2008 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 1,029 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 53 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 33 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)Sep 10, 2010
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.
OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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 SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10V401000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsOct 7, 2008
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 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
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 REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 08V521000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionJul 31, 2008
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 LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
IF THE BOLT WERE TO COME OUT, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, moduleDec 28, 2007
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 DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE DEALER SERVICE SOFTWARE. IF THE TPMS IS TURNED OFF, IT WOULD NOT ALERT THE DRIVER TO A DECREASE IN THE TIRE PRESSURE AS DESIGNED.
DRIVING ON UNDER-INFLATED TIRES IS UNSAFE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
142 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Oct 30, 2025
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.
Air bags, Aug 18, 2025
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 19, 2025
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 appointment. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed 3 hours later that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact was informed by the dealer that several other dealers and was informed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that other dealers would be contacted for parts availability, and a case was filed. The contact stated that a week later, the contact called the manufacturer again and was informed that the part was found and sent to the local dealer. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there was no knowledge of parts being sent to the dealer location and that there had not been any communication with the manufacturer about parts. The contact stated that upon sitting in the passenger’s seat, the air bag sensor failed to recognize a passenger seated in the passenger’s seat. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Dec 19, 2023
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
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 6, 2023, crash
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. Instantly the engine went into "overdrive" and lurched forward over a parking curb and through heavy brush and finally came to a stop after hitting a pine tree. The engine was still screaming and the tires still spinning until I hit the off button. I had my foot on the brake the entire time to no avail. The heavy brush slowed the car somewhat. The airbags didn't deploy. I had several witnesses and they all stated they saw my brake lights on. I plowed approx. 50 feet through the brush before hitting the tree. I was the only one involved and was not hurt. This was Thurs. Sept. 28, 2023. It was in a state park and no police report made. Park Ranger took down info.
Air bags, Seats, Nov 17, 2022
The passenger side air bag is faulty due to AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT. This has been verified by an independent service center and puts passengers at risk. The airbag will not work without the entire seat being replaced. The airbag light shows that the system is “OFF”. This make and model had a recall issued but my VIN was not included but should have been included.
Air bags, Aug 29, 2022
The passenger air bag has failed. If my passenger has an accident, the air bag will fail to deploy and could be seriously injured. When I took the car in Nissan confirmed the bag was not operational. The insurance company was notified. I had the dealership check the warning message.
Air bags, Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Passenger’s Side Air Bag OFF” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that he needed to pay out of pocket for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while at a stop light the front passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat cushion sensor had failed. The dealer updated an unknown software; however, the failure reoccurred persistently. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side seat cushion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 20, 2022
When I start my car and let it warm up, then reverse then put it in drive, I put my foot on the gas and the RPMS SHOOT UP TO 3 to 4 RPMS, I have to remove my four from the gas then my car is very slow and stays at 2 1/2 - 3 RPMS for several miles . Checked Fluids etc and still have the same issue with it every day. Also my passenger air bag is always off , no matter if someone who is 50 lbs or 250 lbs it is always off and I can not get it to come on . Finally when using my turn signals my blinkers work but never go off unless I manually do it myself. And I fo not get a warning sound telling me that my blinker is still on . It will stay on for hours if I do not notice it and I am driving long distance.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2021
Air bag light on dash board. Which I don’t know if it’s related to the melting windshield issue. Top of dashboard melting and causing severe reflection on windshield and I almost ran someone over because of the severe windshield glare due to melting dashboard causing blinding reflection. Nissan defect is a liability and negligence which needs to be recalled. This is not a cosmetic issue!!! It is a great safety hazard and easily cause a fatal accident since due to the manufacturer’s defect it is unsafe to drive. This needs to be recalled because they will be held accountable if someone dies.
Air bags, Sep 10, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle crashed into a second vehicle. During the crash, the front passenger-side airbag did not deploy and the front passenger sustained a fractured nose, a concussion, and bruises. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer(unknown) and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Air bags, Jun 19, 2021
UNKNOWN I have a red flashing light on my right dashboard. Owners manual said to call dealership because of faulty airbags.
