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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-NISSAN-ALTIMA
2008 · Nissan

Nissan Altima problems

2 safety recalls. 1,028 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.2 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

body
284 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
airbags
126 reports · avg $1,100
critical
powertrain
78 reports · avg $2,500
severe
visibility
77 reports · avg $350
moderate
brakes
76 reports · avg $450
severe
electrical
66 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
44 reports · avg $3,100
severe
steering
37 reports · avg $700
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Altima · visibility
THE SUN VISORS ON THE ALTIMA COUPE BREAK AND HANG STRAIGHT DOWN IN THE FIELD OF VISION. I JUST ORDERED MY SECOND SUN VISOR AND I AM WAITING FOR IT TO ARRIVE. THEY MUST BE HELD UP OUT OF THE WAY WITH ONE HAND WHILE DRIVING WITH THE OTHER HAND (UNTIL YOU CAN GET IT REMOVED). WHEN…
12/31/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057765.0
2008 Altima · airbags
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND AN ADULT PASSENGER (150 + POUNDS) IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AND SOMETIMES CORRECTS ITSELF AND SOMETIMES NOT. WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON THE PASSENGER IS NOT PROTECTED AND THEREFORE…
12/31/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10253370.0
2008 Altima · brakes
DRIVERS SEAT SQUIRMS MOVES AND IS NOT RIGID. DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CAN NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. EVERY TIME I TURN THE SEAT MAKES NOISE AND SOUNDS SQUIRMS LIKE ITS NOT PROPERLY SECURE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT ALSO COMES ON WHEN A FULLY GROWN ADULT IS SITTING IN IT. THIS…
12/31/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10253418.0
2008 Altima · engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY MAKES A NOISE WHILE PARKED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT THE BATTERY UNTIL THE PART ARRIVES IN JANUARY OF 2008. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE NAME OF THE PART THAT NEEDS REPLACING.…
12/31/2007 · NHTSA ODI #10213262.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 08V363000 31/07/2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 1,018 MY 2008 ALTIMA VEHICLES

IF THE BOLT WERE TO COME OUT, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT TO SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 11, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
severe NHTSA 07V599000 28/12/2007

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

DRIVING ON UNDER-INFLATED TIRES IS UNSAFE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Nissan Altima reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 1,028 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Nissan Altima has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Nissan Altima?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 284 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Altima has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Nissan Altima?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,028 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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