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.
Suspension, Feb 2, 2013
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A REGULAR OIL CHANGE AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SWAY BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS BROKEN. HE SAID THAT IT HAD TO HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR AWHILE BECAUSE THE ENDS WERE RUSTED AND THEY NORMALLY DO NOT CORRODE THAT QUICKLY. HE SAID THAT IT WAS A CLEAN BREAK. UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS NOT COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2007 MODEL. WELL, MINE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2007. I AM A RESPONSIBLE DRIVER AND I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME WHY THE PART WOULD BREAK UNLESS IT WAS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Air bags, Jan 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT SENSOR IN THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CARBON MONOXIDE WAS LEAKING INTO THE VENTS FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 87,000. UPDATED 02/13/13*LJ UPDATED 02/14/13
Air bags, Electrical system, Jan 6, 2013
THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG NOT ON" LIGHT HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY FLASHING. IT NOW REMAINS LIT (PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF) WHEN THE SEAT IS UNOCCUPIED AND WHEN A FULL GROWN ADULT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IN NOVEMBER OF 2012, THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE DASHBOARD PANEL. I TOOK MY CAR INTO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AFTER READING ABOUT CAMPAIGN 08V521000. AFTER DIAGNOSTICS WERE RAN BY THE TECHNICIAN, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SRS SYSTEM WAS OFF, THE OCCUPANT SENSORY UNIT FAILED (DTC CODE B1018), AND A NEW SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY IS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE MALFUNCTION. NISSAN WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE MALFUNCTION AND DENIED COVERING THE REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL SINCE MY VIN DIDN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THE CONDITIONS FOR REPAIR FIT THE DESCRIPTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. I WANT NISSAN TO REPAIR THIS MALFUNCTION SO THAT I, AND MY PASSENGERS, CAN FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR. *TR
Structure, Dec 26, 2012
AFFECTED AREA OF VEHICLE :DASHBOARD THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD! THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 7/14/2012. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 36889 MILES. PURCHASED AS A PREVIOUSLY OWNED VEHICLE. ABOUT ONE MONTH AFTER, WE NOTICED THAT THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD BY THE WINDSHIELD MATERIAL STARTED TO MELT. THE MATERIAL, IS LIKE A FOAM THAT GETS HOT, STICKY AND STARTS TO MELT. IT CAN START A FIRE ANY MINUTE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP, LOCATED AT SEMORAN BLVD IN ORLANDO, FL, THE SAME PLACE WE BOUGHT THE CAR TWO MONTHS BEFORE. THE STAFF AT THE DEALERSHIP PROCEEDED TO INFORM ME THAT, AFTER SEVERAL VISITS, THAT THEY NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A NISSAN AUTHORIZED SHOP. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED US THAT FOR THE NISSAN MODEL FOR THAT YEAR 2008 THE MATERIAL USED WAS NOT THE STANDARD ONE. WE ARE REACHING OUT TO NISSAN TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS NOT ONLY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE COVER BY THE MANUFACTURER AND PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD TO MY FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL. IF WE DON'T HEAR FROM NISSAN IN 10 DAYS WE ARE GOING TO GO TO BBB AND THE GOVERNMENT. *TR UPDATED 02/06/13
Air bags, Dec 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,900.
