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severe 66 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Of the 66 electrical complaints filed for the 2008 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
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.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Driving on under-inflated tires is unsafe and could result in a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect âTest with DCAâ and âReplaceâ results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: ï· CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-500
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners report the push-button ignition system failing to start, sometimes intermittently. The steering column lock, brake lamp switch, and battery are repeatedly cited suspects—the brake switch especially comes up in multiple complaints because it governs whether the starter will engage when the brake pedal is pressed. Some owners had the switch replaced; others say it failed again months later. The dealer network keeps the brake switch in stock because they see this as a recurring problem.
Passenger-side airbag sensors malfunction, with the warning light staying on, turning on and off unpredictably, or staying off even when someone is seated there. Multiple owners were told their VIN fell outside recall 08V521000, despite identical symptoms to recalled models. One owner had to pay $705 for a new seat after failing state inspection over the airbag sensor.
Power door locks fail on one or more doors, refusing to lock or unlock via key fob or button. Some owners describe doors found unlocked despite hitting the lock button. One owner reported three of four doors affected.
Throttle response cuts out completely while driving—the gas pedal yields no acceleration even at highway speeds. Diagnostic codes P0223, P0123, and P2135 appear. Some owners replaced the throttle body twice and the accelerator pedal itself, yet the failure persisted. One collision resulted when a driver couldn't accelerate while merging.
Vehicles shut down while driving at highway speeds with no warning. Some don't restart; others restart after sitting. Loss of power felt sudden and dangerous. A few complaints reference the immobilizer or security system as a possible culprit.
Same Nissan Altima electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Vehicle fails to start when driver presses brake and pushes ignition button. All electrical components (lights, radio, fans) power on but engine cranking does not occur. Usually intermittent; may require 5–40 restart attempts to succeed.
When: Intermittent; reported from early ownership through 140,000 miles. Complaint #2 at 55k miles, complaint #8 at 45.5k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine does not crank when push button pressed with brake depressed; All electrical loads (dashboard lights, radio, HVAC) function normally; Intermittent behavior—sometimes starts on first try, other times requires multiple attempts; Issue recurs after temporary fixes
Repairs/costs cited: Brake lamp switch replacement ($39–$450 range cited, plus labor). Some owners report repeated failure of replacement switch. Complaint #2 noted dealer keeps part stocked due to high frequency.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused coverage out of warranty. Complaint #2 consumer affairs stated no official recall issued despite dealer acknowledging recurring problem. Complaint #11 noted 2009 models received extended 6-year warranty for steering column lock, but 2008 excluded.
Passenger airbag occupant sensor fails to detect occupancy correctly. Warning light illuminates continuously, flashes intermittently, or remains off even when passenger is seated. Some owners report sensor recognizing no passenger, others describe erratic on/off cycling.
When: Reported across model years; complaints #3, #9, #15, #16, #18, #28, #29, #30, #35, #37, #48 reference this. Occurs at 21k to 170k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag 'OFF' indicator light stays on regardless of occupancy; Light flashes or cycles on and off unpredictably; System fails to recognize seated passenger; Light behavior not corresponding to actual seat occupancy
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis: seat cushion/sensor replacement ($705–$800 cited). Complaint #16 notes software update attempted but failure persisted; full seat cushion replacement then recommended but not completed. Complaint #3 owner faced $150 diagnostic fee plus repair cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 08V521000 issued March 2014 for passenger airbag sensor reliability, but many owners' VINs excluded from recall despite identical symptoms. Nissan stated exclusion based on supplier, not model/year alone. Multiple owners denied coverage; one (complaint #18) offered 40% cost-share.
Electric door locks fail to lock or unlock via remote key fob or interior power button. Failure affects one or more doors. Locks may work intermittently or fail completely. Owners report finding doors unlocked after pressing lock button.
When: Complaint #7 (no mileage given); complaint #19 describes recurring intermittent failures.
