2008 Nissan Maxima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,162miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Nissan Maxima, 6% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,162 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About 4-5 months ago I noticed an oil spot on my driveway and as the months passed the spots got larger and larger. Now if the car is running my 2008 Maxima leaves a large oil spot wherever I am stopped. It is getting very aggravating because I now can't drive my car any long distances for fear of it running out of oil and causing severe engine damage. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #10652923, filed 2014-11, 104,386 miles“The timing chain tensioners prematurely wear, causing a whining noise as the chain rubs against the tensioner while the vehicle is turned on. This wear eventually grinds through the tensioner resulting in complete engine failure which can lead to a crash or injury. This began to happen for me just outside of the manufacturer warranty, and is a costly repair for a part of the engine that should not have to be maintained within the engines expected lifetime.”
NHTSA complaint #11192618, filed 2019-03, 70,000 miles“While waiting for a traffic light to turn green the car stalled. Had to turn the car starter several times before the car would start again. The dealer diagnosed the issue as a failed cam and crank shaft sensor. Prior to this incident the car had trouble starting and would stall when the engine was cold. The dealer diagnosed the issue as the fuel pump not holding its pressure. Cam and crank shaft sensors were replaced as well as the fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #10925115, filed 2016-11, 86,162 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the service engine soon warning indicator illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft position sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred two other times. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10950158, filed 2017-02, 61,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while that driving approximately 40 MPH, a loud ticking noise emitted from the engine. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for an unrelated repair when they detected that the timing chain would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 103,280.”
NHTSA complaint #10524522, filed 2013-07, 103,280 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 4 | 22% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 8% |
| 2016 | 18 | 13% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 11 | 10% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 20 | 7% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 6% |
| 2007 | 18 | 14% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 61 | 6% |
| 2004 | 51 | 4% |
| 2003 | 43 | 21% |
| 2002 | 19 | 9% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Nissan Maxima
23 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsTires
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Nissan Maxima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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