90 of the
1,376 complaints about the 2008 Nissan Altima are about the
electrical system — 7% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
76,465 miles.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11643609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northhampton, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Parked car due to electrical and transmission issues had left it for a couple hours to receive assistance and the car was gone it had no plates because I was attempting to register the car that same day
NHTSA complaint #11574017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Easley, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’m having to replace at least 2 sensors every 6 or 7 months.
NHTSA complaint #11474002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grenada, MSCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11465698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesRichmond, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11461513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Emmaus, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving down the highway at about 60 mph the vehicle shut off and has not restarted in almost 2 weeks. There was no indication or warning of any engine trouble prior to it shutting off. Luckily, I was getting off an exit and nobody was injured. Had I NOT been exciting the highway, there would have most certainly been a MULTI vehicle accident with severe injuries and possibly even death because of the high speeds. Once the car was completely stopped and off towards the shoulder I tried to restart but got a fast clicking noise, but wouldn't start. Let the car sit for a little tried to jump start it, but now the key indicator was being displayed which means the car wasn't recognizing the key even in the slot. This leads me to believe the security system/ immobilizer could've been what caused it to shut off. The car has not been looked at yet. Still waiting for Nissan dealer to diagnose it.
NHTSA complaint #11425910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,200 milesAnamosa, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I JUST PURCHASED MY NISSAN NOT EVEN 3 MONTHS AGO AND I'VE HAD TO HAVE IT IN THE 4-5 SHOPS BECAUSE NOBODY COULD FIGURE OUT WHY IT WAS GIVING THE CODE P0335. FINALLY FOUND OUT IT'S THE TIMING CHAIN. I CANT DRIVE MY OWN CAR BECAUSE OF IT AND I FEEL LIKE I GOT ROBBED OF MY MONEY. THE DAM CAR IS STUCK IN LIMP MODE. WE WAS DRIVING ONE DAY AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR JERKED REALLY HARD AN LOST POWER DIDNT HAVE A CLUE WHAT WAS GOING ON.
NHTSA complaint #11408244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 208,000 milesBatesville, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY WIFE'S CAR SHUTDOWN ON HER LAST MONTH AND I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY INDICATED THE FUEL PUMP WAS BAD SO I ORDERED A NEW ONE AND THINGS WENT FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND NOW THE FUEL HAND JUST FLUCTUATS UP AND DOWN AND JUST SUDDENLY DROPS TO (E) WHEN IT HAS GAS OR FULL TANK OF GAS IN IT. ALSO THE MILEAGE DISPLAY IS SHOWING INACCURATE READINGS AND BLINKING ON THE DASH ON AND OFF AND MY WIFE IS SCARED NOW TO DRIVE HER 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA ON LONG DRIVES WITH THIS PROBLEM GOING ON!! IT HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION ON A BUSY HWY 278 IN BATESVILLE,MS
NHTSA complaint #11402731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesSalina, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CVT TRANSMISSION STEP SOLENOID AND THE ACCELERATOR PADDLE NOT WORKING WRITE IT WONT GO ANYWHERE SOMETIMES ONLY LIKE 20 MILES AN HOUR HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN IT OFF AND WAIT 5 TO 10 MIN THEN IT'S OK FOR A LITTLE BIT IF I HIT A BUMP IT ALSO SHUTS OFF CAN U HELP PLEASE ITSBEEN DOING THIS SINCE BOUGHT FROM AN INDIVIDUAL
NHTSA complaint #11348948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesMahanoy City, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE SLOWS/STALLS WHEN DRIVEN IN HIGH HEAT WEATHER DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW/STALL.
NHTSA complaint #11340571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesFairburn, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ORANGE KEY LIGHT INDICATOR COMES ON AND CAR WILL NOT START UP.
NHTSA complaint #11318963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBroken BOW, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A DIRT ROAD AND MY CAR DIED I TRIED TO START IT BACK UP BUT IT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING I CAN'T TURN ON ANY LIGHTS UNLOCK OR LOCK THE CAR NOTHING. SHOWS A LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT LOOKS LIKE THE KEY FOB AND LOOKED IT UP AND IT SAYS THAT SOMETHING UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN CAN CAUSE THE ISSUES AND HAS A RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11256042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harlem, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I CAN DRIVE THE CAR FOR SEVERAL HOURS THEN AFTER SEVERAL HOURS THE CAR SHUTS DOWN SLOWS DOWN AND THEN CUTS COMPLETELY OFF TRIES TO RESTART THE CAR IT COMPLETELY DIES HAVE TO GET A JUMP START. COULDN'T GET A READING ON THE CAR NO CODES WOULD SHOW UP IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE NOT KNOWING WHEN IT WILL JUST SHUT OFF ON ME AND MY DAUGHTER.
