CAN COMMUNICATION â 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 ↗2008 Nissan Altima engine problems
severe 44 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
6fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 44 engine 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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 18 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Expiration Notification â Drive Belt Tensioner Bolts ***** Campaign Summary***** In 2008, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2008 Altima (L32) vehicles, equipped with 4-cylinder 2.5L engine, to re-torque the engine accessory drive belt tensioner bolts to specification. During manufacturing, the engine accessory drive belt tensioner bolts may not have been torqued to specification. This may affect performance of certain engine accessories on the vehicle, including the air conditioning compressor, alternator and the water pump. Parts specified for this campaign are no longer available through Nissan. This customer service campaign and customer reimbursement for these rep
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2008 ALTIMA SEDAN DRIVE BELT TENSIONER BOLTS (2.5L ENGINE) Service Campaign ID # PB072 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletin's published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PB072. ï· Discard all previous versions of NTB08-051.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2008 Nissan Altima describe a broad range of engine and powertrain failures. Engine stalling happens without warning at speeds from 5 to 65 mph, sometimes over an extended period and sometimes suddenly. In one case, an owner lost all power—engine, steering, brakes—while on a snowy highway at 50 mph. Others report dealers initially dismissing stalling complaints because no diagnostic code registered until the failure recurred.
Cracked exhaust manifolds are common, causing carbon monoxide to leak into the cabin. Multiple owners note Nissan is aware of this defect, yet the company refused warranty coverage at 100,000 miles. One owner replaced the manifold and saw the same problem within six months. Engine fires are documented in at least four separate incidents—one owner's vehicle erupted in flames after the engine shut down on the highway; another's car caught fire while driving at normal speed with no warning light, becoming fully engulfed within minutes.
Accessory belt and tensioner pulley failures occur at low mileage (one at 600 miles) and instantly disable power steering and cause overheating. Excessive oil consumption—2 to 3 quarts per 1,000–2,000 miles—appears at higher mileage; one owner notes the same issue was recalled on 2006 Altimas but not on 2008 models. Head gasket leakage on V6 models and IVT solenoid failures causing oil circulation loss are also reported. Dealers routinely decline repairs once warranty expires, even for defects Nissan has acknowledged.
Same Nissan Altima engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling / loss of power while driving
Engine shuts off or loses power while vehicle is in motion, at various speeds (5–65 mph). Owners report the vehicle coasting to a stop, losing steering assist, and being unable to accelerate. Some incidents occur randomly over months; others happen suddenly without warning. Restart allows temporary resumption of normal driving.
When: Various speeds and conditions; some owners report it happening for months before seeking service; 70,000–90,000 miles mentioned in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off abruptly while driving; Loss of power steering; Inability to accelerate; Loss of braking power assist; Random stalling over extended periods; No check engine light preceding some failures
Codes mentioned: P0 (general stalling; code not set until failure recurs), Crank shaft speed sensor fault (mentioned by independent mechanic)
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan dealership replaced CVT transmission (owner paid half cost after multiple stalls post-repair); independent mechanic recommended crankshaft and speed sensor replacement; another case required transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan CVT transmission recall mentioned; dealership initially found no diagnostic code and told owner to return when stalling recurred; after code was retrieved (May 2018), CVT transmission identified as bad; Nissan refused further repairs when stalling continued after transmission replacement.
Crankshaft position sensor failure
Defective or incorrect crankshaft position sensor (WVE 5S11487) installed, resulting in loss of power steering and failure of the vehicle to operate. One owner purchased aftermarket sensor through CarID; installation caused immediate loss of steering. When original sensor was reinstalled, steering was regained.
When: Immediately after installation of replacement sensor
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering upon sensor installation; Restoration of steering when original sensor reinstalled
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket crankshaft position sensor (WVE 5S11487 from CarID) caused failure; original sensor reinstalled to restore function
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Third-party supplier (CarID) refused warranty or refund; part supplier (WVE) stated they do not sell directly to CarID; no manufacturer (Nissan) involvement reported.
Coolant overflow / antifreeze leakage
Antifreeze leaks from overflow cap during normal operation, detected by owner after dealership failed to find leak. Vehicle smells of overheating and drives sluggishly after 5+ miles of driving, but temperature gauge does not indicate overheat condition. Dealership claimed the behavior is normal for all Nissans.
When: About one month after purchase; occurring after 5+ miles of driving
Symptoms owners cite: Overheating smell while driving; Sluggish acceleration and slow response; Antifreeze leaking from overflow cap; Coolant residue on overflow container; Temperature gauge not registering overheat condition
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially found no leak; owner later discovered antifreeze leaking from overflow cap; dealership declined to repair, claiming it is normal behavior
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised owner that 'all Nissans are doing that' and no fix is available as long as temperature gauge is not reading hot.
IVT solenoid valve failure / oil circulation loss
IVT (intelligent valve timing) solenoid valve failure results in loss of oil circulation. Owner received check engine light, and diagnostic confirmed no oil circulation and sludge in engine. Nissan issued Technical Service Bulletin (EC07-014, NTB08-17) for this specific issue on 2008 models; owner's VIN was in the affected range. Nissan rejected warranty claim because vehicle exceeded warranty mileage.