Steering, Nov 15, 2012
NOV 15, 2012 - HARRISON, NJ - STEERING I OWN A 2008 SALVAGE NISSAN ALTIMA. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL SO THE VEHICLE TO COASTED TO A STOP. I NOTICED THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE ADDING MORE POWER STEERING FLUID, HE NOTICED THE FLUID LEAKING DIRECTLY FROM THE POWER STEERING FLUID COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE I WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING RACK FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,040 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000, I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO AUTHORIZE DEALER YET BUT SINCE IT'S A SALVAGE VEHICLE MOST LIKELY I'LL BE PAYING THE REPAIR OUT MY PACKET. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 1, 2012
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WROTE THIS LETTER TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND TO THE CEO OF NISSAN: DEAR [XXX], MY NAME IS [XXX]AND I AM A CURRENT OWNER OF A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS, I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH NISSAN'S WEST COAST REGIONAL OFFICE IN REGARDS TO ISSUES I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING WITH MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN TREATED VERY POORLY AND I AM ASTONISHED AND DISGRACED BY BOTH ONE OF YOUR NISSAN DEALERSHIPS HERE IN LOS ANGELES AND BY YOUR CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES. AS A LEADER MYSELF FOR ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE COMPANY'S IN THE WORLD, I HAVE FOUND MYSELF AT A LOSS FOR WORDS. [XXX], A MAN WHO HAS BEEN EMPOWERED TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR NISSAN, STATED BY BRETT LOCHER, HIS SUPERVISOR, HAS DECIDED THAT NISSAN SHOULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE THE FIRST DAY I LEASED THE CAR. I WAS LIED TO BY THE SALES REPRESENTATIVE THAT MY VEHICLE HAD TEMPORARY BATTERY ISSUES. LATER ON IN THE YEAR, I EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES. I WAS ADVISED BY YOUR DEALERSHIP IN GLENDALE, CA TO PAY FOR A NEW BATTERY EXCHANGE. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN MY CAR BECAME INACTIVE TO THE THE START/STOP IGNITION SWITCH NOT RESPONDING WITH THE BRAKE HARNESS. ALTHOUGH I ADVISED YOUR REPRESENTATIVES THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WAY BEFORE MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY CONTINUED TO EXPLAIN TO ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FIX THE CAR WITHOUT CHARGE BECAUSE NOW ITS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS AROUND 29,000 MILES AND HAS NEVER NEEDED SERVICE. I AM DISAPPOINTED FROM AN ETHICAL STANDPOINT AND I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY CAR FIXED. IT'S TIME FOR NISSAN TO STOP SERVING CRACKERS AND CHEESE AND BEGIN TO SERVE CAVIAR FOR CUSTOMER RETENTION. [XXX] CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS NEEDED! MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS ALL OVER THE NET. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Oct 12, 2012
PRESSED ON THE BRAKE WHILE PUSHING START BUTTON TO START CAR. CAR COULDN'T RECOGNIZE PRESSURE ON BRAKE AND WOULDN'T START. THIS HAPPENED ON 20+ OCCASIONS. AFTER A PERIOD OF 10-30 MINUTES EACH TIME, CAR WOULD EVENTUALLY START. *TR
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 4, 2012
MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE ABOUT 30 MINUTES NORTH OF SAN ANTONIO ON OUR WAY HOME TO DALLAS. IN AN INSTANCE MY CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH DECLINED. I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND IT WAS. I PULLED OVER AS TO NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND TURNED OFF MY CAR. IT TOOK A FEW TIMES TO START IT BACK AS IT WOULD START AND DIE. ABOUT THE 3RD TRY IT STARTED AND I REVVED THE GAS - IT SOUNDED NORMAL SO I DROVE TO AN AUTOZONE - IT WAS THE CLOSEST. I ASKED IF THEY WOULD CHECK THE COMPUTER TO SEE WHAT IT SAID AND THEY SAID IT WOULDN'T READ W/O A CODE. I TOOK THE CAR 10/1/12 TO BANKSTON NISSAN IN DALLAS (THE CAR DROVE FINE ALL THE WAY HOME) AND THEY SAID IT MAY BE TOO MUCH CVT FLUID. TOOK