Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I purchased my 2008 Nissan Titan brand new in 2008, somewhere around 75000 miles my front differential came apart, fortunately my extended warranty I purchased covered the $5000.00 replacement cost that Nissan wanted to charge. Here I am at 138000 miles out of warranty with the same issue. Nissan is no help at all, this truck has been used mainly on the highway, with minimal use to the four wheel drive system. I service everything myself using only what Nissan recommends. Im not impressed with my $40000 boat anchor, it will be the last time I ever purchase a Nissan. This is the second Titan I have owned, didn't have any issues with my 2004.
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.
When turning with the 4 wheel drive engaged, a loud pop was heard like something slamming against metal. And my front tires would not spin causing the truck to get stuck, needing to be towed out. A mechanic fixed the problem of a snapped/broken flange assembly (part # 38220-8s11a) also circlip lock ring (part # 38225-8s110). The same parts broke a 2nd time requiring repair and now a 3rd time. I don't know what to do I cant afford to keep fixing the problem and cant afford a new truck please help us please!!!
Hose came loose from transmission driving down highway and left me sit in the middle of the road. I had no warning and I lost all transmission fluid.. I reattatched the hose added the correct amount of fluid. Drove it for about 4 day everything was fine try to go ro work there is no 4th gear.. Take it to shops ro find out its gonna cost me 4500.00 for new transmission capacitor and new radiator.. The anti freeze leaked into transmission causing the inside of tranny to be deatroyed
Driving 55mph and transmission slips all of a sudden. No warning lights - nothing. Next smoke rolls out under hood - pull off road/stop. Look under vehicle and it's covered with transmission fluid. Towed to dealer for repair - said transmission is shot. $5000 to replace. Vehicle has 85,000 miles. Had transmission services last year by Nissan dealer. Hearing problem May be because of radiator. Dealer and Nissan headquarters offered no assistance whatsoever.
2008 4x4 4d long bed titian , reverse gear stopped working right after power train warranty, ended at 36000 miles. I was using reverse when it failed. I was reversing at normal speed of .25 mp/h or what ever people back up to a parking stall normally. There was a tug type sensation, then slippage.
At all times when driving down the road the rear end of my truck shakes from 55-80 miles per hour (pretty much the usable speed range of the truck is now worthless). The truck wobbles so much now that it feels unsafe to drive even after numerous attempts to correct the problem I.e. New tires, new rims and new tires, balancing, alignments. Research that I have done has determined that this is a very wide-spread problem and many owners/operators of the Nissan Titan refer to this violent shaking as the "death wobble" I have spoke with my local Nissan dealership and have discovered that Nissan of America is not interested in addressing this epidemic that is effecting so many of the titans they have manufactured. The problem is large enough that Nissan has published a TSB which includes necessary parts that must be purchased that May only alleviate the "death wobble" and not cure it. …
The 4 wheel drive system on the Nissan Titan is inadequate or poorly designed. My truck has had the front differential replaced twice in the last 3 months, with minimal usage of the 4 wheel drive system, and under appropriate conditions. Grinding noises has been felt and heard from the front differential when engaging into 4hi, which is capable of being shifted on the fly. When engaging into 4hi and experiencing noises such as this while already moving at speed- 20-30mph, it is rather unsettling. To the average consumer who is not a mechanic (which I am) this is probably even more frightening to experience. The differential installed in April of this year was a revised version, to have supposedly correct issues which many titans have faced in earlier production years. This differential failed within 3 months. …
2008 Nissan Titan le 4x4 long wheel base...knocking sound began while my husband was driving on the interstate 55-70 MPH. Next day a whine developed on acceleration / deceleration. Noted leaks at front and rear seals on differentials. Took to dealer; without removing inspection covers diagnosed failed rear assembly. Stated fairly common - told to pursue my complaint for assistance from Nissan north America customer service. Fluids added -- when my husband left the dealership the whining deteriorated into a constant banging consistent with speed. Husband was close to home and drove the vehicle at 30 MPH to our driveway. At this point the vehicle has developed a hard shudder. …
The left rear axle seal on my 2008 Nissan Titan began leaking with out me knowing it was happening. The grease was thrown onto the left rear tire over an undetermined period of time. The grease caused the rubber in the tire to soften and caused the tire to blow out while I was traveling @ 65 MPH on the interstate. When the blow out occurred pieces of the tire beat the fender of the truck causing $1500 in body damage. I also had to have the axle seal replaced at a cost $400. From what I now understand rear axle seal failure is very common on the Titan trucks yet there have been no re-calls and/or no action by the NHTSA to demand this problem be corrected. With out this issue being public knowledge what happened to me could easily happen to others and have a more negative outcome than I did. …
Transmission complaints in other Titan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Nissan Titan?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Nissan Titan, 22% of the model year's 133 complaints. The component named most often is driveline (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Nissan Titan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 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.