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
1,029 reports, newest first.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2023
The dashboard of this vehicle has become sticky to the touch and excessively shiny, and appears to be melting in spots, causing glare on the windshield that obstructs vision while driving.
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2023
The dashboard is melting. It's sticky and shinny. On sunny days it causes a glare on the windshield making it hard to see out of it.
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2023
The dashboard in my 2008 Nissan Altima has been melting, cracking and deteriorating. When it is warm outside, It’s sticky to the touch and becomes glossy causing a major glare on my windshield plus, if I graze a finger nail across it when wiping it for dust or cleaning the windshield it comes apart showing nicks and indentations. I looked this up on the web today and apparently there was a class action lawsuit filed against Nissan that was settled in 2017 for 2008 and 2009 models but on for those folks living in Florida. I live in North Carolina. I started to notice this in 2016 but didn’t give it much thought because the car is garage kept and I have a company car so I only drive this vehicle now sparingly (mainly on weekends). You can’t see how sticky it is by the photos so I took my car registration paper and stuck it to the dash. The dash when warm has a “sticky note” type feel to it. The hotter it gets the more glazed and sticky the dashboard becomes. Today it’s on 61 degrees: https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2021/nissan-melting-dashboard-lawsuit.shtml https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/melting-dashboards-consumers-demand-answers-recall-from-nissan/232577/
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.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Oct 24, 2022
2008 Nissan Altima: Noticed this year a shiny gleam on the dashboard. This windshield gets hazy. The dashboard is melting, it is sticking and shiny. When a fingernail is pressed, it will actually sink into the dashboard and leave a mark. The dashboard cannot take any cleaning or friction. When the dashboard is touched it leaves fingers sticky. Became more of an issue this year now that I have a grandchild. MY other vehicle is a mini cooper 2 door which is not feasible to hold a car seat and baby. I now have the carseat in the Nissan and now it has become more of a problem because i cannot use the other car as alternative transportation when I have my grandchild. It is very difficult to drive with the glare it causes, and it is a safety issue not only for me but for others. When the sun is out and it is hot (this summer) it is worst and causes the windshield to get hazy. Not sure if it is leaking chemicals as the dashboard is now soft, shiny and cannot be removed by cleaning. The glare is very dangerous and difficult to drive under the conditions. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the dashboard had melted and was sticky. There were also cracks on the dashboard. The failure caused a glare on the front windshield, which obstructed her view of the roadway while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
Engine, Jul 21, 2022
I purchased a crankshaft from CarID and had a friend replace it with the old one in my 2008 Nissan Altima. Immediately after the repair, I noticed my steering power was gone. I had them put in the old crankshaft and regained my steering. I told CarID that the part was either defective or the wrong part despite their website claiming otherwise. They told me it wasn't under warranty and refused to refund or exchange the crankshaft. Well, this isn't a warranty issue, this is a defective part issue. On their own website they list the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which my situation falls under. Their part (WVE 5S11487 - Crankshaft Position Sensor) led to the failure of my steering. I called WVE, who said they do not sell directly to CarID and the part was most likely bought from a third party, hence the lack of warranty. The last I heard from CarID on this issue, they told me they would assist within 24-72 hours. That was 7 days ago. I emailed them a follow-up email yesterday that has gone ignored as well. CarID has not only shown any interest in resolving this issue amicably but shown willful disregard for the danger that their defective parts pose to their customers.
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2022
I’m having to replace at least 2 sensors every 6 or 7 months.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2022
Melting dashboard causing sun & lights to reflect in face when driving.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, May 23, 2022, crash
I pulled into Regions bank parking lot to use ATM machine and before I could even park my car accelerated for no reason. I had my foot on the brake but it just made it go faster. I crashed into the building and airbag deployed. This was the scariest driving experience I’ve ever had. The car is totaled and caused serious damage to bank. I escaped by the grace of God with sprained wrist and elbow and knee abrasions.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 7, 2022
In 2018 I was driving back home from Derby, Kansas to Denver, Colorado in the middle of summertime, and my air conditioner started blowing hot air and the AC did not need to be charged. This was in my 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe that I purchased in April 2008 with 4 miles on it and have taken amazing care of it and still have it to this day and is in excellent condition other than these issues. About an hour later, my car starting making a revving noise when I accelerated but my car was not accelerating and I would have to pull off on the side of the road, in 100 degree weather, no air conditioning, with my dogs, and wait for 30 minutes and then I could start driving for about 10 minutes, and then I had to repeat this all the way back to Denver. A normally 8 hour trip took me over 20 hours due to this. I have to rent a car now I go out of town because I am not going to pay to fix whatever is wrong with it when this is obviously a major problem because there have been so many reports. I drive it when going on short trips so its driven, but its pretty much been non-reliable since 2018. I hope there is a thorough investigation of this and a recall is done because this is crazy and was not safe at all to drive and it actually still happens when it is hot out and I drive more than 30 minutes. No error lights come on and all gagues are normal and no mechanics can seem to figure it out so I can't get it fixed. I will never buy a brand new car again because a used one will last longer, and definitely not a Nissan or anything affiliated or has parts made buy them.
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 19, 2022
The dashboard in this vehicle similar to other Nissan models that have already been recalled is cracked, sticky, shiny and glossy. It’s dangerous to have cracks in the dashboard in case of airbag deployment. The glossy shiny dashboard creates a blinding glare and is extremely dangerous while driving. It creates a glare that makes the front windshield appear black and unable to see through.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2022
Problem - Car dashboard is melting and becoming sticky due to heat. Safety - Severe glare from the black dashboard on the windshield makes it a safety risk to drive on the roads during day time. Potential health hazard due to melting dashboard material and any harmful gases from dashboard material while driving the car with heater or AC ON. This is a known issue to Nissan and a class action lawsuit was filed and settled in the state of FL.
Suspension, Mar 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while making a left turn into a parking at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side tire detached from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that each of the lug nuts had sheared off the wheel. The wheel was underneath the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The contact then called the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V363000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 7, 2022
My vehicle was purchased used in North Carolina October 2015 and after about 3 years I noticed my dash became very sticky. In the last year there is now I glare from the dash on my windshield. I just recently discovered this is a manufacturer's defect that was only covered in FL.
Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2022
Dash board melting , becomes sticky and puts off a severe glare in the windshield. Class action lawsuit in Florida identified this as a design issue and made Nissan responsible due to dashboard melting under heat from sun.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2022
Dashboard is cracking, sticky, gooey and melting in places
Service brakes, Dec 6, 2021
Brake switch or Stop Light Switch goes out which causes brakes to become very stiff and not light up the brakes which causes car’s push start to not start car more than 5 times a week. I will always have to stomp the brake petal to activate the brakes to start the car.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 6, 2021
The dashboard covering has deteriorated to the point it is sticky and shiny. Sun glare on the dash reflects off the windshield making it difficult to see. This is a known defect of this Make, Model and Year. State of Florida settled with the manufacturer and owner's cars were repaired.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2021
The Dashboard is melting and creates a glare on the windshield, making it difficult and dangerous when driving on a sunny day. The glare is such that anyone or thing in front of the vehicle is very hard to see.