IT IN AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AND THE FLUID WAS FINE - DID NOT NEED TO BE CHANGED OR ANYTHING. THE TECH SAID WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO PULL OVER AND HAVE IT TOWED TO A NISSAN - HE THINKS MAYBE SINCE I RESTARTED IT MAY HAVE CLEARED THE CODES. I ASKED IF HE THOUGHT IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND HE SAID YES. LOOKING ONLINE I SEE THIS SAME DESCRIPTION AND ISSUE OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I EVEN CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND RECEIVED A CALL BACK... THIS DID NOT HAPPEN BEFORE WHEN I HAD A MASTER CYLINDER ISSUE THAT WAS RECALLED 6 MONTHS LATER. NISSAN AT THAT TIME JUST SAID SORRY. THIS TIME I GOT A CALL BACK INQUIRING, BUT THEN STILL GET A SORRY. I THINK SOMETHING IS UP. THEY ALL SEEM TO KNOW THE ISSUE BUT W/O A CODE THEY WONT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY. WHAT IF THERE IS NEVER A CODE??!!! *TR
Fuel system, Other, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED ONCE ON THE VEHICLE. SIX MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE FAILED AND WAS DISPLAYING ONE QUARTER OF A TANK LESS THAN WHAT WAS ACTUALLY IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FORE REPAIRS OR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,100. UPDATED 11/14/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON OCTOBER 8, 2012 THE PUT IN ANOTHER NEW FUEL PUMP. THE GAS GAUGE DID IMPROVED BUT, WHEN THE GAS GAUGE SHOULD READ HALF IT WILL SOMETIMES GO IN BETWEEN HALF AND 3/4 FULL. THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT VERY ACCURATE. UPDATED 11/19/2012 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2012
WHILE ACCELERATING FROM STOPPED TRAFFIC AT A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION, ACCELERATOR PEDAL BROKE OFF AT THE HUB. WHILE COASTING AT IDLE, DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CROSS LANES OF MOVING TRAFFIC TO SHOULDER AND THEN INTO PARKING LOT. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT BRAKE PEDAL IS MOUNTED TO A METAL ARM, BUT ACCELERATOR PIVOT HUB, ARM, AND PEDAL IS A SINGLE PIECE OF PLASTIC. *TR
Service brakes, Sep 25, 2012
THE PUSH START ENGINE IGNITION DEPENDS UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO START THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL COULD NOT BE PRESSED COMPLETELY IN ORDER FOR THE PUSH START TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THIS HAS SINCE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. WE MUST PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL A NUMBER OF TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. ACCORDING TO THE AUTO DEALER THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEM BUT UPON SEARCH OF THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND MANY CASES OF SIMILAR PROBLEM. NISSAN DEALER OFFERS TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PART AT A FEE. REQUEST THAT NISSAN TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAULTY BRAKE BUTTON THAT APPEARS TO BE CAUSING THIS PROBLEM ON MANY NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. *TR
Engine, Sep 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,385. UPDATED 10/17/12 *CN THE REPAIRS WERE MADE ON 09/25/12. UPDATED 10/22/12
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 14, 2012
I HAVE 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S WHICH HAS PUSH BUTTON START. I.E. PERSON HAS TO PUSH BUTTON AND PRESS BRAKE AT SAME TIME TO START THE ENGINE. THERE IS A SWITCH / SENSOR NEAR BRAKE PEDAL WHICH SENDS SIGNAL THAT BRAKE HAS BEEN PRESSED (AND ALSO TURNS ON REAR BRAKE LIGHTS). ONE DAY, ALL OF SUDDEN, WHEN I TRIED TO START CAR IT DIDN'T START. IT KEEP SAYING PRESS BRAKE (ACCESSORIES / RADIO ETC ALL TURN ON). SO THE CYCLE OF ACCESSORIES - ON- OFF KEPT ON HAPPENING. I THOUGHT BATTERY IS WEAK AND EVEN TRIED JUMP START. SO, AFTER TRYING PUSHING BRAKE + BUTTON FOR 30MINUTES , CAR FINALLY STARTED. THIS HAPPENED 2-3 TIMES AND I GOT VERY FRUSTRATED....FINALLY I STARTED READING ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE HAVE POSTED SAME COMPLAIN / ISSUE. THEY SUGGESTED TO CHECK WHETHER REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TURN ON WHEN I PRESS BRAKE OR NOT.. IF NOT THEN THE SWITCH IS BAD .. I SAW MANY PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM BY REPLACING SWITCH ($50 EXPENSE). I DID THE SAME AND CAR HAS BEEN WORKING FINE SINCE THEN (2-3 MONTHS). DEALER TRIES TO CHARGE $150 ONLY FOR SWITCH AND THEN $500 FOR OTHER STUFF TO ELIMINATE ROOT CAUSE OF ISSUE.. AS MANY PEOPLE ARE EFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE, I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT NISSAN SHOULD RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE AT THEIR COST. DEALERS ARE MAKING TONS OF MONEY OFF 2007-2008 ALTIMA OWNERS. *TR
Service brakes, Sep 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE START THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,310 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 6, 2012
VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ALONG WITH OTHER NORMAL TRAFFIC WHEN IT SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND STALLED ON AN INCLINE. DRIVER CAREFULLY STEERED VEHICLE TO A SAFE PLACE DOWNHILL AND CALLED A TOWING COMPANY TO TOW VEHICLE TO DRIVER'S RESIDENCE. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT, A RUBBER SEAL ON THE ECM WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND BUCKLED UP. ON TRYING TO REMOVE AND RE-INSERT THE HARNESS, IT WAS FOUND THAT ECM TERMINALS HAD CORRODED AND SOME PIN CONTACT HAD ACTUALLY FALLEN OFF. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, THIS WAS FOUND TO BE AN ISSUE COVERED UNDER FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY. DRIVER/OWNER CALLED THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHO IMMEDIATELY, PRESUMABLY AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE, TOWED THE CAR TO THEIR FACILITY, CHECKED AND FOUND THE ECM TO BE FAULTY BUT BLAMED THE FAULTY WIRING HARNESS FOR THE FAILURE. AND FURTHER, THE DEALER CLAIMED SINCE THE HARNESS CARRIES A 3 YEAR WARRANTY AND WAS THE "CAUSE" OF THE ECM FAILURE, THIS WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY RESULTING IN A BILL OF $2,000+ FOR REPLACING THE FAULTY - CORRODED - WIRING HARNESS AND THE FAULTY ECM. ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE DEALER DO MORE RESEARCH OR CONTACT NISSAN USA FOR ADVISE FELL ON DEAF EARS. IF THE CAR HAD STALLED ON HIGH SPEED AND CAUSED FATALITIES ON THE HIGHWAY, WOULD THESE REPAIRS THEN HAVE BEEN "PART" OF FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR PUBLICITY PURPOSES? IT IS OUT OF SHEER LUCK THAT 1. THE CAR STALLED WHILE GOING DOWNHILL AND, 2. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MILES PER HOUR. I DESPERATELY NEED ADVISE ON THIS WHILE I AWAIT FOR DELIVERY OF A SPECIAL ORDER FOR THE ECM AND HARNESS. IN THE MEANTIME, MY RENTAL CAR EXPENSES ARE PILING UP AND ARE NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2012
PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, NOTICED FROM START THAT IT HAD AN ISSUE WITH ACCELERATION. AT AN EASY(NORMAL)ACCELERATION THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND/OR SURGES BETWEEN 25 -40 MPH. ONCE PASSED 40MPH OR SO IT CLEARS UP. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE EVEN REFERENCED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NTB10-121B, TO THE DEALER. WORK WAS SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED PER BULLETIN BUT MADE NO DIFFERENCE. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SERVICE MANAGER THAT IT A NORMAL OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC. BULLETIN STATES THAT THIS IS "NORMAL." I AM SURE THAT THIS WAS NOT STATED TO CAR BUYER BEFORE PURCHASE. THIS HESITATION IS UNPREDICTABLE AND HAS CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR MISSES IN REGARDS TO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THIS "NORMAL OPERATION" IS A DEFICIENCY THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF AND HAS PROVIDED LITTLE OR NO RESOLUTION. HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE AND HAVE RECEIVED LITTLE IF ANY CONSIDERATION OR CONCERN FOR ISSUE. THE RESPONSE I RECEIVE IS "IF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION THEN IT IS NORMAL OPERATION." THE "NORMAL OPERATION" CAUSES THIS VEHICLE TO BE DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLY UNRELIABLE. IT NEEDS TO BE EXAMINED MUCH FURTHER AND A REMEDY NEEDS TO BE CREATED, DESIGNED, DEVISED OR DEVELOPED. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE PUSH BUTTON IGNITION START AND APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES SEIZED ABNORMALLY AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE CONTACT PLAYED AROUND WITH SEVERAL WIRES ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Engine, Jul 12, 2012
