2008 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2008 Nissan Altima has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor / Air Bag Warning Light Fault ($250-$1,800 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2007-2012 Nissan Altima, multiple 2007-2012 Altima owners report the air bag warning light flashing and the passenger air bag status behaving incorrectly due to faults in the occupant classification system (OCS) or related seat sensor components. This can disable the passenger frontal air bag when it should be enabled, or trigger a persistent SRS warning light. Nissan issued service information and warranty extensions on some related OCS concerns because the issue was common enough to generate many complaints and dealer repairs.
Diagnosis requires a capable scan tool that can read SRS and OCS data, not just generic OBD-II codes. Technicians typically inspect seat harness connections, zero-point calibration, seat cushion sensor mat operation, and the occupant detection control unit. Repairs may involve OCS recalibration, harness repair, or replacement of the passenger seat cushion/sensor assembly followed by SRS initialization.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2012 Nissan Altima, altimas in this period frequently suffer from failing crankshaft position sensors and camshaft position sensors, especially on the 2.5L and 3.5L engines. Owners report intermittent stalling at stops or while driving, extended cranking, sudden no-start conditions, and check-engine lights. Nissan issued service information and many owner reports describe repeat failures with cheap aftermarket sensors.
Diagnosis includes scanning for correlation and sensor circuit codes, checking live RPM signal during cranking, and inspecting harness connectors for oil contamination or heat damage. The most reliable fix is replacing the failed sensor(s) with OEM-quality parts and clearing codes; in some cases both cam and crank sensors are replaced together due to similar age and failure patterns.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2012 Nissan Altima, hydraulic power steering Altimas commonly develop leaks from the steering rack seals or high-pressure hose assemblies. Owners report groaning noises, fluid on the subframe, a burning smell from fluid contacting hot components, and progressively heavier steering effort. On higher-mileage cars the leak can become severe enough to empty the reservoir and sharply reduce steering assist.
Diagnosis involves checking the reservoir level, inspecting the pressure hose crimps and rack boots for fluid, and verifying whether the pump has been damaged by low fluid operation. Repairs typically involve replacing the leaking hose or steering rack, flushing the system, and refilling with the correct fluid. Alignment is usually required after rack replacement.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2012 Nissan Altima, a recurring higher-mileage Altima problem is front wheel bearing wear, often first noticed as a humming or growling noise that increases with road speed. As the bearing deteriorates, owners may feel vibration, looseness, or see ABS warnings if the integrated wheel speed signal becomes erratic. This is widely reported in repair databases and owner forums, especially on cars driven on rough roads.
Diagnosis includes road testing for load-sensitive humming, checking for play at the wheel, and using a chassis ear or scan tool to compare wheel speed signals if ABS lights are present. Repair typically requires replacing the affected hub/bearing assembly or pressing in a new bearing depending on model year and setup. An alignment check is wise if other front-end wear is present.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2007-2012 Nissan Altima, a recurring issue on 2007-2012 Altimas with a moonroof is clogged or poorly routed sunroof drains that allow water to overflow into the cabin, often soaking the front carpet and padding. Owners report musty odors, wet passenger or driver footwells, and in some cases electrical problems when water reaches connectors or body control modules under the dash or carpet area. The problem is widely discussed in owner forums and appears in complaint databases as repeated water leak/electrical symptom combinations.
Confirm the leak source with a controlled water test at the sunroof cassette and A-pillar drain outlets. Clear the drains with low-pressure air or flexible line, repair disconnected drain tubes, dry the carpet and padding completely, and inspect nearby connectors/modules for corrosion. If electrical symptoms are present, clean or replace corroded terminals and verify no water remains trapped in the insulation.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
SUSPENSION
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 25, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011 AT THE CANTON, MISSISSIPPI PLANT. THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CREATING A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION.
STEERING
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
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.
SUSPENSION
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK.
STRUCTURE
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2010 THROUGH APRIL 13, 2010. SOME OF THE FRONT SIDE MEMBER ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED TO SPECIFICATION DUE TO A TOOL MAINTENANCE ERROR.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2008-2008 Nissan Altima has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor / Air Bag Warning Light Fault, Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor Failures Causing Stalling or No-Start, Power Steering Rack and High-Pressure Hose Leaks Leading to Loss of Assist. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2008-2008 Nissan Altima has 5 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor / Air Bag Warning Light Fault. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Altima issues range from $100 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor / Air Bag Warning Light Fault, typically costs $250-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Multiple 2007-2012 Altima owners report the air bag warning light flashing and the passenger air bag status behaving incorrectly due to faults in the occupant classification system (OCS) or related seat sensor components. This can disable the passenger frontal air bag when it sho… Repairs typically run $250-$1,800. Severity: high.
Altimas in this period frequently suffer from failing crankshaft position sensors and camshaft position sensors, especially on the 2.5L and 3.5L engines. Owners report intermittent stalling at stops or while driving, extended cranking, sudden no-start conditions, and check-engine… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
Hydraulic power steering Altimas commonly develop leaks from the steering rack seals or high-pressure hose assemblies. Owners report groaning noises, fluid on the subframe, a burning smell from fluid contacting hot components, and progressively heavier steering effort. On higher-… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.
A recurring higher-mileage Altima problem is front wheel bearing wear, often first noticed as a humming or growling noise that increases with road speed. As the bearing deteriorates, owners may feel vibration, looseness, or see ABS warnings if the integrated wheel speed signal be… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
A recurring issue on 2007-2012 Altimas with a moonroof is clogged or poorly routed sunroof drains that allow water to overflow into the cabin, often soaking the front carpet and padding. Owners report musty odors, wet passenger or driver footwells, and in some cases electrical pr… Repairs typically run $100-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
