2008 Nissan Maxima
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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
- 79
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 79 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 54 |
| 1986 | 63 |
| 1987 | 178 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 64 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 77 |
| 1992 | 110 |
| 1993 | 78 |
| 1994 | 89 |
| 1995 | 152 |
| 1996 | 96 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 113 |
| 1999 | 165 |
| 2000 | 360 |
| 2001 | 172 |
| 2002 | 205 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 1,425 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 79 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 96 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 106 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
29% · 23 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Maxima. While driving at least 15 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a minor crash. The passenger side air bag deployed without warning. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-14
Upon starting the car, air bag light continues to blink and does not go out. The indication is that something is wrong with the air bag system, thus making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-30
Structure
27% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Tires
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems.
Show complaint excerpts
On April 30, I was driving in the city, and as I was picking up speed (35-40MPH). The driver side time broke causing the cv axle to give-out and me to loose control of my car. In addition, this is a brand new car that only has -4000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-23
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Power train
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
I left the ignition on and it ran the battery went down , when I realized the battery was dead we charged the battery next day I got in to drive the car the transmission was like in 1ST gear of the 6 speed auto transmission , I was out of state and...
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-25
On February 17, 2015, my daughter drove into a 3' ditch with about 4" Of standing water with algea standing on top of the water.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-06
Electrical system
8% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing control module.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2008-07-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-10-24 Transmission hose leak
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 8 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2008 Nissan Maxima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Nissan Maxima is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Maxima?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Maxima have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.