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 happens randomly on an average of 4-5 times monthly. When the airbag light comes on the passenger airbag is deactivated not…
2008 Nissan Altima brakes problems
severe 76 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
76
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
5crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 76 brakes complaints filed for the 2008 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Nissan Altima we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 76.
Owners have filed 76 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2008 Altima brake problems are chronic and widespread: master cylinders leak fluid around 25,000–60,000 miles (same defect that triggered a Sentra recall), squealing and grinding persist despite full brake replacements, and brake pedal switches fail intermittently, preventing engine start. At least two crashes and multiple brake failures are documented. Expect repairs starting at $240 and climbing fast if problems recur out of warranty.
2008 Nissan Altima brake complaints cluster around three main problems. First is brake fluid leakage from the master cylinder, often into the vacuum booster, occurring around 25,000–60,000 miles. Owners report the brake warning light coming on intermittently or continuously, sometimes accompanied by reduced brake pedal feel or softness. Brake fluid levels drop slowly despite no visible leaks underneath; dealers have replaced master cylinders and booster assemblies at costs between $240 and $684. Several owners mention repeated master cylinder failures—some replacing it twice or three times—and note that the 2007–2008 Nissan Sentra received a recall for this identical issue while the Altima did not.
Second, brake noise is widespread: squealing, grinding, and squeaking begin early (as low as 3,000–7,000 miles) and persist even after full pad and rotor replacements. Multiple owners describe the noise as severe and grinding metal-on-metal; one reports hearing it louder than a school bus. Nissan issued three technical service bulletins addressing front and rear brake noise (NTB07-003C, NTB08-047, NTB08-057), yet owners say the bulletins and subsequent repairs did not resolve the problem. One owner attributes the noise to semi-metallic pads used from the factory.
Third is brake switch and starter interlock failure. Several owners report the vehicle will not start via the push-button ignition unless the brake pedal is fully depressed; the switch fails intermittently, requiring multiple attempts or forceful pressing to start. Dealers have quoted $39–$387 for repairs including switch replacement and wiring harness upgrades. One owner notes the dealer refused to issue a recall despite admitting the design flaw, saying "they could not make any money" that way.
Finally, there are isolated reports of brake failure under emergency braking or in wet conditions, including at least two crashes where brakes either did not work or an ABS system failed to engage.
Same Nissan Altima brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Master Cylinder Brake Fluid Leak
Master cylinder leaks brake fluid internally into the vacuum booster, causing the brake warning light to illuminate intermittently or continuously. Brake fluid level drops over time despite no visible external leak. Eventually leads to reduced braking capacity if fluid loss continues.
When: 25,000–60,000 miles; some owners report symptoms as early as 17,000–27,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light coming on intermittently or staying on while driving; Brake light especially frequent during acceleration or cold weather; Brake fluid reservoir level drops below minimum without visible ground leak; Brake pedal may feel softer or less responsive; Light may turn off after car warms up, then return after braking
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder and booster assembly replacement, including brake fluid system top-off and bleed. Owner-reported costs range $240–$684. Some owners required replacement twice or three times within 2–3 years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2008 Altima; same issue led to recall on 2007–2008 Nissan Sentra. Multiple owners cite TSBs or manufacturer awareness of the problem but no voluntary recall program.
Brake Noise (Squealing and Grinding)
Brakes emit squealing, squeaking, and grinding noises beginning early in vehicle ownership and persisting even after complete brake pad and rotor replacement. Some owners describe noise as metal-on-metal grinding loud enough to exceed school-bus brake noise. Nissan issued three technical service bulletins addressing this issue.
When: As early as 3,000–7,000 miles; continues throughout ownership despite repairs; worsens after replacement pads heat up
Symptoms owners cite: Squealing noise when brake pedal is pressed; Grinding noise, especially at low speeds or during hard braking; Noise recurs shortly after complete brake pad and rotor replacement; Noise intensifies when brakes heat up during driving; Noise continues even after TSB-recommended repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite complete brake pad, rotor, caliper, and hardware replacement. One owner reported spending nearly $4,000 on front brake system replacement twice within 6 months. Despite using genuine Nissan parts, noise returns within weeks to months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued three Technical Service Bulletins: NTB07-003C (Murano and Altima squeak when brake pedal pressed), NTB08-047 (Altima rear brake noise at slow speeds), NTB08-057 (2007–2008 Altima front brake noise at slow speeds). Dealers performed TSB repairs at no initial cost under warranty but noise persisted.
