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2008 Nissan Altima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Altima years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Nissan Altima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

685 reports with mileage · 343 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 312 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 168 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

53 crash reports13 fire reports26 injury reports

Wheels complaints

9 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2025
SteeringSuspensionWheels

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 my vin # has never had any recalls for these issu…

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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 my vin # has never had any recalls for these issues but is obvious this make and model has been affected as well. Please look into this some more car is not safe and we were sold a lemon from day 1. Going back and forth to dealership lies and mechanics to find out it's always been a suspension issue I don't know the exact terms but suspension and some type of electric issue just as the recalls stated on my insurance policy description. Please advise or help Nissan make this right to keep our streets and cars safe while on the road. I need to gather all documents from places I've gone in for these very same issues of recalls shown. Financially this has been a burden investing in a used car to just have to fix right away with these same exact issues of recalls listed but to say our vehicle was not affected by those recalls is ridiculous it's obvious I been dealing with the same exact issues. Please help. Thank you for listening and hopefully you can help make a difference with this safety issue. I bought the car during covid year and been having issues since then but today's date on incident because I'm not sure of an exact date 4-5 yrs ago when issues started. Dealership lied to us I'm sure they were experiencing same issues with suspension that lead to issues with steering wheel control arms into motor mounts and tires getting bald fast and always having to change out front tires not straight or balanced out of control all the time.

NHTSA ODI #11681830

Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2023
Wheels

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.

NHTSA ODI #11556879

124,000 miles · Sep 2, 2020
SuspensionWheels

MY SPRINGS ON BOTH REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER BROKE INTO PIECES AND POPPED MY TIRES WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THERE WAS NO WARNING I JUST HAD BRAKES AND INSPECTION DONE A FEW MONTHS AGO, AND LAST WEEK WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY MY TIRE BASICALLY BLEW APART, WHEN EXAMINING WE NOTICED THE SPRINGS HAD BROKEN AND RUBBED AGAINST THE TIRES CAU…

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MY SPRINGS ON BOTH REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER BROKE INTO PIECES AND POPPED MY TIRES WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THERE WAS NO WARNING I JUST HAD BRAKES AND INSPECTION DONE A FEW MONTHS AGO, AND LAST WEEK WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY MY TIRE BASICALLY BLEW APART, WHEN EXAMINING WE NOTICED THE SPRINGS HAD BROKEN AND RUBBED AGAINST THE TIRES CAUSING THEM TO POP. IM LUCKY I SLOWED DOWN IN TIME WE COULD'VE HAD A REALLY BAD ACCIDENT AND IM SO UPSET ABOUT IT.

NHTSA ODI #11352794

119,000 miles · Apr 17, 2017
Air BagsWheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TIRE PRESSURE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ISSUE; HOWEVER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TIRE PRESSURE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ISSUE; HOWEVER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED AIR. THE TIRES WERE INFLATED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATION, BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER FOR PROPER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

NHTSA ODI #10978819

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2016
StructureTiresWheels

I OWN A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA (VIN# [XXX]). I HAVE TO TWO QUESTIONS FOR YOU: 1) WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE DASHBOARDS TOWARDS THEIR STICKINESS & MELTING? ESPECIALLY SINCE TOYOTA RECALLED THEIRS BECAUSE OF THAT. 2) WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE TPMS? IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. WITH IT ON ALL THE TIME, HOW AR…

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I OWN A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA (VIN# [XXX]). I HAVE TO TWO QUESTIONS FOR YOU: 1) WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE DASHBOARDS TOWARDS THEIR STICKINESS & MELTING? ESPECIALLY SINCE TOYOTA RECALLED THEIRS BECAUSE OF THAT. 2) WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE TPMS? IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. WITH IT ON ALL THE TIME, HOW ARE SUPPOSED TO TELL WHEN THE AIR IS LOW. IF I TURN IT OFF, IT WON'T COME BACK ON EVEN WHEN THE TIRES ARE LOW. IF I REPLACE ONE, I HAVE TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM. NTB HAS EVEN TRIED PUTTING NITROGEN IN THE TIRES. BUT THAT DID NOT WORK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10895068

66,000 miles · Sep 17, 2013
Wheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ADDING AIR TO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE, THE VALVE STEM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VALVE STEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ADDING AIR TO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE, THE VALVE STEM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VALVE STEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #10544003

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2013
Wheels

I THINK MY CAR HAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE WHEELS ARE LIGHT, WHENEVER THERE IS A LIGHT SNOW, RAIN, WIND IT SLIPS A LOT. I DRIVE 90 MILES A DAY FOR WORK AND I AM REALLY CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY. JULY 26TH, 2012 WAS A RAINY AND WINDY DAY AND MY CAR SLEPT, I WASN'T SPEEDING AT ALL. ALL ALTIMA OWNERS SAY THE SAME. NISSAN NEEDS TO D…

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I THINK MY CAR HAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE WHEELS ARE LIGHT, WHENEVER THERE IS A LIGHT SNOW, RAIN, WIND IT SLIPS A LOT. I DRIVE 90 MILES A DAY FOR WORK AND I AM REALLY CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY. JULY 26TH, 2012 WAS A RAINY AND WINDY DAY AND MY CAR SLEPT, I WASN'T SPEEDING AT ALL. ALL ALTIMA OWNERS SAY THE SAME. NISSAN NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10509566

