Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Nissan Maxima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Maxima. While driving at least 15 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a minor crash. The passenger side air bag deployed without warning. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. Although the insurance company declared the vehicle as destroyed, the contact repaired the vehicle, but did not repair the air bag. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V136000(air bags). The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
The driver side airbag has malfunction with the light constantly flashing. Took vehicle to Nissan dealers to diagnose what is causing the problem with airbag light constantly flashing and was told they do not know, but if I get involve in an accident the airbag probably will not inflate. They print out several steps Nissan north America recommends to fix the problem which would cost me thousands of dollars. My seat-belts are powertrain until 2018. This makes no since that my driver side airbag all of a sudden stop working even though I have had no accidents involving my car therefore, Nissan should voluntarily fix the problem before I am involved in an accident and my airbag does not inflate which could lead to deadly consequences. I want the fhta to contact Nissan and have them to work to resolve this issue before it leaves to something seriously. …
Air bag warning light came on. I took same to Nissan dealership service center and had a diagnostic test done on it which cost me $98.00 and the advised me that the air bag spring is weak, air bag has never been deploy and then the tell me if in an accident it May/May not deploy. (also if hit a hard enough bump it May cause it to) this has to be a defect why would a steering wheel air bag spring just go weak and there is not wear and tear to it. This sounds like a defect to me. I have known a guy that had to replace his. So I am probably not the only one with this problem going on. When this happen I checked for recalls by it stated none had been reported.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated when the vehicle was started. The indicator remained illuminated for the past week. The dealer (94 Nissan of south holland, located at 16269 van dam rd, south holland, il 60473, [phone]) was contacted by phone and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test should be performed to verify the cause of the failure, but the contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
I noticed a small crack on the passenger side dash. The small crack has grown to 4 inches. There is a clear "line" that the crack is following - and it appears to be exactly where the air bag would deploy. The dealership suggested that someone used a knife or scissors on the dash?? No vinyl repair shop will attempt a repair as it is near the airbag. There is one other complaint registered for this same issue. Clearly it is a manufacturer's issue that Nissan will not take care of.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Maxima. The contact was sitting idle at a traffic stop when a vehicle crashed into the rear of his vehicle at approximately 35 MPH, which caused the vehicle to front end an eighteen wheel truck. The contacts airbags did not deploy. The contact sustained neck and muscle injuries. A passenger sustained injuries to the lower back. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
I started noticing a crack in the dashboard - passenger side front seat in the summer. The crack continues to grow and it looks like the airbag is about to burst out. You can see a definite line where the crack is going to continue to grow. The outline of the airbag is obvious, which I have never seen before. I have asked if my vehicle has a Takata airbag, which no one will answer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor light would flash off and on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the front passenger seat air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,700.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Maxima. The contact noticed a crack near the front passenger side air bag on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they were unable to repair the dashboard due to it being above the air bag. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
My airbag light stays on when I'm driving and I'm sure it is faulty. Also the light indicator for my tire pressure stays on even though I've put adequate air in the tire. This occurs while the car is motion and when it is not in motion.
Airbag complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Nissan Maxima, 29% of the model year's 79 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Nissan Maxima airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2008 Nissan Maxima. 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 Maxima airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to air bags 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.