2008 Nissan Altima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,031 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Nissan Altima, 8% of the 1,031 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 5 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 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, filed 2021-04, 176,200 miles“Driving 75 MPH on the highway with my 2 small children ages 1 & 3 my car lost all power without any warning. I find this to be a very serious safety issue as we could have been seriously hurt in an accident. I see numerous complaints about this, but see no recall for it. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed before someone is killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10851297, filed 2016-03, 166,000 miles“Ny exhaust manifold is having trouble I've been told that there's been a recall but cannot find anything recent. My tire pressure monitoring system isn't reading correctly either and I'm scared I'm going to get into an accident. My exhaust manifold there's a loud noise coming from it according to the shop that checked my car. I've kept up with all maintaince I am unsure what is happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11141381, filed 2018-10, 119,000 miles“I was driving on highway and everything was good. Suddenly the car lost power but the engine was still running well. The car just stopped and could't move. It was very dangerous because I was driving the car on a very busy highway. Nissan should recall the 2008 Nissan Altima!”
NHTSA complaint #11131025, filed 2018-09, 110,000 miles“When driving vehicle I hear a loud whining noise when accelerating at b all times. And when I put the car into neutral the whining drivetrain noise from transmission goes away. I also hear a rattling noise from center exhaust at idol and notice catalytic converter pipe has rusted out near engine flex pipe.”
NHTSA complaint #10864243, filed 2016-05, 90,279 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191931Apr 7, 2021VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2008 ALTIMA SEDAN; CVT COOLER HOSE CLAMP Service Campaign ID # PB085 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published…
- 10091575Sep 9, 2016"altima, sentra, and rogue; cvt fail-safe condition service information this bulletin has been amended. The applied vehicles section has been revised. No other changes have been…
- 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…
- 10192474Nov 20, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the…
- 10052883Aug 15, 2014Nissan: the cvt fail-safe logic has caused a reduction with the vehicle's maximum speed. *js updated 11/16/2013 *js updated 9/29/14.
- 10044570Jul 6, 2012Nissan: if continuously variable transmission (cvt) fluid temperature rises above a certain threshold, it will go into fluid protection logic mode (fail safe mode), as designed.
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10033269Dec 18, 2009Nissan: mil on w/dtc p0840, p0845, p0744, p1777. Replace the control valve assembly with part listed; reference section tm, control valve removal and inspection in appropriate…
- 10030088Jun 11, 2009Nissan: affected vehicles has cvt fluid and that is discolored and/or has unusual odor. Mil is on with dtcs p0840 and/or p0845 stored in consult iii/engine and /or transmission…
- 10025884Aug 9, 2008Nissan: voluntary service campaign; 2008 altima sedan (l32) cvt cooler hose clamp. Coupe and hybrid not included. Csc was received.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 17 | 9% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2018 | 24 | 11% |
| 2017 | 133 | 34% |
| 2016 | 235 | 42% |
| 2015 | 161 | 17% |
| 2014 | 209 | 19% |
| 2013 | 506 | 22% |
| 2012 | 149 | 35% |
| 2011 | 68 | 28% |
| 2010 | 73 | 19% |
| 2009 | 95 | 6% |
| 2008 | 80 | 8% |
| 2007 | 62 | 13% |
| 2006 | 79 | 10% |
| 2005 | 115 | 11% |
| 2004 | 17 | 6% |
| 2003 | 34 | 4% |
| 2002 | 39 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 6% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% |
| 1996 | 7 | 8% |
| 1995 | 27 | 15% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1993 | 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 complaintsEngine
54 complaintsSteering
37 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 31, 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