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks will not respond to key fob button; Door locks will not respond to interior power lock button on driver door; Locks fail inconsistently (some days work, other days fail); Owners discover doors unlocked despite having locked them
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7 indicates dealer diagnostic fee of $89.95 per door. Internet research by owner suggested actuator replacement, though not confirmed in narrative. Complaint #19 mentions fear of being trapped after crash due to lock malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Gas pedal input produces no engine acceleration. Engine RPM may climb but vehicle does not move forward. Occurs unexpectedly during highway merging, normal driving, and at stop signs. Intermittent or persistent.
When: Complaint #4 describes ongoing issue. Complaint #42 occurred during highway driving after long distance travel.
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal pressed with no vehicle acceleration response; Engine revs but vehicle does not accelerate; Occurs at highway speeds and during merging; Safety-critical situations: one owner nearly crashed merging onto highway; another hit a bank building
Codes mentioned: P0223 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B High Voltage, P0123 - Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Circuit, P2135 - Throttle Position Sensor Inconsistency
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #4 owner replaced throttle body twice and gas pedal once; problem recurred after each repair. Nissan throttle body re-learn procedure performed per manufacturer guidance with no resolution. Complaint #42 owner could only drive 20 mph on return journey.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented beyond diagnostic and repair recommendations.
Vehicle loses all power and shuts down completely without warning while operating at highway speeds (35–65 mph). Engine does not restart immediately or requires prolonged wait/jump-start. Loss of electrical systems (gauges, radio, steering control) occurs simultaneously.
When: Complaint #5 (6 weeks after purchase); complaint #12 (highway at 60 mph); complaint #34 (at 55 mph, 100k miles); complaint #47 (ongoing over several months).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off with no warning light or indication beforehand; All electrical systems go dark (gauges, radio, headlights); Loss of power steering occurs; Vehicle may not restart immediately or requires jump-start; Extremely dangerous at high speed; risk of multi-vehicle collision
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #5: dealer replugged all connectors, reset vehicle, no permanent fix found; failure recurred within week. Complaint #12: vehicle not yet diagnosed at time of complaint filing. Complaint #47: no codes shown despite multiple shutdown events.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #5 owner warned dealer of safety hazard; dealer offered only replug/reset with no guarantee. Complaint #14 noted manufacturer issued recall for ECM reprogramming, but crankshaft sensor failure (different component) not covered. Complaint #43 diagnosed ECM malfunction but not repaired.
Push-button start system or remote key fob fails to unlock doors or start engine despite normal battery and fob function. System may fail intermittently. 'No Key' warning light may illuminate incorrectly.
When: Complaint #24 at 40k miles; complaint #38 at 35k miles; complaint #45 at 102k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Keyless fob fails to unlock doors for extended time; 'No Key' warning light illuminates when key fob in range; 'Key' and 'Battery' warning symbols illuminate intermittently on dash; Push-button ignition fails to engage
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #24: owner replaced two key fob batteries; dealer unable to detect failure code. Complaint #38: owner changed key fob batteries with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #24: manufacturer notified with no resolution. Complaint #45: vehicle repaired (repair type not specified) per note dated 10/19/2017.
Driver forgets to push off button; vehicle remains running for hours with doors unlocked. No automatic shut-off after idle time.
When: Complaint #10: 8.5 hours at 8 AM–4:30 PM.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs unattended for extended period (8+ hours); Doors remain unlocked while running; Battery drain (1/4 tank of fuel consumed); Safety risk: vehicle could be stolen, child could access and move vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner requested design safety feature (auto-shutoff after 15 minutes idle).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Steering wheel locks when vehicle fails to start or during ignition. May prevent steering input or prevent normal ignition operation.
When: Complaint #11 (2009 models received extended warranty); #12 (with key not recognized by immobilizer); #45 (at 102k miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes locked; Vehicle fails to start with steering lock engaged; Intermittent failure to start
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #11: mentioned as diagnosis but repair cost not specified. Complaint #45: vehicle eventually repaired per update note.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #11: Nissan extended warranty to 6 years/unlimited miles for 2009 models only, despite same part used 2007–2009. Dealer technician opined all model years should be covered.
Dashboard material softens, warps, and melts into surrounding components. Produces foul odor. May affect visibility during daytime driving due to glare.
