Response given by. Whether you drive a sedan or a coupe, the Nissan Altima is a fantastic car to own. You can anticipate your Nissan Altima to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles, or 13 to 20 years, because Nissan is committed to quality and performance.
In This Article...
What issues are there with 2008 Nissan Altimas?
Compared to other midsize automobiles on the market, the 2008 Nissan Altima has more issues, many of which are mechanical. Owner concerns about the 2009 model have decreased, but it is still not a fantastic option.
The most frequent owner complaint is about a melting dashboard. The leather and plastic on the dash melt in hot weather. Owners of Altima vehicles in the state of Florida can have their dashboards replaced as a result of a class action lawsuit. If the lawsuit does not cover your vehicle, a replacement would run you roughly $1,300.
Additionally, transmission issues arise frequently. Numerous Nissan vehicles have a weak point in their continuously variable transmissions, and the only way to fix it is to replace the complete assembly. Depending on local labor rates, a replacement costs roughly $3,800.
Another issue that owners have experienced throughout the years is a burst head gasket. An engine can sometimes be destroyed by a failed head gasket. A replacement engine costs more than $4,000, and installing a new head gasket costs roughly $2,400.
Compared to several other vehicles from the same year, there are just 4 recalls. The occupant categorization system control unit, transverse link bolt, body control module, and handheld GPS overheated are among the items that have been recalled. Transverse link bolts are the most dangerous because they can fail and cause a collision.
How many miles can an Altima from 2008 travel?
The majority of owners anticipate that their Altima will last for 250,000 miles based on their experience thus far. We may therefore assume that your Altima should endure at least ten years or 200,000 miles as a reasonable estimate.
Equipment: Electrical: Navigational system(global positioning system)
GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM EQUIPPED VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED BY NISSAN. The batteries inside the impacted GPS units are susceptible to overheating.
Owners will be notified by Nissan, and free repairs will be made by GARMIN technicians who will replace the battery and install a spacer on top of it. On September 16, 2010, a safety recall was initiated. Owners can reach Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or Garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981.
Electrical system: software
204,361 MY 2007-2008 NISSAN ALTIMA, ALTIMA COUPE, 350Z, MURANO, ROGUE, AND INFINITI G35 SEDAN, G37 COUPE, AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED BY NISSAN DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. It’s possible that a variable in the OCS control unit located in the passenger seat cushion was made outside of specification. THIS COULD, UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, CAUSE A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
This can cause the passenger air bag to be suppressed, which might not offer enough protection in the event of a collision.
DEALERS WILL USE A SPECIAL TOOL TO TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS TO VERIFY THAT IT IS WORKING AS INTENDED. IF NECESSARY, A NEW ONE MADE TO SPECIFICATION WILL BE USED TO REPLACE THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE). It is anticipated that the recall will start on or before November 3, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT NISSAN OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200 OR 1-800-647-7261 RESPECTIVELY.
Suspension
1,018 MY 2008 ALTIMA VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED BY NISSAN. It’s possible that the bolt holding the left side front suspension transverse link wasn’t tightened to specification. THE BOLT COULD BECOME LOOSE DUE TO THIS CONDITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
THE DRIVER MAY HAVE PROBLEMS CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE IF THE BOLT WERE TO COME OUT, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT WILL BE FREELY TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION BY DEALERS. THE RECALL IS PROJECTED TO BEGIN BY AUGUST 11, 2008, OR EARLIER. NISSAN CAN BE REACHED BY OWNERS AT 1-800-647-7261.
A timing belt is present on a 2008 Nissan Altima, right?
Timing belt vs. chain: There is no timing belt; the 2.5L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 engines both have a timing chain. It is not necessary to replace the timing chain on a regular basis.
Pros include sporty exterior styling, a coupe with a sharp appearance, good handling, a spacious trunk, a good engine, passing scores in crash tests, and fuel efficiency for 4-cylinder variants.
Cons: The 4-cylinder engine is noisy while accelerating, the rear seat room is average for the class, and the CVT is the sole automatic transmission available.
Overall: As of December 2021, Consumer Reports gave the 2011 and 2012 Altima a dependability rating of “Better than average,” while only giving a “average” rating to the 2009 and 2010 model years. The Nissan Altima 2007 and 2008 garnered the most of complaints, according to the NHTSA website. Some of the complaints mentioned the 2008 Altima’s dashboard “melting” in hot weather and the 2007 Altima’s broken rear stabilizer bar.
The CVT transmission has a few problems. For 2003–2010 Nissan vehicles with with Continuously Variable Transmissions, Nissan extended the CVT limited warranty for a further ten years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first (CVT). The CVT transmission may cost up to $4,000 to replace if it breaks down and is not covered by a warranty. Due of this, a lot of used Nissan car purchasers choose to get an extended warranty (service contract) for the powertrain, which will pay for any necessary transmission replacements. Surprisingly, the CVT in the next-generation Altima had more issues, particularly in the 2013 and 2014. Pros and cons of purchasing a vehicle with a CVT transmission.
