CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2008 Altima has a defect trend of CVT transmission failure showing up around the 100,000 mile mark.

It's an expensive repair at nearly $4,000 average repair cost. For more information see Nissan Altima CVT defect info on NissanProblems.com.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,072 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Nissan Altima electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Nissan Altima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2008 Nissan Altima Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #65

Jul 142016

Altima

  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power and the emergency brake warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #64

Jul 052016

Altima

  • 140,000 miles
My car was in my driveway when I tried to start it. A yellow light with a key appeared in the upper left corner of the dash. The car wouldn't start. We researched the warning light and tried everything suggested such as disconnecting the battery, disconnecting the negative battery, etc. With no luck. I have to drive to a conference 4 hours away tomorrow and now have no car.

- Dayton, TX, USA

problem #63

Mar 012016

Altima

  • 150,000 miles
I have been experiencing recurring issues involving the gas pedal failing to work in my 2008 Nissan Altima. Whether on the highway, at a stop sign, or merging onto a highway the gas pedal will unexpectedly fail to accelerate the vehicle. I will press the pedal with absolute no acceleration from the vehicle. I have taken it to mechanic several times and each time the same codes appear. The codes are P0223, P0123, P2135. Respectively, each code means electronic throttle control actuator fault, electronic throttle control actuator fault and failed throttle position sensor. The recommendation from the codes is to replace throttle body. I have replaced the Altima's throttle body twice and the after each time this issue continues to occur. I have also replaced the gas pedal and the issue still occurs as well. I have also performed the throttle body re-learn procedures as directed by Nissan and the issue persists as well. Both my wife and I drive this vehicle and we have almost gotten into serious accidents involving this faulty issue with our Altima. It is very dangerous trying to merge onto a major road or highway when abruptly the gas pedal fails to accelerate the vehicle. This is very dangerous and Nissan must correct this issue. Upon, looking at the internet it seems numerous consumers of Nissan Altima's are experiencing this acceleration issue with the gas pedal. I have an appointment this Friday with Nissan but I am not very hopefully they can fix this affordably without charging an arm and a leg. This seems like an electrical or computer glitch with Nissan Altima(s).

- Mechanicsville, MD, USA

problem #62

Apr 182016

Altima

  • 38,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

5 yrs ago the sound of my engine changed and upon inspection the welding on the exhaust manifold was cracked. I was informed by pembroke pines Nissan that since car is at 38,500 miles and out of warranty despite it being a manufacture failure it would set me back $975. I didn't have the repair done. For the past 3 yrs, my passenger airbag light will turn off and on even irregardless if someone is in the seat or not. Furthermore, the radio will go blank or have illegible characters on it. I too have the melting dash issue as well as a couple of times I slipped and my finger nail has gouged out pieces of dash board. It's amazing that Lexus has issued a recall on their melting dash board on the IS250 & IS350 issues but Nissan could care less about its brand or reputation; I guess that's what happens when the company isn't whole Japanese owned.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #61

Mar 022016

Altima

  • 10,000 miles
When an adult is setting in the passenger seat the air bag indicator light will periodically go on. This has been an ongoing issue for years. St. charles Nissan tech found occupant sensor failure to be causing the issue. There is a recall involving this issue, NHTSA campaign id number 08V521000. My car's VIN is not part of the open recall, however, since it is the same problem in the same year vehicle, I wondered if the recall should be expanded. I have not been informed at what VIN they stopped in the recall.

- Wentzville, MO, USA

problem #60

Jan 242016

Altima

  • 24,000 miles
Intelligent key indicator on dash indicates low battery in key fob. At startup battery replaced twice and other fob used. Still lights on dash. Car starts for now but afraid it will not. Have seen this compliant on other 2008 Nissan Altima

- Canton, OH, USA

problem #59

Oct 122015

Altima

  • 118,760 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and caused the air bags to become exposed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,760.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #58

Jul 202015

Altima

  • 111,000 miles
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan Altima. While driving at approximately 35 mph, black smoke emitted from the ventilation unit and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that after exiting the vehicle, it caught fire and the front passenger side door failed to open. As a result, the front seat passenger was trapped inside the vehicle and sustained smoke inhalation related injuries that required medical attention. The fire department had to remove the front seat passenger from the vehicle and was able to extinguish the fire. It was later determined that the fire was caused by a faulty ignition switch. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000. The VIN was not available.

