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Nissan TitanModel year report

2008 Nissan Titan Problems

Compared with other Nissan Titan years

More complaints than typical for this model

69/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010, 2011

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
133filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
61,000miles, 111 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
14 mpgcombined, 5.6L 8-cyl RWD · 12 city / 17 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Nissan Titan (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Complaints on this model year cluster around the transmission and driveline, fuel gauge and refueling behavior, cracked exhaust manifolds, brake pedal feel, and air bag warnings. Many reports come from trucks between roughly 60,000 and 100,000 miles, with several major items such as transmission loss and rear axle leaks appearing gradually and then worsening rather than at a single mileage point.

  1. Brakes

    Brake pedal sinks or feels spongy

    • 8 complaints (6%)
    • median 78,000 mi at 6.2 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2009–2019

    Owners describe the brake pedal traveling much farther than normal, sometimes to the floor, with reduced braking and occasionally a pop or grinding noise. Several report dealers could not duplicate the concern or said the behavior was normal, while others had brake components replaced without a lasting fix. Reported across a wide range, from around 1,000 to 190,000 miles, in normal driving and hard-stop situations.

    Recall 10V0720001 related service bulletin

    What to check: With the engine running, hold steady pressure on the brake pedal and see whether it slowly sinks; also check for fluid leaks at the calipers and lines. Ask whether the brake pedal pivot pin recall was completed and whether the ABS system has been diagnosed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The brake lights signal turns on and a light grinding noise can be heard and brakes go out. I have to stop for a few minutes and turn off my truck. After a few minutes, I turn on the truck and the brake lights turns off and my brakes start working again. This has happened more than twice. Thank god that the times it has happen there has been hardly any traffic. Although, one day it happened on the freeway so I calmed down, release the gas pedal and cruised to the next exit and pulled into a gas station. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11182311, filed 2019-02, 190,000 miles

    “For the past 6 months, I have been having issues with the brake pedal feeling spongy and occasionally going to the floor without any reduction in speed. The brake pedal progressively got worse and culminated when I was travelling on the highway at 70 MPH and tried to slow down due to slower traffic. I applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I had to swerve into the breakdown lane to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I took the truck to my local mechanic who kept it for several days to diagnose the problem. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11090051, filed 2018-04, 110,000 miles
  2. Air bags

    Air bag warning light and no deployment in a crash

    • 14 complaints (11%)
    • median 96,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2009–2025

    Some owners report the air bag warning light staying on, traced to a corroded front crash sensor, while others describe frontal impacts in which the air bags did not deploy. Complaints also mention deteriorated wiring near the seat or console that sets the warning light. Owners report dealers and the manufacturer varied in their response, and several note their vehicle was not covered by the related campaigns. Reported from about 31,000 to 160,000 miles, both as a standing warning light and at the time of a collision.

    Recall 23V0670004 related service bulletins

    What to check: Confirm the air bag warning light goes out after the bulb check on start-up, and ask whether the driver air bag cover campaign and any air bag control unit reprogramming were completed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Stationary in a left hand turn lane of a side street off a state highway, (pulling a boat trailer). Oncoming vehicle drifted across center line and impacted head on, off the center line of the hood towards the drivers side of my vehicle. Other vehicle appeared to by moving at approximately 30 MPH at impact. Neither drivers or passenger side airbag deployed. Passenger seat was occupied. Other driver attempted to swerve at last second, did not appear to brake. Force of impact moved our vehicle from straight ahead approximately 6 feet to the left. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10904259, filed 2016-09, 81,000 miles

    “The Titan was traveling straight on city street and hit another vehicle making a left turn across intersection. Impact was at approximately 45 MPH and both vehicles sustained heavy damage. Driver airbag did not deploy, but there was white smoke and smell of gun powder inside the truck just after collision. No visual signs of any airbags deployed. No other verification, but seems possible a charge ignited but failed to inflate a bag or other failure. Straight front impact at 45 seems like prime parameters to inflate bag. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11074495, filed 2018-02, 160,000 miles
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission fluid loss and transmission failure

    • 18 complaints (14%)
    • median 70,500 mi at 5.5 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • filed 2009–2020

    Complaints describe sudden loss of drive, slipping, smoke, or transmission fluid under the truck while driving or after a routine service. Several owners report no reverse gear, or that coolant leaked into the transmission through the radiator and ruined it. Owners report quotes in the range of several thousand dollars for a replacement unit, and some say the dealer or manufacturer offered no assistance. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 180,000 miles, often during normal driving or backing up rather than towing.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check transmission fluid level, color and smell, and look for fluid residue at the radiator cooler lines and lower hose. Ask whether the transmission or valve body has ever been replaced and whether the replacement module was programmed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2008 4x4 4d long bed titian , reverse gear stopped working right after power train warranty, ended at 36000 miles. I was using reverse when it failed. I was reversing at normal speed of .25 mp/h or what ever people back up to a parking stall normally. There was a tug type sensation, then slippage.”

