Most common 2008 Nissan Altima problems
Share of the 1,030 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Altima complaints by model year
Best Altima years: 2022, 2025, 2023. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2009, 2002. Compare all years →
2008 Nissan Altima recalls (4)
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.
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.
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.
Suspension
Nissan is recalling 1,018 my 2008 altima vehicles. The left side front suspension transverse link bolt May not have been tightened to specification. This condition could cause the bolt to become loose while the vehicle is being driven.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the transverse link bolt to specification free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2008. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Electrical system › Ignition › Module
On certain passenger vehicles that have had the body control module (BCM) replaced during service at a dealership, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) May have been inadvertently deactivated due to an issue with the dealer service software.
Remedy: Dealers will check the TPMS function and reactivate it if necessary. The recall began on January 18, 2008. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Nissan Altima:
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…
What 2008 Nissan Altima owners say
Body & structure all 312 →
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the dashboard was melting due to extreme heat. The contact stated that there was a glare reflecting off the dashboard and onto the windshield which would obstruct her vision while driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and it was stated that they could repair the dashboard. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the dashboard had melted and was sticky. There were also cracks on the dashboard. The failure caused a glare on the front windshield, which obstructed her view of the roadway while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 188 →
Glare off dash board is blinding on sunny days. Dashboard is melting, the melted dash reflection is distraciton/ binding on sunny days, and smell from dash is not pleasant. Not knowing actual product that is melting is concerning since melting plastics and vinyl can be toxic. Took car out for ride on sunny day had to pull over because of glare dashboard. Tried to contact Nissan about any products to resurface and contain the melted mess an smell. They offered no solutions besides take in to local dearliship. Not shelling out 500 dollars for nationally known defective material. You can contact any quality managment firm or producer that have working knowledge with plastics and vinyl to confirm that this is a major quality defect. I can not even find out what actual material was used to cover for soft dash.
The dashboard is defective and breaking down chemically. The chemical compound that the dashboard is made of is not resistant to sunlight causing it to crack break down and become very shiny. Not only does this admit harmful toxins that can be breathed in by the passengers, more dangerously it creates a glare on the windshield making it difficult to see through the window. This can impair vision resulting in an accident by the driver. In addition from what I understand the airbag is under this piece of equipment which is degrading and faulty.
Air bags all 142 →
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle crashed into a second vehicle. During the crash, the front passenger-side airbag did not deploy and the front passenger sustained a fractured nose, a concussion, and bruises. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer(unknown) and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.
While pulling into a parking spot and coming to a halt, I put the car into park mode. My foot was still on the brake. Instantly the engine went into "overdrive" and lurched forward over a parking curb and through heavy brush and finally came to a stop after hitting a pine tree. The engine was still screaming and the tires still spinning until I hit the off button. I had my foot on the brake the entire time to no avail. The heavy brush slowed the car somewhat. The airbags didn't deploy. I had several witnesses and they all stated they saw my brake lights on. I plowed approx. 50 feet through the brush before hitting the tree. I was the only one involved and was not hurt. This was Thurs. Sept. 28, 2023. It was in a state park and no police report made. Park Ranger took down info.
2008 Nissan Altima engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 35 / 33 / 34 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 31 / 26 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | FWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Nissan Altima a good car?
Based on 1,030 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Altima rates avoid: 2.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Altima at the same age. It is one of the Altima years we suggest avoiding. 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?
The body & structure — 312 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (188) and air bags (142).
How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Altima have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2008 Nissan Altima, the most recent from September 10, 2010 (navigational system(global positioning system)). 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2025 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2009 and 2002. See the full Nissan Altima years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Nissan Altima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 31% 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.