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR NORMALLY WHEN I NOTICED THE LIGHT " CHECK ENGINE SOON" TURNED ON. I STOPPED THE CAR AT TIRES PLUS AND ASKED TO CHECK THE OIL. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THERE WAS NO OIL CIRCULATION. I WAS ADVISED TO NOT DRIVE THE CAR AND TOW IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER. TIRES PLUS ALSO PROVIDED ME WITH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY NISSAN (CLASSIFICATION EC07-014, REFERENCE # NTB08-17, ISSUED ON JANUARY 22ND, 2008) REPORTING PROBLEMS WITH THE IVT SOLENOID VALVE FOR SOME VEHICLESMANUFACTURED IN 2008. MY VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THAT RANGE OF VINS INFORMED IN THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN. I TOWED THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND CONTACTED CONSUMER AFFAIRS. NISSAN IS REJECTING THE CLAIM BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY. ALSO, NISSAN IS SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ABSENCE OF OIL AND THEY FOUND SLUDGE. THEY ARE ASKING ME ASSUME THE COSTS IF THEY OPEN THE ENGINE TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM.I AM AFRAID THAT THE ENGINE IS DAMAGED. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 10, 2012
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INCIDENCES WHERE WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE & TRYING TO START THE CAR (BY THE PUSH START IGNITION) THE CAR WILL NOT TURN OVER. ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE WILL TURN ON (RADIO, POWER WINDOWS, AIR, ETC) BUT THE CAR WILL NOT START. I'VE HAD THE BATTERY TESTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND IT ALWAYS PASSES AS A GOOD BATTERY. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, I FOUND SEVERAL FORUMS WHERE OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2008 NISSAN ALTIMAS. FROM THE SOUNDS OF IT, IT MIGHT BE A PROBLEM WITH A BRAKE CABLE. WITH AS MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT I'VE SEEN ON THIS, HOW COME THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ISSUED? *TR
Air bags, Seats, Jul 9, 2012
THE PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT ALWAYS DETECT AN ADULT SITTING IN THE SEAT. THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG NOT ON" LIGHT COMES ON, SOMETIMES FLICKERS ON AND OFF AND ON AGAIN, WHEN AN ADULT IS SITTING IN THAT SEAT. THE SYMPTOMS APPEAR TO BE IDENTICAL TO CAMPAIGN 08V521000, BUT NISSAN SAYS MY VIN IS NOT EFFECTED. THE AIRBAG HAS NOT DEPLOYED, SO I HAVE NO WAY TO KNOW IF IT WILL WORK OR NOT, BUT SINCE THERE IS A PARTIAL RECALL UNDERWAY FOR THIS VERY THING, I BELIEVE THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. *TR
Suspension, Jun 28, 2012
THE LEFT REAR TORSION/ANT-ISWAY BAR SUSTAINED COMPLETE FRACTURE AT THE END. NOTHING HIT IT. IT APPEARED TO BE DUE TO CORROSION. IT WAS INSPECTED BY CONYERS NISSAN SERVICE AND THE ADVISOR AGREED THIS WAS PROBABLY DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR
Service brakes, May 18, 2012
THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. IT LEAKED FLUID ONTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER CAUSING THE BOOSTER TO FAIL. WHEN RELEASED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD STAY DEPRESSED MOMENTARILY AND THEN POP UP ABRUPTLY AND THEN WHEN DEPRESSED AGAIN THE BRAKES WOULD GRAB. *TR
Air bags, Apr 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CUSHION, WHICH CONTAINED THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT, WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V521000 (AIR BAGS) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.