When: Out of warranty; TSB issued January 22, 2008; VIN in affected range
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Loss of oil circulation; Sludge formation in engine
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan diagnosed sludge presence; dealer is asking owner to assume cost if engine is opened for investigation; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan Technical Service Bulletin EC07-014 (NTB08-17) issued January 22, 2008, for IVT solenoid valve problems on 2008 vehicles; Nissan rejected warranty claim as out of warranty.
Cracked exhaust manifold
Exhaust manifold develops large cracks, allowing carbon monoxide and fumes to enter the passenger cabin. Multiple owners report this occurs at relatively low mileage (39,000–100,000 miles) on 4-cylinder models. Crack causes loud ticking/tapping noise from front of engine. Owners state this is a known defect and Nissan is aware of it. One owner replaced manifold and experienced same problem again within six months.
When: 39,000–100,000+ miles; one owner experienced repeat failure within 6 months of replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or tapping noise from front end; Carbon monoxide leaking into cabin; Strong smell of gasoline/exhaust in cabin; Visible crack in manifold (no rust evident on southern cars)
Repairs/costs cited: Manifold replacement required; one owner replaced manifold 6 months prior and already experiencing problems with new part. Part costs and labor not specified by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused to repair under warranty when vehicle exceeded 100,000 miles; Nissan has not issued a recall despite known defect; one owner states Nissan is aware of the failure.
Head gasket leakage (3.5L V6)
Head gasket leaks coolant on 3.5L V6 (VQ35HR) models. Mechanic informed owner that Nissan used incorrect head gaskets on early 2008 models; once Nissan realized the error, subsequent engines received correct gaskets and leakage stopped. This is characterized as a pre-existing manufacturing condition affecting a specific production batch.
When: Detected during routine oil change; affects early production 2008 models
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leakage from head gasket
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic stated Nissan used incorrect head gaskets (VQ35HR for 3.5L V6); replacement of head gasket required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under warranty; Nissan later corrected the defect by supplying correct head gaskets to subsequent production runs. Owner requested formal acknowledgment of defect and extension of warranty coverage.
Camshaft breakage
Camshaft breaks during acceleration, causing rough running, loss of power, and requiring complete engine replacement. Owner characterizes this as a manufacturing defect because the camshaft should not break. No recall has been issued. Engine failure cascaded to damage multiple internal components, necessitating full motor replacement estimated at $4,800+.
When: During acceleration; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Loud sound during acceleration; Engine runs rough after sound; Loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required (estimated over $4,800); camshaft breakage caused secondary damage to other engine components
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Owner was told camshaft should not break and requested recall be issued.
Engine fire
Engine catches fire while driving, with multiple incidents reported. In some cases, vehicle shuts down on highway followed by fire. In others, smoke from hood precedes flames. One incident involved a used engine installation. Owner or passengers observe fire outbreak with little to no warning and without check engine light. Vehicles are total losses.
When: One case at 120,000 miles; others at lower mileage; one case after engine replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from hood; Engine shuts down on highway; Black smoke from engine compartment; Flames erupting from engine bay; No check engine light warning before fire (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss in all reported cases; cause not identified by owners in most narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives; one owner notes warranty company noted 'underlying issues with vehicle when first sold'; used engine was installed in one case.
Accessory belt and tensioner pulley failure
Tensioner pulley breaks or bolts fail, causing accessory belt to slip or fly off during driving. Belt controls power steering, water pump, and alternator. Loss of belt causes immediate loss of power steering and engine overheating. Incidents occur at very low mileage (600 miles, under 2,000 miles) and at higher mileage. In one case, tensioner bolts failed, leaving bolt still in pulley hole and causing estimated $3,900 in damage with 20 hours of labor.
When: 600 miles; under 2,000 miles; other cases at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise or popping sound from engine; Accessory belt flies off or comes loose; Loss of power steering; Engine overheating; Check engine light, coolant light, battery light illuminate; Loss of acceleration; Reduced engine RPMs when accelerator depressed
Repairs/costs cited: Belt and tensioner pulley replacement required; one case involved replacement of broken pulley bolts and lower engine cover, estimated $3,900 with 20 hours labor to remove engine and replace cover; another case noted power steering failure and engine overheating due to belt loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised that Nissan was aware of faulty tensioner pulley; one case references unknown voluntary recall for the issue.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine consumes 2–3+ quarts of oil every 1,000–2,000 miles, well above normal consumption. Same issue was subject to recall on 2006 Nissan Altimas with 2.5L engine. Multiple owners report the problem persists and dealers dismiss claims once warranty expires, requiring engine replacement at owner expense. Issue appears to be ongoing manufacturing defect.
When: Detected at high mileage (120,000+ miles); one case at 90,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops 2–3+ quarts per 1,000–2,000 miles; Low oil warning after routine oil change (4,000 miles between changes)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required once warranty expires (cost not specified by owners); dealers blame owner for exceeding drivetrain warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan recalled same issue on 2006 Altimas; dealers refuse to cover repairs after warranty expiration and claim engine must be replaced at customer expense; no extended warranty or recall issued for 2008 models.