Overall, it’s a fantastic car with a reliable engine. The finest model years of this generation are 2011 and 2012. The price of replacing the CVT if it breaks down is our primary worry.
When buying a used Nissan Altima, keep the following in mind: Verify every interior accessory, including the windows, the stereo system, and the air conditioner.
Watch out throughout the test drive for any whining or humming sounds that become more audible during acceleration or at higher speeds; some of these sounds may be the result of a worn-out CVT transmission.
Check to see whether the driver’s seat shifts while turning; this problem has been brought up in some complaints. Avoid the vehicle if there are any indications of a gearbox issue or if the engine shakes when it is first started. More reading: Signs of automatic gearbox difficulties when test driving a used automobile and How to inspect a used car – illustrated guide.
Choosing the Altima model without the Tire Pressure Monitoring System would be a good decision. Have the car thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. See also: What used-car miles is acceptable?
What does a Nissan Altima have high mileage?
The Nissan Altima has a lifespan of between 250,00 and 300,000 miles, which, when multiplied by the yearly mileage of the average driver, translates to 15 to 20 years. It’s not unusual for Nissan Altimas to endure beyond 300,000 miles, depending on things like maintenance and driving style.
Is Nissan Altima a trustworthy vehicle?
Since its introduction in 1993, the Nissan Altima has shown to be a dependable and trustworthy vehicle. Owners of Nissan Altima vehicles rely on them for their dependability and safety. They are sturdy automobiles. In terms of dependability, the Nissan Altima performs admirably. It ranks 11th out of 24 midsize automobiles with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, according to RepairPal.
The Nissan Altima has lower ownership costs than the industry standard due to its low average repair cost of less than $500. Furthermore, Altima substantial repairs are not common. A Nissan Altima’s average annual cost for repairs and maintenance is $483, which is lower than the $526 average for other vehicles in the same category.
What is the Nissan Altima’s biggest issue?
The Altima’s continuously variable gearbox is where the majority of its issues lie (CVT). Owners complain about a shuddering or jerking sensation when accelerating as well as a delayed throttle response. Transmission failures have even occurred in some models.
When did Nissan Altimas’ transmission issues start?
If you’re looking to buy a Nissan Altima, you should be aware that one of the major troubles this specific automobile model has is with its CVT transmission. Nissan Altima owners and lessees have complained about a number of persistent CVT transmission faults, including lurching, acceleration problems, vehicle overheating, and early transmission failure.
Numerous Nissan models and model years have been the subject of class action lawsuits due to persistent CVT transmission issues.
Nissan decided to extend the powertrain warranty on the 2007–2010 Nissan Altima for up to ten years or 120,000 miles as a result of problems with Nissan Altima vehicles from earlier model years.
Nissan Altima owners and lessees were the plaintiffs in a class action case, which was later settled. However, some customers are requesting for a recall on 2017–2021 Nissan Altima cars due to recurrent safety issues with their CVT gearboxes.
We have prepared a sample of complaints sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide you an insight into the problems with the Nissan Altima CVT transmission. Please take note that the Nissan Altima transmission complaints have been edited for clarity and language.
What symptoms indicate gearbox issues with the Nissan Altima?
Yes, depending on the model year, there are a few particular issues with the transmissions on these cars.
The following are some of the most alarming:
- Torque converter failure
- Leaking transmission fluid
- a stuck park position on the gear shift
- sounds of the transmission growling
- Transmission malfunctioned
- hesitation when speeding up
- jerking during transmission
The transmission of the Nissan Altima has a lot of drawbacks. Not to worry. Here, for your benefit, we’ll go over some of the most typical reasons of these issues. Before making a purchase decision, you may also look up the vehicle history of any given vehicle.
What is the lifespan of an Altima transmission?
According to RepairPal, the Nissan Altima’s yearly maintenance expenditures come to $483 on average.
The Altima is far less expensive to maintain than the average vehicle ($651 annually), according to statistics.
According to data from RepairPal, the following are the Nissan Altima’s most frequent issues:
- Replacement of the Intake Manifold Gasket: $207–253
- Replacement of the Powertrain Control Module: $1,184
- $1,21
- Replacement of a water pump: $287–329
- Adjusting the parking brake system: $44–$55
- $44-$56 Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection
- Replacement of the Sunroof Motor: $1,002
- $1,046
- Replacement of a Suspension Shock or Strut: $809–867
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Depending on how you drive, the Nissan Altima brake pads can last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles.
If you frequently travel in stop-and-go traffic, your brakes will probably deteriorate more quickly.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
A well-kept Altima tire should last you three to five years. A reasonably driven Altima tire can travel 50,000 miles, according to the mileage it has covered.
Regular tire rotation and wheel alignment are crucial for extending the life of your Nissan Altima. Maintain the Nissan Altima’s specified tire pressure as well.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
The Altima makes use of unique spark plugs that don’t need to be changed as frequently as some others.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs, which the Nissan Altima uses, have a 105,000-mile lifespan.