When: Complaint #26 (failure mileage unknown); #44 (hazardous glare during daytime driving); #13 references melting dash issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard surface deteriorates and warps; Material becomes sticky or melts into adjacent components; Foul odor emitted from dashboard; Daytime glare/reflection hazard to vision; Potential electrical hazard if melting material contacts wiring
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #26: dealer recommended full dashboard and evaporator replacement; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Complaint #13 notes Lexus issued recall for same issue on IS250 and IS350.
Air conditioning evaporator drain hose poorly engineered, causing condensation water to drain back into vehicle interior. Water pools in rear seat passenger area and migrates toward front, risking mold, corrosion, and electrical damage.
When: Complaint #25 (no mileage given).
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling in rear seat passenger side; Water accumulation moving forward toward front seat; Potential for mold and fungus growth; Risk to main electrical wire running along passenger side floor
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
TPMS warning light illuminates and system reads zero PSI across all tires despite tires being properly inflated. System failure unrelated to actual tire pressure.
When: Complaint #46 (ongoing, duration not specified); #33 at 92k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light stays on; System displays zero PSI in all four tires; No actual tire pressure issues; Complaint #46 mentions same issue in owner's 2009 Nissan Murano
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #46: dealer repair estimate over $200. Complaint #33: TPMS was replaced at tire dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #46 dealer stated Nissan 'knows about and doesn't want to address' the issue.
Fuel gauge fluctuates erratically or reads incorrectly. Mileage display shows inaccurate readings and blinks on and off.
When: Complaint #27 (after fuel pump replacement; ongoing for weeks).
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge needle fluctuates up and down; Gauge suddenly drops to empty (E) despite having fuel or full tank; Mileage display shows wrong values; Mileage display blinks on and off; Owner afraid to drive long distances due to unreliable fuel gauge
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #27: new fuel pump installed per shop recommendation; problem persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Vehicle catches fire while driving. Passenger-side door fails to open. Occupant trapped and sustains smoke inhalation injury.
When: Complaint #17 at 111k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Black smoke emits from ventilation unit; Engine stalls without warning; Vehicle ignites and spreads fire; Door latch fails; passenger trapped; Passenger sustains smoke inhalation injury requiring medical attention
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed in fire. Fire department required to remove occupant.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No notification made per narrative.
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly at low highway speed. Airbags fail to deploy upon rear-end collision. Vehicle can be restarted.
When: Complaint #34 at 100k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at 55 mph; Rear vehicle strikes stalled car; Airbags do not deploy despite collision; Vehicle can be restarted afterward
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic unable to diagnose or repair. Police report filed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
BCM failure causes widespread electrical system malfunction affecting multiple vehicle subsystems.
When: Complaint #33 at 92k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: All electrical components malfunction simultaneously; TPMS warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: TPMS replaced at tire dealer; BCM issue not fully documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #33 referenced recall 07V599000 (Electrical System); owner's VIN not included.
ECM fails, causing loss of engine power and performance issues.
When: Complaint #14 (soon after ECM reprogramming); #43 at 160k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power while driving; Engine stalls or fails to restart properly; Loss of power and performance
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #14: ECM reprogrammed per recall, but failure recurred; crankshaft position sensor replacement recommended afterward but refused by manufacturer. Complaint #43: ECM diagnosed as malfunctioning and needing replacement; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #14: manufacturer stated no recall for crankshaft sensor; not liable. Complaint #43: no response documented.
Gas pedal input causes sudden, unintended acceleration that braking cannot fully control. Vehicle crashes into building.
When: Complaint #41 (circumstances unclear; vehicle totaled).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates despite foot on brake; Unintended acceleration continues uncontrollably; Vehicle crashes into building; Airbag deploys in collision
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled in crash.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
The switch that allows the car to start and lights the brake lights is sticking, this is a common problem that Nissan is aware of. The car not starting is annoying, if the switch sticks after the car is started then the brake lights will fail to illuminate, that is dangerous. The car fails to start with regularity, if the switch is manipulated it starts, I do not know if the break lights are…
It's a meaningful issue. 66 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
Across the 44 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 45,592 and 111,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,592; a quarter make it past 111,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.