2008 Nissan Altima problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Nissan Altima, most often about body & structure. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
108
Recalls
1
Crashes
8
Fires
1
Injuries
4
Median mileage
117,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Body & Structure is the most-reported problem area, named in 20 of 108 complaints (19%).
  • Visibility & Wipers (18) and airbags (17) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 117,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 8 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries.
  • The 2008 Nissan Altima has 1 recall on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 9th of 22 Nissan Altima model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 227% more complaints than the 2007 model year (33).

2008 Nissan Altima problems by category

  • Other / Unknown
    46 complaints
  • 20 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    18 complaints
  • Airbags · 3 crashes
    17 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    11 complaints
  • Engine
    10 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash
    7 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    7 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 2 crashes
    6 complaints
  • Brakes · 3 crashes
    6 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    4 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    3 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Unknown or other46
Visibility/wiper18
Air bags15
Structure:body12
Electrical system11
Engine10
Power train8
Suspension7

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k660k–100k11100k–150k12150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2008 Nissan Altima complaints that list mileage.

2008 Nissan Altima recalls (1)

  • Recall 10V401000Sep 10, 20107,948 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

    Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can overheat.

    Risk: Overheated batteries could result in a fire.

    Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2010. Owners may contact garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE11020Opened May 23, 2011Closed Mar 14, 2012

    Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE11-020 to investigate possible brake performance loss due to brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster in the subject vehicles.A total of 237 complaints were identified by ODI and Nissan.The majority of complaints and warranty claims reported that brake malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination as the only symptom of a problem.Only 12 complaints alleged any effect on brake performance and in each of these the drivers were able to stop the vehicles without incident.No crash claims could be attributed to the alleged…

Recent 2008 Nissan Altima complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 5, 202680,000 miCACrash1 injuredTowedBrakes
    The contact's mother owned a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her mother was driving 20 MPH, the brakes suddenly stopped responding when the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle crashed into a pole. The brake pedal was depressed, and the parking brake was activated, but the vehicle failed to respond. The driver sustained injuries to the face with cuts and bruises to the stomach, chest, arms, back and neck pain. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11769097 · source
  2. Filed Apr 25, 2026WIOther / Unknown
    Like many others in this make/model, dashboard is melting, resulting in glare onto windshield, off-gassing of chemicals, and concerns that airbags may not properly deploy. Inspected only by vehicle repair technician, but available for inspection by others at any time.
    NHTSA complaint #11733764 · source
  3. Filed Oct 30, 2025WIOther / Unknown
    Had to have AC system repaired three times for the same issue. Evaporator/Heater Core needed to be replaced twice along with other repairs to AC system. Nissan would not back up evaporator repair.
    NHTSA complaint #11696549 · source
  4. Filed Oct 30, 2025WIAirbags
    Passenger air bag indicator light has been on for 2 years and have been unable to locate issue. All air bag systems test good except error code for passenger side air bag.
    NHTSA complaint #11696545 · source
  5. Filed Aug 20, 2025CASteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires
    Suspension and steering issues purchased many new tires throughout the yrs to find out it had suspension issues. There are 4 recalls listed on my insurance policy that describes exactly what's been wrong with my car since purchased. When calling nissan and checking your data base my vin # has never had any recalls for these issues but is obvious this make and model has been affected as well. Please look into this some more car is not safe and we were sold a lemon from day 1.…
    NHTSA complaint #11681830 · source
  6. Filed Aug 18, 2025CAAirbags
    At first, the passenger airbag off light always turn on when a person sit on the seat(never turn off). Then few months later the Airbag light on dashboard starts flashing with no reason, 1 long 5 shorts.
    NHTSA complaint #11681359 · source
  7. Filed Jul 5, 2025FLOther / Unknown
    I bought this used from a private owner, on consignment at a used car lot Pinellas County FL May 2020. The previous owner installed a dashboard mat to cover up the melting, cracking dashboard, after 5 years of ownership, the dashboard is in serious degraded condition worse when I purchased it. I was unaware of the class action lawsuit 2017 over the safety concerns. Obvious resale value will be an issue as well. I continue to maintain this vehicle with 176,000 miles. I wanted…
    NHTSA complaint #11671370 · source
  8. Filed Apr 7, 2025SCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    After driving over a hour or so the rpm will stick at 3 and the mph will not go over 60. The car occasionally lose power as well. I have already had the throttle body and the alternator recently done.
    NHTSA complaint #11653120 · source

Compare the 2008 Nissan Altima with another vehicle →

Other 2008 Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology