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).
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. Going back and forth to dealership lies and mechanics to find out it's always been a suspension issue I don't know the exact terms but suspension and some type of electric issue just as the recalls stated on my insurance policy description. Please advise or help Nissan make this right to keep our streets and cars safe while on the road. …
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.
I went to another county with my kids to visit my mom and when I tried to leave the car wouldn't start and there was a light in the dashboard that indicated a key in an amber color, I tried giving it a jumpstart to see if that was the problem and changing the battery of the Smart key and nothing worked. I ended up having to leave my car parked in the street where my mom lives and spent the night with my mother and the next day I called my nearest Nissan dealer who told me that it was most likely the electronic steering column lock but my car wasn't covered in the recent recall.
This is the 5th time this has happened in the last 4 weeks and each time I have been left stranded. The escl - electronic steering column lock has failed. My car unlocks/locks properly with the key fob, aux electrical works fine, headlights, radio ect.. However the brake will not depress and the steering wheel is locked not allowing me to start my vehicle leaving me stranded. This is bs! I am very upsetnissan should have a recall and replace this part, but instead I was told this will cost me upward of $1,000 to repair. Please help!!!!
Dashboard, steering wheel, and shift handle have all melted from heat. The dashboard has become almost liquified, and the glare from the now shiny surface creates a reflection on the windshield, creating a safety hazard. The steering wheel has become gummy, making steering unsafe, and the rubbery material on the shift handle has become gummy, making it difficult to safely shift gears accuarately.
My car was in my driveway when I tried to start it. A yellow light with a key appeared in the upper left corner of the dash. The car wouldn't start. We researched the warning light and tried everything suggested such as disconnecting the battery, disconnecting the negative battery, etc. With no luck. I have to drive to a conference 4 hours away tomorrow and now have no car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. While parked, the vehicle failed to start on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
I was driving down a dirt road and my car died I tried to start it back up but it wouldn't do anything I can't turn on any lights unlock or lock the car nothing. Shows a light on the dash that looks like the key fob and looked it up and it says that something under the steering column can cause the issues and has a recall
Electronic steering lock column has failed on my vehicle. This part is a known issue for 2010 Nissan altimas burn 2008 has not been even addressed. This failed part .had left me stranded. The vehicle was stationary when the lock no longer worked. Failed unit had been quoted at $1100 repair cost.
Car suddenly would not start - was stranded and had to call to have it flat bedded to a dealership. I was told the steering lock needed to be replaced. Was provided extended warranty for this part since if a defect, I was two weeks overdue and they would not pay for the work to be completed.
Steering complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Nissan Altima, 4% of the model year's 1,030 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Nissan Altima steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Nissan Altima, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Nissan Altima steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.