Is the 2008 Nissan Altima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Nissan Altima is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Altima?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Altima have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Nissan Altima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2008 Nissan Altima
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 1,029
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Structure

Complaints per year

2008: 1,029 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1993	125
1994	113
1995	180
1996	92
1997	108
1998	123
1999	87
2000	160
2001	159
2002	1,047
2003	883
2004	276
2005	1,091
2006	824
2007	471
2008	1,029
2009	1,547
2010	381
2011	241
2012	426
2013	2,310
2014	1,114
2015	954
2016	553
2017	391
2018	226
2019	231
2020	178
2021	70
2022	30
2023	29
2024	41
2025	6
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Structure

30% · 313 reports

Most commonly citing body and dashboard.

CRASHFIRE

Visibility/wiper

16% · 168 reports

FIREINJURY

Air bags

14% · 147 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and front passenger.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

While pulling into a parking spot and coming to a halt, I put the car into park mode. My foot was still on the brake.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-06

Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while she was attempting to exit a driveway, she became distracted and hit an oak tree at approximately 30 MPH. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-23

Service brakes

9% · 93 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

9% · 90 reports

Most commonly citing software and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I had only one issue with my 08 Altima. The car would occasionally not recognize either of the key-fobs for what seemed like no reason. It did not seem to matter what time of day, temp., or weather.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-09

Also filed under Steering

There were no events leading up to the failure. The car had been parked all night and at 330 a.m. It caught on fire. It had never been any problems with the vehicle. The fire department was called and they put out the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-11-20

I have a 2008 Nissan Altima. It has a push button star/stop switch and no keys are needed. I accidentally left the car in drive and pushed the off button and left the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-10-13

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2008Complaint volume 1,029 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2008-01-18Electrical system07V599000 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…

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-08-11Suspension08V363000 Nissan is recalling 1,018 my 2008 Altima vehicles. The left side front suspension transverse link bolt may not have been tightened to specification. This condition could cause the bolt to become…

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-11-04Air bags, electrical system08V521000 Nissan is recalling 204,361 my 2007-2008 Altima, Altima Hybrid, 350Z, 350Z roadster, my 2008 Altima coupe, rogue, my 2009 Murano, and Infiniti my 2007-2008 G35 sedan, my 2008 G37 coupe and EX35…

Remedy: Dealers will test the signal between the ocs and acu systems using a special tool to check that it is functioning as designed. If necessary, the seat cushion (Containing ocs hardware) will be…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-09-16Equipment10V401000 Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can overheat.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2011-05-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-03-14 Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Structure: 313 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 168 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 147 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 07V599000 · Electrical system
Recall 08V363000 · Suspension
Recall 08V521000 · Air bags, electrical system
Recall 10V401000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Nissan Altima reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Nissan Altima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Altima?: The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Altima have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.