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2009 Nissan Maxima

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

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2009 Maxima is a passenger car powered by an engine requiring 4.9 quarts of 5W-30 API oil, paired with an automatic transmission featuring variable gear ratios and EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. Owner feedback totals 339 complaints, with steering as the primary concern, alongside a single recall. Within the model's complaint history from 1990 to 2023, this year's 339 complaints place it well below the 2004 peak of 1,425 but far above the 2015 low of just one, indicating a moderate reliability standing.

Model year2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2009

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy19/26/22 mpgEPA · 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 Note the factory front wiper blades is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known.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

Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	1520865F0E
Engine air filter	16546V0100
Spark plug	22401EW61C
Battery	24410JA10A
Front wiper blades	28890JA000 discontinued · alt 28890JA010
Serpentine belt	11720JA10B
Thermostat	13050ZA000 alt 212009HP0A
Cabin air filter	27277JA00C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	190.6 in
Overall width	73.2 in
Overall height	57.9 in
Wheelbase	109.4 in
Curb weight	3594 lb
Track (front / rear)	62.2 / 62.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	62/38

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	19 / 26 / 22 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	96 cu ft
Cargo volume	14 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

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

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

5.8–6.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 2009 SV

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2009	SV 3.5L V6	5.80 sec	14.50 sec	290 hp	FWD
2009	SV 3.5L V6	6.00 sec	14.50 sec	290 hp	FWD
2009	SV 3.5L V6	6.10 sec	14.70 sec	290 hp	FWD
2009	SV 3.5L V6	6.30 sec	14.70 sec	290 hp	FWD
2013	SV 3.5L V6	5.80 sec	14.30 sec	290 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 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 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	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
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	23 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	29.0 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

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
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
Ignition Timing Reference RPM	Idle rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.15-1.27 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	5.03 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	550 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	11-14 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	180 °F
Injector Primary Resistance	11.1-14.5 ohms
Engine Oil Pressure	14 psi @ Idle, 43 psi @ 2000 rpm psi
Intake Valve Lash	0.012-0.016 in
Exhaust Valve Lash	0.012-0.017 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	25 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	0.0014 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.102 in / 0.63 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.102 in / 0.63 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	1.024 in / 0.551 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

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

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

32 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	loosen all bolts in reverse order
3	29-36 ft. lbs.	29–36 ft. lbs
4	103 degrees	103 degrees
5	103 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.	103 degrees

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) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
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) · Radiator Cap (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
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 Nissan Maxima sits in an interesting position within this generation's arc. Federal complaint data shows a dramatic spike from 2004–2006 (peaking at 1,425 complaints in 2004), followed by a sharp decline through 2007–2008 (dropping to just 78 complaints). However, 2009 marks a significant reversal, with complaints jumping to 339—more than four times the 2008 level and approaching the elevated complaint rates of the early 2000s. This uptick coincides with only 1 recall for the model year, and the complaints are concentrated heavily in Steering (103 complaints), followed by Air Bags (35) and a combined Steering/Electrical category (34). With 7 crash-related complaints and 2 fire complaints recorded, the 2009 model represents the generation's re-emergence of quality concerns after a two-year improvement period. The 100 TSBs on record suggest the manufacturer was actively addressing various technical service issues throughout this period. **Takeaway:** The 2009 Maxima is not a recommendable year within this generation. The sharp increase in complaints after the improving trend of 2007–2008, combined with the concentration of steering-related complaints (which includes the 7 crash complaints), indicates this model year may carry forward the generation's underlying issues. A prospective buyer should at minimum obtain a thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on steering components, or consider the 2007–2008 models which showed markedly better federal complaint records.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

100

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

339

Owner complaints

7 involved a crash · 2 a fire

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

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’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

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 339 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering103

Air Bags35

Steering,Electrical System34

Suspension23

Electrical System22

Unknown Or Other17

Seats10

Structure7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09V358000SuspensionReported 16/09/2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO… Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 100 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 Maxima. 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 16546V0100 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 Maxima take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 Maxima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Maxima get?

EPA figures are 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg.