2008 Nissan Altima
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 1047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1028 |
| 2009 | 1547 |
| 2010 | 380 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 425 |
| 2013 | 2308 |
| 2014 | 1113 |
| 2015 | 947 |
| 2016 | 552 |
| 2017 | 390 |
| 2018 | 225 |
| 2019 | 228 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: structure — 313 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and dashboard.
CRASH FIRE16% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 168 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY14% of complaints: air bags — 147 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and front passenger.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20231006
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, 20190723
9% of complaints: service brakes — 93 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: electrical system — 90 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing software and ignition.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20130509
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, 20081120
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, 20081013
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 D
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.
Campaign 07V599000 — check if this car was fixed
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 LOO
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.
Campaign 08V363000 — check if this car was fixed
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 PASSEN
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 REPLACE
Campaign 08V521000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SEP
Campaign 10V401000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (313 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (168 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (147 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V599000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V363000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V521000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V401000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.