- Fort Pierce, FL, USA

problem #57

Mar 012015

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start until after several attempts. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake pedal was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. MA 10/2

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #56

Mar 222015

Altima

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. While driving at approximately 65 mph, the OCS warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the same failure listed in NHTSA campaign number: 08V521000 (air bags, electrical system), but the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger seat cushion OCS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

- Niceville, FL, USA

problem #55

Jun 052015

Altima

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. While the vehicle was parked, it failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Coden, AL, USA

problem #54

Jun 152015

Altima

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. While driving 35 mph, the front passenger side air bag warning light illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V521000 (air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

- North Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #53

Apr 012015

Altima

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact and the air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Piketon, OH, USA

problem #52

Apr 152015

Altima 4-cyl

  • 74,000 miles
My 2008 Nissan Altima needs to be recalled due to dashboard melting. The dashboard is sticky and gives off a glare during the daytime while driving. This issue is extremely hazardous and blinds my vision when I drive during the day. Please Nissan fix this issue. Take responsibility for the materials used when manufacturing a vehicle. Care about your customers concerns and fix my dashboard.

- Sunrise , FL, USA

problem #51

Mar 052014

Altima

  • 148,000 miles
Car cranks but won't start.

- Raymond, MS, USA

problem #50

Feb 242015

Altima

  • 97,000 miles
Was informed by our Nissan dealership that this vehicle has inoperable airbags due to a failure of the front crash zone sensor. Of course, this is just an assumption on their part. This vehicle has never been in an accident or experience any impact of any nature to cause this sensor to malfunction. Nissan dealership ran a diagnostics test, but still no clear indication as to there being inoperable airbags. Was given two options, starting with one option of replacing the sensor in its entirety at an estimated cost of $525, and if that didn't work, running another diag. Test at an additional estimated cost of $592. In an attempt for some assistance, a consumer complaint was filed with Nissan North America only to be denied assistance on the cost of this repair. Their decision was based solely on the age of the vehicle and it not being under a warranty. Paying a $1,000 for a "guess" is extremely steep and unreasonable and a cost to which I cannot afford. Due to their faulty transmissions, at 45,000 miles, the transmission on this vehicle had to be completely replaced, to which Nissan picked up the tab for due to faulty transmissions of their cvt transmissions. Being purchased as a brand new vehicle only to have a transmission being completely replaced at 45,000 miles sheds new light on the poor quality of Nissan vehicles. At this time, Nissan is refusing to assist.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #49

Jun 012013

Altima 4-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
The lock/unlock electrical system has gone out. The only way that the doors can be locked or unlocked is by manually doing it with the key outside the car or your hands inside the car.

- Flowery Branch, GA, USA

problem #48

Jan 162015

Altima

  • miles
Nissan: Door lock/unlock inoperative with intelligent key. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Desoto, MO, USA

problem #47

Nov 032014

Altima 4-cyl

  • miles
Not so much one specific incident but a few over a couple of months. First and most importantly the seat moves side to side and seems to be off track. The internet mentions many instances of seat problems and I don't understand how a car seat can be a problem, I've owned many cars and know many folks who owned many cars and never ever heard of a seat being a problem ever. But I'm going to be charged $89.95 to "diagnose" a seat problem that apparently if isn't affected by the tech bulletin could pay upwards of $1500 for a car seat. 2nd issue is my rear door locks stopped working. First it was the driver side back door and the lock stopped responding to the key fob and internal lock button. Week and a half later the passenger back door locks stopped working. Looking up this on the internet it's a common problem for Nissan's. the dealer conveniently is going to charge me two (2) diagnostic charges of $89.95 to determine what the problem is with the door locks (again not 1 charge for both but two separate charges). The internet says actuators which I'll update later after this week if that's the issue. I'd think the NHTSA should investigate these two claims for a potential recall to save consumers from be fleeced for what appear to be consistent issues that aren't wear and tear issues and appear to be defects.

- Elsmere, DE, USA

problem #46

Dec 202014

Altima

  • 123,000 miles
Went to a smoke shop went back out and my car wouldn't start.. my key yellow logo on dash is on so I'm positive it steering lock seen a lot of complaints about this and this should be recalled!!!!

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?