2008 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2008 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,028 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2008 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2008 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2008 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2008 Nissan Altima 2-DR. w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Nissan Altima has 1,028 owner complaints, 53 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,028
- Crash-related complaints
- 53
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2008 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2008 Nissan Altima?
The 2008 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2008 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle for structural issues, such as body integrity or frame damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle for structural issues, such as body integrity or frame damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2008 Nissan Altima are concentrated in structural problems, uncategorized issues, and visibility/wiper components. Airbag malfunctions and brake system issues also appear frequently. With low confidence, these patterns suggest potential areas of concern but do not confirm defects.
- Structural Problems account for the highest number of complaints among the listed components.
- Airbag Malfunctions and Brake System issues are also notable complaint categories.
- Crash-related complaints number 53 out of 1028 total complaints.
- Structural Problems
- Visibility/Wiper
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2008 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 312 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 199 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 168 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 142 | 19 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 92 | 8 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 90 | 5 | 4 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 80 | 5 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 75 | 3 | 8 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 57 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 37 | 4 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 35 | 10 | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 24 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 4 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Child Seat | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Like many others in this make/model, dashboard is melting, resulting in glare onto windshield, off-gassing of chemicals, and concerns that airbags may not properly deploy. Inspected only by vehicle repair technician, but available for inspection by others at any time.
Passenger air bag indicator light has been on for 2 years and have been unable to locate issue. All air bag systems test good except error code for passenger side air bag.
Had to have AC system repaired three times for the same issue. Evaporator/Heater Core needed to be replaced twice along with other repairs to AC system. Nissan would not back up evaporator repair.
Suspension and steering issues purchased many new tires throughout the yrs to find out it had suspension issues. There are 4 recalls listed on my insurance policy that describes exactly what's been wrong with my car since purchased. When calling nissan and checking your data base…
At first, the passenger airbag off light always turn on when a person sit on the seat(never turn off). Then few months later the Airbag light on dashboard starts flashing with no reason, 1 long 5 shorts.
I bought this used from a private owner, on consignment at a used car lot Pinellas County FL May 2020. The previous owner installed a dashboard mat to cover up the melting, cracking dashboard, after 5 years of ownership, the dashboard is in serious degraded condition worse when I…
After driving over a hour or so the rpm will stick at 3 and the mph will not go over 60. The car occasionally lose power as well. I have already had the throttle body and the alternator recently done.
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The contact called the dealer and made an appointment; however, the contact was informed that the part might not be available for the appoin…
The dashboard of the car melted that causes a very bright glare.
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 80 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. As a result, the contact crashed into a concret…
Dashboard material defective melted sticky and very reflective. No idea how toxic could be.
Leaking power stearing fluid. The seems to be an issue with fuel system. No light just does not seem to accelerate properly.
My 2008 Nissan Altima's dash is degrading and has caused a sticky residue to form on it. This stickiness is very shiny and causes a glare to occur on the windshield. I live in Kentucky and when the sun is shining, and actually basically anytime driving, the glare makes it nearly …
The dash is melting from the heat and is very sticky. It’s really unsafe due to the glare that affects the driver vision. It has already caused me to have one near miss when a tractor pulled into road and I was unable to see him until the last second. Then I jerked the steering m…
The drive train I believe it’s called Or transmission is malfunctioning and yes it is available for inspection upon request Our safety was put in risk when the vehicle started driving at a low speed and would not accelerate eventually stopping completely The problem hasn’t been…
Parked car due to electrical and transmission issues had left it for a couple hours to receive assistance and the car was gone it had no plates because I was attempting to register the car that same day
215/60R16 This is the second tire that failed at the sidewall needing to be replaced. First failed after less than 4000 miles. And the second w sidewall failure at about 10,000 miles of use. i have photographed the second tire failure. Seems odd that out of five brand new tires h…
The dashboard is sticky and melted down. Also has cracks from the heat.
Passenger airbag warning light is blinking Took to repair shop and tech said OCS is bad and needs replacing Code B1018 comes up I do not understand why there is not a recall because this is a safety Issue
The hood under car is messed up and makes noises while driving. I heard there was a recall on the hoods underneath. I need fixed as I live on disability. Tire light won't go off sensor is not working right.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Nissan Altima.
2008 Nissan Altima Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Nissan Altima. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2008 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,028 owner complaints, 53 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Structural Problems (312 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (199 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (168 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 53 crash-related reports and 13 fire reports out of 1,028 total complaints. 33 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is SUSPENSION. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2008 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.