2008 Nissan Altima Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2008 Nissan Altima?
The 2008 Nissan Altima offers a comfortable ride and respectable fuel economy, but its Achilles' heel is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which poses a significant long-term reliability risk. While the engines themselves are robust, potential CVT failures push this vehicle into the 'proceed with caution' category, demanding diligent pre-purchase inspection and maintenance. It's not a hands-off ownership experience, but an informed buyer can mitigate some of the risks.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust engine options (QR25DE I4, VQ35DE V6)
- Comfortable ride and decent handling for its class
- Good fuel economy with the 2.5L engine and CVT
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2008 Nissan Altima. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SUSPENSION
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.
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).
What breaks on the 2008 Nissan Altima?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Nissan Altima by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Nissan Altima. Click any year for its full report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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