Exhaust manifold / catalyst converter failure
Exhaust manifold or catalytic converter fails, causing gasoline smell in cabin, smoking, and engine overheating. One owner reports cracked weld on front exhaust pipe allowing carbon monoxide to leak into vehicle. Failed manifold/converter led to cracked cylinder heads and total engine failure in one case.
When: 60,000+ miles; 95,000 miles in other case
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline smell in cabin; Smoke while driving; Engine running hot; Carbon monoxide leaking into vents; Cracked weld on front exhaust pipe
Repairs/costs cited: Manifold or catalytic converter replacement; one case resulted in cracked cylinder heads and total engine failure requiring engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In one case, dealership informed owner of danger but declined responsibility for repairs; owner was left to absorb costs.
Rattling noise from engine / heat shield
Rattling or clanking noise from under the car or engine area. Dealership attributes noise to heat shield plate heating and cooling, claiming it is normal and does not affect safety or function. Owner disputes this, noting not all cars make the noise and reporting hesitations when accelerator is pressed concurrent with the rattling. Noise has persisted since 2008 with no fix offered.
When: Reported since 2008; on-going complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from underneath or engine area; Hesitations when accelerator is pressed; Noise does not appear on other vehicles of same type
Repairs/costs cited: No fix available per dealership; owner states noise is attributed to heat shield but disputes this explanation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states noise is normal and does not affect vehicle function/safety; no fix offered despite multiple service visits.
Push button start system failure
Push button start system fails to initiate engine start. Button must be engaged multiple times before engine starts. Remote key fob also fails to start engine. At 90,000 miles, dealership suspected brake stop switch may need replacement but did not repair.
When: 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Push button does not start engine on first engagement; Multiple button presses required to start engine; Key fob does not start engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced battery (did not resolve issue); suspected brake stop switch replacement needed but not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised taking vehicle to Nissan dealer for diagnostic; no Nissan diagnosis documented.
Oil cooler failure with fire
Oil cooler fails while driving at 55 mph, causing loud bang. Smoking begins immediately, followed by fire from under hood. Vehicle becomes fully engulfed in flames within minutes.
When: While driving at 55 mph; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang from engine; Smoking from under hood; Fire from under hood
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss
Motor mount failure / lunging
Motor mounts deteriorate, causing vehicle to lunge forward unexpectedly while driving slowly (5 mph). Dealer confirmed motor mounts required replacement.
When: 52,385 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lurches forward at low speed without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Motor mount replacement required; repairs completed on 09/25/12 per update
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; repairs were completed.
Loss of power / RPM limitation
Vehicle loses power and cannot exceed 60 mph. RPMs increase but vehicle does not accelerate beyond that threshold. Occurs during driving on long or short trips. One owner had throttle body and alternator recently serviced but issue persists.
When: After some time of driving; one case mentions recent throttle body and alternator service
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs stick at 3 and vehicle cannot exceed 60 mph; Loss of power/acceleration; Car occasionally loses power entirely
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body and alternator replacement mentioned in one case but did not resolve issue
Coolant hose clamp failure / smoking
Coolant hose clamp failure results in smoking from hood and unknown fluid on engine. Vehicle also failed to shift out of park. Dealer diagnosed clamp replacement needed.
When: 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from hood; Unknown fluid on engine; Failure to shift out of park
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant hose clamp replacement needed; vehicle not repaired per narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure; no response documented.
Engine speed sensor / crankshaft sensor fault
Crankshaft or engine speed sensors fail, causing loss of power and inability to accelerate. Independent mechanic diagnosed need for crankshaft and speed sensor replacement.
When: 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to accelerate without warning at low speed (30 mph); Engine runs normally after restart
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft speed sensor fault (per independent mechanic)
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft and speed sensor replacement recommended; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified per narrative.
Air vent / blower malfunction
Air flow from vents stops during driving, particularly on longer trips. Blower fan motor continues to operate and A/C still produces cold air at vent, but no air flows out. Appears as if vent was closed or blocked.
When: During long and sometimes short trips; specific mileage not provided
Symptoms owners cite: No air flow from vents; Blower motor still operating; A/C still cold but no discharge from vents
Power steering fluid leak
Power steering fluid leaks from steering system. Owner notes possible fuel system issue and acceleration hesitation not accompanied by check engine light.
When: Specific mileage not provided
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leak; Possible fuel system issue; Acceleration hesitation without check engine light
Whining noise under hood
Whining noise emanates from under hood, increasing in volume during acceleration.
When: Specific mileage not provided
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise under hood; Noise increases during acceleration
Transmission / drivetrain issues
Multiple transmission-related complaints including CVT transmission failure (already detailed separately), transmission giving problems after service, second transmission issues.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission malfunction; Problems with shifting
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CVT recall mentioned in one case; transmission replacement required in at least one case with Nissan paying half cost.
Synthesized from 44 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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. The current mileage was 1,000 and failure mileage was 900. Updated 01-29-08. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2008 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 44 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,154 and 108,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,154; a quarter make it past 108,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.