Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Nissan Titan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Titan. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle emitted abnormal ticking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an exhaust specialist where it was diagnosed that the weld joint between the tube and the common mounting plate of the manifold was cracked, allowing the exhaust gas to escape and expand underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
The exhaust manifolds on the driver and passenger side are cracked. Ticking sounds are made while car is cold and goes away after they have heated up enough, typically after 5 minutes. This results in letting in exhaust fumes inside the cabin, regardless of the air conditioner/heater is on, which leads to being lightheaded and nearly passing out and crashing. The fumes are stronger when stationary but happens no matter what, even after the ticking is gone and driving down the highway.
The exaust manifolds cracked and is letting fumes into the cabin. I bought the truck about 2 weeks ago from a private dealer. The cracked manifolds began to leak a few days ago and I truthfully believe it should be covered by Nissan
Puchase from private party in February, Nissan ran diagnostics immediately after purchase. Leak was not recorded. Accident happened in June, vehicle returned in September, approximately a week after pick up, coded leak in emulation system, manifold/exhaust causing fumes to back up into truck while stopped, extreme fuel consumption and lack of power, causing idle to idle low at stop. This developed after a sideswiped hit accident and transmission being replaced. Left and right sensor also coded.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that there was a ticking sound coming from the engine when the vehicle was started. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The contact spoke to carlock Nissan of tupelo (3969 n gloster st, tupelo, ms 38804) where he was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that similar vehicles were subjected to a recall however, the campaign number was not provided. Palmetto57 Nissan located at 16725 nw 57th ave, miami gardens, fl 33055, [phone], was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Titan. While driving various speeds, the contact heard a noise coming from the front driver side wheel without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance. The contact was informed that the exhaust manifold was cracked and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact mentioned that he heard the noise for several years, but paid no attention. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Titan. While driving different speeds and upon starting the vehicle, a noise was detected from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to grainger Nissan (1550 chatham pkwy, savannah, ga 31408, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Titan. While driving 10 MPH, the contact realized that the exhaust manifold became very loud when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty and nothing could be done. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Titan. While driving at unknown speeds, the contact heard an abnormal ticking noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (laurel Nissan, 1880 bedford street, johnstown, pa 15902) where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Engine complaints in other Titan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Nissan Titan?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Nissan Titan, 21% of the model year's 133 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Nissan Titan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Nissan Titan, though it has 5 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 Titan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.