Most common 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Altima Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Altima Hybrid years: 2010, 2008. Years to avoid: 2009, 2007. Compare all years →
2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid recalls (1)
Electrical system › Software
Nissan is recalling 204,361 my 2007-2008 altima, altima hybrid, 350z, 350z roadster, my 2008 altima coupe, rogue, my 2009 murano, and Infiniti my 2007-2008 g35 sedan, my 2008 g37 coupe and ex35 passenger vehicles equipped with continental automotive systems' occupant classification system (ocs) control units.
Remedy: Dealers will test the signal between the ocs and acu systems using a special tool to check that it is functioning as designed.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid owners say
Brakes
Tl contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid. While the contact was driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and continued to accelerate. Immediately, the brakes were engaged with excessive force and the pedal traveled to the floor. There was no power response which resulted in a crash. The vehicle began to smoke. The fire department and police were not called to the scene. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop for damages sustained in the crash. The authorized dealer inspected the vehicle and was unable to locate the problem. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that a specialist would inspect the vehicle. The contact was waiting on a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 8,000. The current mileage was 12,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid. The contact stated that the brakes failed when applied, causing the contact to crash into a wall and another vehicle. The police were not contacted and there were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised her that the floor mat could have caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 10,700. The current mileage was approximately 10,800. Updated 2/20/13 the consumer stated the body work was completed. Updated 02/21/13
Engine & cooling
Check engine light came on. Diagnostic error code was p0300 indicating intermittent multiple cylinder misfiring. Took the car to the dealer. Was informed that this is a known problem with Altima hybrids due to carbonation of the engine due to frequent starts and stops. Nissan has redesigned the cylinder head and at one time considered a recall but then decided against it and are handling it on a case by case basis. Initiated contact with Nissan corporation. Nissan responded back in 10 days that they will not cover it because the car is not under warranty anymore (warranty expired at 60,000 miles). Newly designed cylinder head was going to cost $2700. Decided to decarbonize the car engine using a kit. Car has been running fine since then. Cost $185. Bottom line: Nissan should have covered the repair cost because it was caused by a design flaw in the cylinder head. …
Check engine light came on. Obd2 code was p0303 and intermittently code p0300 indicating cylinder #3 and multiple cylinder misfiring. Took the car to local garage. Installed new spark plugs and with nissans guidance,they performed upper intake cleaning. Check engine light came back on for same codes. Notified Nissan and brought car to dealer as advised. Dealer replaced coil pack #3 and performed fuel induction cleaning. CEL came back up and dealer recommended removal of head to inspect for warpage after already spending $1200 on this issue. Nissan said they couldn't let me know if any or no financial assistance on the issue until I pay another $600 to inspect the head when a compression test should have been performed when Nissan first worked on the vehicle. Overall, not satisfied with Nissan for dropping the ball on an obvious recall under service bulletin ntb-10-056.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle could only be started sporadically. The failure progressed until the vehicle could no longer be started. The dealer was notified but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was diagnosed by a private mechanic who advised that the brake sensor cables caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000 and the current mileage was 40,000....updated 10/17/12 the consumer stated the start engine button failed about 30 times, when he attempted to start the vehicle. The consumer stated aaa knew exactly what cables to tighten under the steering. Updated 10/17/12
Nissan dealer is saying I must replace part # 48700-9n00b, this same part is under extended warranty on the Altima 2009-2012. Can I get a new version of these.
2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 35 / 33 / 34 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Altima Hybrid rates average: 39% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Altima Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the best Altima Hybrid years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid?
The brakes — 5 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid, the most recent from October 7, 2008 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Altima Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009 and 2007. See the full Nissan Altima Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 53% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.