Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Nissan Altima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while at a stop light the front passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side seat cushion sensor had failed. The dealer updated an unknown software; however, the failure reoccurred persistently. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side seat cushion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
I pulled into Regions bank parking lot to use ATM machine and before I could even park my car accelerated for no reason. I had my foot on the brake but it just made it go faster. I crashed into the building and airbag deployed. This was the scariest driving experience I've ever had. The car is totaled and caused serious damage to bank. I escaped by the grace of God with sprained wrist and elbow and knee abrasions.
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The contact called the dealer and made an appointment; however, the contact was informed that the part might not be available for the appointment. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed 3 hours later that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact was informed by the dealer that several other dealers and was informed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that other dealers would be contacted for parts availability, and a case was filed. The contact stated that a week later, the contact called the manufacturer again and was informed that the part was found and sent to the local dealer. …
While driving down the highway at about 60 mph the vehicle shut off and has not restarted in almost 2 weeks. There was no indication or warning of any engine trouble prior to it shutting off. Luckily, I was getting off an exit and nobody was injured. Had I NOT been exciting the highway, there would have most certainly been a MULTI vehicle accident with severe injuries and possibly even death because of the high speeds. Once the car was completely stopped and off towards the shoulder I tried to restart but got a fast clicking noise, but wouldn't start. Let the car sit for a little tried to jump start it, but now the key indicator was being displayed which means the car wasn't recognizing the key even in the slot. This leads me to believe the security system/ immobilizer could've been what caused it to shut off. The car has not been looked at yet. …
Parked car due to electrical and transmission issues had left it for a couple hours to receive assistance and the car was gone it had no plates because I was attempting to register the car that same day
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Nissan Altima. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, black smoke emitted from the ventilation unit and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that after exiting the vehicle, it caught fire and the front passenger side door failed to open. As a result, the front seat passenger was trapped inside the vehicle and sustained smoke inhalation related injuries that required medical attention. The fire department had to remove the front seat passenger from the vehicle and was able to extinguish the fire. It was later determined that the fire was caused by a faulty ignition switch. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact and the air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Was informed by our Nissan dealership that this vehicle has inoperable airbags due to a failure of the front crash zone sensor. Of course, this is just an assumption on their part. This vehicle has never been in an accident or experience any impact of any nature to cause this sensor to malfunction. Nissan dealership ran a diagnostics test, but still no clear indication as to there being inoperable airbags. Was given two options, starting with one option of replacing the sensor in its entirety at an estimated cost of $525, and if that didn't work, running another diag. Test at an additional estimated cost of $592. In an attempt for some assistance, a consumer complaint was filed with Nissan north America only to be denied assistance on the cost of this repair. Their decision was based solely on the age of the vehicle and it not being under a warranty. …
I had only one issue with my 08 Altima. The car would occasionally not recognize either of the key-fobs for what seemed like no reason. It did not seem to matter what time of day, temp., or weather. I even replaced the batteries of the key-fobs and the cars battery as well. (which was suggested as the first try to remedy this problem). On May 3, 2013 with about 66,000 miles or so (still a baby as far as car mileage goes) I had no issues starting the car or with it recognizing the key-fob. The 'issue" happened as I was making a lane change. The steering wheel locked making it impossible to control the car causing us (2 children and myself) to crash. My car was totaled... And after this experience I will not be purchasing or riding in another Nissan again. I'm certain had I been on a major hwy when this occurred we would have died and others injured/dead as well.
5 yrs ago the sound of my engine changed and upon inspection the welding on the exhaust manifold was cracked. I was informed by pembroke pines Nissan that since car is at 38,500 miles and out of warranty despite it being a manufacture failure it would set me back $975. I didn't have the repair done. For the past 3 yrs, my passenger airbag light will turn off and on even irregardless if someone is in the seat or not. Furthermore, the radio will go blank or have illegible characters on it. I too have the melting dash issue as well as a couple of times I slipped and my finger nail has gouged out pieces of dash board. It's amazing that Lexus has issued a recall on their melting dash board on the is250 & is350 issues but Nissan could care less about its brand or reputation; I guess that's what happens when the company isn't whole japanese owned.
Related recalls
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.
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.
Electrical complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 90 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Nissan Altima, 9% of the model year's 1,030 complaints. The component named most often is software (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Nissan Altima electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-521 (software, Oct 7, 2008); NHTSA recall 07V-599 (module, Dec 28, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Nissan Altima electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 4 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.