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2010
Wheels

2008 ALTIMA WHEELS MAKING TO MUCH NOISE-HAVE REPLACES FRONT WHEEL HUB AT NO COST-STILL A HOWLING NOISE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10325929

66 miles · Apr 2, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

VEHICLE RIDES UNSTABLE. SHARP TURNS CAUSES CAR TO BECOME UNSTABLE, LOSES CONTROLS OF TURN. TIRES OR RIMS UNBALANCED. HAVE VEHICLE SEEM MANY TIMES AND THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE CORRECTED. NEITHER REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CONFIRM PROBLEM. TOLD BY AMERICAN TIRES SALE ASSOCIATE, NISSAN WILL NOT REIMBURSE THEM FOR CORRECTING THE PROBLE…

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VEHICLE RIDES UNSTABLE. SHARP TURNS CAUSES CAR TO BECOME UNSTABLE, LOSES CONTROLS OF TURN. TIRES OR RIMS UNBALANCED. HAVE VEHICLE SEEM MANY TIMES AND THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE CORRECTED. NEITHER REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CONFIRM PROBLEM. TOLD BY AMERICAN TIRES SALE ASSOCIATE, NISSAN WILL NOT REIMBURSE THEM FOR CORRECTING THE PROBLEMS. THEY REBALANCED THE TIRES, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ADVISE RIGHT FRONT TIRE PROBLEM, BUT THEY WOULD NOT GIVE A WRITE UP ON THE PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE HAS HAD TOO MANY RECALLS. HANLEES RICHMOND HILLTOP NISSAN SHOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE MANY RECALLS, PRIOR TO SELLING THIS VEHICLE. MARCH 26, 2009 HAD CAR IN FOR SERVICING, DRIVER SEAT BROKEN, BRAKE HARDWARE DAMAGED - BRAKES REPLACED. MILEAGE AT TIME OF SERVICING 12,800. I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE. I SPOKE WITH THE FINANCE ASSOCIATE ABOUT REPLACING THE CAR, BUT HE REFUSED.. I HAVE NOTED FROM SERVICING ORDER ON MARCH 26, 2009 - HEAT SHIELD PROBLEM - HIGH RPM ON INITIAL STARTUP. ANTIOCH SERVICE ADVISOR DID NOT ADDRESS THIS MATTER, BECAUSE NISSAN HAS NOT ISSUED A CORRECTION ORDER ON THIS AS OF TODAY. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR THAT HAS MANY PROBLEMS FROM THE FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE! I HAVE TRIED SO MANY TIMES TO GET HELP FROM THE SERVICE CENTER AS WELL AS NISSAN CONSUMER SERVICES. NOT HELP!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10264030

Official recalls

4

10V401000 · 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

08V521000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:software

Oct 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).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

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).

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

Air Bags

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).

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

08V363000 · Suspension

Jul 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE BOLT WERE TO COME OUT, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

07V599000 · Electrical System:ignition:module

Dec 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVING ON UNDER-INFLATED TIRES IS UNSAFE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE11020 · Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak

Opened May 23, 2011 · Closed Mar 14, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE11-020 to investigate possible brake performance loss due to brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster in the subject vehicles.A total of 237 complaints were identified by ODI and Nissan.The majority of complaints and warranty claims reported that brake malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination as the only symptom of a problem.Only 12 complaints alleged any effect on brake performance and in each of these the drivers were able to stop the vehicles without incident.No crash claims could be attributed to the alleged defect. Returned part analysis data provided by Nissan showed that most of the master cylinders replaced under warranty did not have a leak condition.These replacements may have resulted from brake MIL illumination due to pad wear.For most of the warranty claims, in a few cases where a master cylinder leak was found, Nissan's testing showed that the leaks were extremely slow and would require thousands of miles or months of driving before brake performance could be affected.After an extensive study of replaced master cylinders for a presumed leak, Nissan was unable to identify any concern with the parts or design of the subject components that could affect brake performance. Nevertheless, Nissan does recognize a concern with premature brake MIL illumination and has decided to address this problem by conducting a voluntary service campaign covering approximately 1.17 million model year 2007 through 2012 Altima vehicles (up to June 25, 2011 production, the date of Nissan's running change for the longer life brake pad).Nissan's owner letter for the service campaign states, As your brake pads wear over time, the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir will drop and may cause the brake warning lamp to illuminate.?Although this is a normal condition, there has been concern that the brake warning light illumination may be caused by a slow fluid leak over time.Nissan's service campaign will inspect the brake pads and test the master cylinder for leakage.If leakage is detected, Nissan will replace the master cylinder at no charge.If excessive pad wear is observed, customers will be notified and will be responsible for repairs.For more details concerning Nissan's service campaign, see the PE11-020 file on www.Safercar.gov. Based on the low failure rate for confirmed master cylinder leakage in the subject vehicles and the low probability that the condition would affect brake performance, this investigation is closed.

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