NHTSA complaint #11133127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY DASH BOARD IS MELTING FROM THE HEAT AND CRACKING ALL AROUND. MY PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT KEEP COMING ON ALONG WITH TIRE SENSOR. HAD SENSOR REPLACE SEVERAL TIME AND HAVE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11092098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesMemphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR STOPPED, WOULD NOT START, YELLOW KEY LIGHT ON THE LEFT DASHBOARD STAYS ON. CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL
NHTSA complaint #11067200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBronx, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE POWER START KEY ISNT TURNING ON THE CAR, IT ALLOWS YOU TO ENTER THE CAR BUT THE START TAKES VARIOUS ATTEMPTS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE LOCK STEERING FEATURE MALFUNCTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #11016305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SEAT STOPPED WORKING ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I HAD TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED LAST MONTH TO DRIVE IN THE STATE OF VA AND TO ACCESS THE NAVAL BASE FOR WORK. I FAILED THE INSPECTION BECAUSE OF IT AND HAD TO PAY $705 FOR A NEW SEAT. I SAW A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT WAS TOLD BY NISSAN RECALL DEPARTMENT MY CAR WASN'T COVERED. HOW CAN THAT BE POSSIBLE? I AM REQUESTING A FULL REFUND FROM NISSAN AS THE ISSUE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED IN 2008. I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN HELPING ME ACCOMPLISH IT.
NHTSA complaint #10983702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SEAT STOPPED WORKING ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I HAD TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED LAST MONTH TO DRIVE IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA AND TO ACCESS THE NAVAL BASE FOR WORK. I FAILED THE INSPECTION BECAUSE OF IT AND HAD TO PAY $705 FOR A NEW SEAT. I SAW A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT WAS TOLD BY NISSAN RECALL DEPARTMENT MY CAR WASN'T COVERED. HOW CAN THAT BE POSSIBLE? I AM REQUESTING A REFUND AS THE ISSUE WAS A SAFETY RECALL IN 2008.
NHTSA complaint #10983357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesLees Summit, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START THE INTELLIGENT KEY FOB AND THE STEERING LOCK MECHANISM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 06/01/17*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/19/2017
NHTSA complaint #10956636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesCopaigue, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. I NOTICED THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE STATUS LIGHT REMAINS OFF WITH NO PASSENGER IN IT. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE AS MENTIONED IN THE LINK BELOW. HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/CS/JAXRS/DOWNLOAD/DOC/ACM10619386/RCRIT-08V521-7546.PDF PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO FIX THE ISSUE WITHOUT CHARGE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN AND THEIR REPLY WAS AS BELOW: THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REGARDING YOUR 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. A REVIEW OF OUR SYSTEM INDICATES THAT THE ABOVE-REFERENCED VEHICLE IS NOT CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN ANY RECALL OR SERVICE CAMPAIGNS.CASE # [XXX] HAS BEEN CREATED TO DOCUMENT YOUR INQUIRY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10940069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLake Charles, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING LOCK MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10894214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesAberdeen, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY TPMS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW, AND THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE SYSTEM IS READING ZERO PSI IN ALL TIRES. THEY SAID IT WAS A PART OF THE SYSTEM THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT AND DOESN'T WANT TO ADDRESS IT. SO IF I WANT IT FIXED ITS GONNA COST ME OVER $200. MY WIFE WHO HAS A 2009 MURANO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TPMS LIGHT BEING ON AND READING ZERO PSI IN ALL TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10888900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10884999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesDayton, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10882846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMechanicsville, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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).
NHTSA complaint #10874118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,500 milesHollywood, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10860227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesWentzville, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10846119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesCanton, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 ALTIMAS
NHTSA complaint #10822473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,760 milesMiami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10783788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesFort Pierce, FLFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10759534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.