Air bags, Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags). The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for maintenance and was informed that the Vin was not included in the recall. The contact then stated that the passenger air bag off warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS OCCUPIED, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED TO REGISTER THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS IN USE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBLE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. TWIN CITY NISSAN (3247 ALCOA HWY, ALCOA, TN 37701, (865) 970-4132) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED AND THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,430.
Air bags, Jul 2, 2020, crash
MY HUSBAND WAS JUST IN HIS FIRST WRECK THIS PAST WEEK OR SO IN OUR NISSAN ALTIMA 2008 2.5 S, AND PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT WE HAD NOTICED OUR PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT HAD CAME ON OUT OF NO WHERE.*DT WELL, IT DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN HE GOT INTO THE ACCIDENT. EVERY OTHER AIR BAG EXCEPT THE PASSENGER ONE DEPLOYED. EVEN THE ONES IN OUR SEATBELT AREA DIDN'T DEPLOY ALL THE WAY. THE WRECK HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY. THE MAN MY HUSBAND REAR ENDED WAS YIELDING TO TURN LEFT. MY HUSBAND WAS GOING 35-40MPH.*JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 5, 2020
SUPPLEMENTAL SAFETY AIRBAG SEATBELT THE LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING AND DOES NOT GO OFF THIS A SAFETY ISSUE I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE A SEATBELT MALFUNCTIONING
Air bags, Visibility/wiper, Oct 12, 2019
PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR FREQUENTLY DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IF A PASSENGER IS IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOESN'T MATTER IF THE CAR IS MOVING OR NOT. WAS TOLD THIS WAS A RECALL AND THAT IT WAS REPAIRED ON MY VEHICLE, BUT IT CLEARLY HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. DASHBOARD IS STICKY AND MELTED TO THE POINT THAT WHEN IT'S BEING DRIVEN IT REFLECTS UP ONTO THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE.
Air bags, Jul 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS BLINKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN OF YUBA CITY (1340 BRIDGE ST, YUBA CITY, CA 95993, (530) 923-4548) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 36535317 AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V521000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,194.
Air bags, Jul 23, 2019, crash
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. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERAL BODILY AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Air bags, Jun 18, 2019
ONE DAY DRIVING ON A NORMAL DAY ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN MY AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED TO BLINK REPEATEDLY, IT HASNT STOPPED SINCE. CAR HAS A CLEAN TITLE AND AIR BAGS WERE NEVER DEPLOYED.
Air bags, Jun 12, 2019
ON SATURDAY MORNING ON THE 8TH OF JUNE 2019, I WENT TO START MY CAR. AFTER I DID SO BOTH OF MY AIRBAG LIGHTS STAYED ON. EVEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP OF SOUTH STRAND NISSAN IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC ON JUNE 10, 2019 AND THEY SAID THERE COULD BE MULTIPLE REASONS FOR THE ISSUES, THAT I NEEDED TO GO AND HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT. I DO NOT REMEMBER THE AGENTS NAKLME, AND I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE THEM FIX A PROBLEM THAT I HONESTLY BELIEVE SHOULD NEVER BE AN ISSUE IF TH3Y AND THE NHTSA DID THEIR JOB RIGHT WITH QUALITY/SAFETY CONTROL.
Air bags, Apr 1, 2019
WITH AN ADULT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT OCCASIONALLY ILLUMINATES. IF THE PASSENGER LIFTS ALL THEIR WEIGHT OFF THE SEAT CUSHION THE LIGHT GOES OUT.
Air bags, Jan 31, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWN NORTH NISSAN (9160A RESEARCH BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78758, (512) 451-7411) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OCCUPANT SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
Air bags, Jan 2, 2019
DIAGNOSTIC SCAN WAS RAN AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAME BACK WITH 4 CODES STATING: OCCUPANT SENSOR UNIT FAIL X2 CRASH ZONE SENSOR UNIT FAIL AND COMM FAIL