2008 Nissan Altima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,031 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Nissan Altima, 4% of the 1,031 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2019-09, 150,000 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10882846, filed 2016-07, 140,000 miles“Electronic steering lock column has failed on my vehicle. This part is a known issue for 2010 Nissan altimas burn 2008 has not been even addressed. This failed part .had left me stranded. The vehicle was stationary when the lock no longer worked. Failed unit had been quoted at $1100 repair cost.”
NHTSA complaint #11014540, filed 2017-08, 112,000 miles“Car suddenly would not start - was stranded and had to call to have it flat bedded to a dealership. I was told the steering lock needed to be replaced. Was provided extended warranty for this part since if a defect, I was two weeks overdue and they would not pay for the work to be completed.”
NHTSA complaint #10788002, filed 2015-11, 124,809 miles“I parked my 2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 se in front of my house took groceries into the house I return to the car and it would not start. The key symbol was on. I can without pressing the brake change modes just wont start.”
NHTSA complaint #10621865, filed 2014-08, 69,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10192597Jul 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor…
- 10192524Feb 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10192195Jun 17, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION If you confirm there is a need to replace the steering wheel switches on an Applied Vehicle for any reason: - Do not replace the driver air bag module. The…
- 10052407Jun 17, 2013Nissan: service information on the removal and installation of service parts, on certain vehicles, for the steering wheel switch, if needed, without replacing the driver airbag…
- 10043774Mar 22, 2012Nissan: altima, maxima; power steering hose service part change. The hose now comes without the pressure sensor. Do not damage pressure sensor upon removal or installation. If…
- 10024076Mar 27, 20082007 - 2008 altima; scraping noise from steering wheel. *nj updated 4/2/08.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 7 | 10% |
| 2020 | 20 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 | 16 | 4% |
| 2016 | 16 | 3% |
| 2015 | 48 | 5% |
| 2014 | 58 | 5% |
| 2013 | 94 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% |
| 2010 | 20 | 5% |
| 2009 | 859 | 56% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 17 | 4% |
| 2006 | 15 | 2% |
| 2005 | 31 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 1% |
| 2002 | 15 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Nissan Altima
312 complaintsOther or unknown
201 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
188 complaintsAir bags
142 complaintsBrakes
93 complaintsElectrical system
90 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
80 complaintsEngine
54 complaintsVehicle speed control
35 complaintsSeats
24 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsFuel system
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology