures of the electronic steering column lock module (ESCL). When the module fails, the vehicle cannot detect that the steering is unlocked, preventing the car from starting. A class action lawsuit led to reimbursement for many owners and, in some cases, Nissan disabled the ESCL system entirely in later repairs.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 2010 2011 2012 | Nissan | Altima | Caution |
Component: Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Issues: car will not start, “LOCKED” message, failed steering lock module Notes: Nissan later disabled ESCL in repairs; class action provided reimbursement Legal context: included in ESCL class action settlement |
|
| 2009 2010 2011 2012 | Nissan | Maxima | Caution |
Component: Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Issues: no‑start condition, failed lock actuator Notes: same ESCL hardware as Altima; high failure rate Legal context: covered under ESCL reimbursement program |
|
| 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 | Nissan | 370Z | Caution |
Component: Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Issues: sudden no‑start, lock module failure Notes: sports models especially affected; many owners had ESCL permanently disabled Legal context: included in ESCL class action reimbursement |
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| 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 | Infiniti | G37 | Caution |
Component: Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Issues: no‑start, steering lock stuck engaged Notes: identical ESCL design to Nissan models; high failure incidence Legal context: covered under ESCL class action settlement |
Nissan issued extended warranties for brake booster failures and reimbursed many owners for ESCL steering lock failures following class action litigation. Many ESCL modules were permanently disabled in later repairs to prevent recurrence.