Brake Pedal Switch Failure / Push-Button Start Interlock Issue
Brake pedal switch fails to recognize brake pedal depression, preventing push-button engine ignition. Vehicle requires multiple brake pedal presses, forceful pressing, or mechanical manipulation (wedging objects behind pedal) to start. Failure is intermittent and unpredictable.
When: 45,000–80,000 miles; intermittent—may occur daily for a week, then disappear for weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start when pushing ignition button despite brake pedal pressed; Dash displays 'Press Brake to Start' message even with brake fully depressed; Requires multiple attempts or excessive force to depress brake plunger fully; Wedging object behind brake pedal to manually activate plungers enables starting; Intermittent—unpredictable pattern of failure and recovery
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pedal switch replacement ($39.17 for switch alone) plus labor. One dealer quoted $238 for an 'improved brake wiring harness' plus $149 labor to address 'rare occurrences.' Owners report independent mechanics familiar with the issue recommending harder pedal pressure or pulsing as temporary workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers aware of recurring issue but dealer service advisor explicitly stated 'could not make any money' if handled as recall or warranty repair. No manufacturer recall or TSB issued for this defect.
Warped Brake Rotors (Dealer-Installed)
Dealer installed rotors are defective, warped, or inadequate from the factory. Vehicle exhibits shaking or vibration during braking immediately after service, initially misdiagnosed as normal break-in period. Rotors fail inspection within weeks and create safety hazard.
When: Immediately after dealer brake service; problem confirmed within 5–6 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking or vibration during braking at 40–50 mph immediately after new rotor installation; Brake pedal feels spongy or unresponsive; Problem persists or worsens over weeks despite dealer assurances of break-in period; Vehicle would fail safety inspection due to brake system state
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmation that rotors were warped; replacement required. Independent mechanic stated vehicle would fail inspection. Owners drove with defective rotors for 5–6 weeks without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially blamed customer expectations (normal break-in), then acknowledged fault. No recall or compensation offered.
Brake Failure Under Braking (ABS / Emergency Braking Failure)
Complete or partial loss of braking ability during normal or emergency braking, including failure of anti-lock brake system (ABS) to engage in wet conditions. At least two documented crashes resulted from brake or ABS failure.
When: Occurred at 18,000–51,000 miles; some preceded by brake light warnings
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes become unresponsive during normal or emergency braking; Vehicle does not slow or stop appropriately despite pedal pressure; ABS system fails to engage in wet/icy conditions, vehicle slides; Brake warning light illuminated prior to failure in some cases; Emergency brake also non-functional in at least one reported incident
Repairs/costs cited: In crash cases, vehicles were destroyed; repair details not available. One case noted prior recall notification but dealer unable to complete recall due to parts shortage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In one crash case, Nissan investigation concluded 'nothing was wrong with the car' despite owner insistence of brake failure. Another owner noted recall was available but dealer could not perform it due to lack of parts. No specific manufacturer response to brake system failures documented.
Rear Brake System Non-Functional
Rear brakes do not engage or apply pressure despite proper fluid level and no air in brake lines. Issue traced to master cylinder weeping at booster, reducing system pressure. Rear wheels remain rotatable by hand even with brake pedal fully depressed.
When: Discovered at 50,000 miles after new rotors and pads installed
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brakes do not respond or apply pressure; Rear wheels can be turned by hand even with pedal fully depressed; Factory grinding marks on new rear rotors remain virtually untouched; Vehicle slides when locked in snow/icy conditions despite drum or disc brakes; No air detected in rear brake lines
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brakes bled; investigation pointed to master cylinder weeping at booster as upstream cause.
Synthesized from 76 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2008 Nissan Altima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2008 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 76 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 66 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 24,000 and 58,000 miles, with the median around 41,321. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 58,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Nissan/Altima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.