    NHTSA complaint #11309966, filed 2020-02, 38,000 miles

    “2008 Nissan Titan le 4x4 long wheel base...knocking sound began while my husband was driving on the interstate 55-70 MPH. Next day a whine developed on acceleration / deceleration. Noted leaks at front and rear seals on differentials. Took to dealer; without removing inspection covers diagnosed failed rear assembly. Stated fairly common - told to pursue my complaint for assistance from Nissan north america customer service. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10289161, filed 2009-10, 123,000 miles
  4. Engine

    Cracked exhaust manifold (ticking, exhaust smell)

    • 19 complaints (14%)
    • median 95,000 mi at 8.6 yrs old (17 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2011–2025

    Owners describe a ticking or tapping noise from the engine on start-up that does not go away, sometimes with an exhaust smell inside the cab. Shops typically find a crack in the exhaust manifold, often at both sides of the engine. Several owners report the repair was not covered and that they were told it was not subject to a recall. Reported from as low as about 66,000 miles up to roughly 95,000 miles, usually noticed on start-up or cold idle.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Listen for ticking at cold start with the hood open, and look for soot streaks or cracks at the manifold flanges and weld joints. Ask whether either manifold has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The exhaust manifold on my Nissan Titan cracked prior to reaching 95k miles. With the crack, exhaust fumes are making their way into the AC system causing the cab of my truck to become filled with carbon dioxide. I have done adamant research and determined that I can replace the manifold at a local shop, but that almost every Titan owner out there has experienced cracked exhaust manifolds.”

    NHTSA complaint #11012623, filed 2017-08, 95,000 miles

    “We just took our 2008 Nissan Titan into have oil changed we had just gotten the vehicle a couple days before and found out that the exhaust manifolds were cracked with only 66k miles on it! This truck is in excellent condition with no tow package and not used for hauling or heavy work. We had no idea this was a problem with the vehicles or we wouldn't have bought one. There are many people online complaining about this now that I have looked up the exact problem which I didn't know existed. Please make this a recall. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10548312, filed 2013-10, 66,000 miles
  5. Fuel system

    Fuel gauge reads wrong / tank hard to fill

    • 14 complaints (11%)
    • median 26,741 mi at 1.9 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2008–2026

    Complaints describe the fuel gauge showing inaccurately — reading empty with fuel remaining, or taking time to climb to full after refueling — and the fuel nozzle shutting off or fuel spilling before the tank is full. Owners report dealers sometimes said no problem was found or suggested changing fuel grade; some mention their vehicle was not covered by the existing recall. Often reported very early, from a few hundred to about 30,000 miles, though some appear past 100,000 miles.

    Recall 10V0740006 related service bulletins

    What to check: Fill the tank and compare the gauge reading to actual fuel added, and try a fill-up to see whether the nozzle shuts off early. Ask whether the fuel level sending unit or canister vent valve has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I bought my 2008 Nissan Titan 8/20/08, everything was great until odm hit about 3,000 miles. That's when my fuel gauge was inconsistent on it's readings and every time I pumped gas into my truck it would spill gas out. I took my truck into the Nissan dealer I bought the truck from and they kept it for 3 1/2 hours when I went to pick it up they said they found no problems and I should change my gas grade. I told them I only put 91 in and to go to a lesser grade wouldn't make any sense. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10276134, filed 2009-07, 3,000 miles

    “My vehicle was recalled I believe in may 2010 for a faulty fuel sending unit. I brought it in to the dealer to be checked and also requested that they check the horn and backup alarm which were still under warranty and did not seem to work at all times. They checked it over and said they would order parts and I would need another appointment. When I brought it back they replaced a horn relay but nothing else. The service manager told me they would have to order the fuel unit and would call me when it came in. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10534944, filed 2013-08, 30,000 miles

Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the transmission and differential fluid condition, listen for exhaust ticking at cold start, and verify the fuel gauge and brake pedal feel on a test drive. Ask for records showing whether the open campaigns for the air bag cover and brake pedal were performed, since several reported issues show up gradually rather than at a fixed mileage.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 133 consumer complaints for the 2008 Nissan Titan. 111 of the complaints include a mileage, and 39% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 61,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 106 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 Nissan Titan model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 69 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Other or unknown (6), Tires (5), Exterior lighting (3), Wheels (3), Vehicle speed control (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Steering (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “Recently the low range shift has stopped working. I use the lower range to hold back the trailer that I tow and I am unable to use it so I have to use my brakes when going downhill. I purchased this vehicle used in august 2009 with 16,000 miles on it. I have only put 30,000 miles on it and expect it to perform longer.”

NHTSA complaint #10606817, filed 2014-06, 43,000 miles

Fuel system: “Driving my 2008 Nissan pro 4x king cab. Fuel gauge read 1/8 tank and computer said I had 8 miles more fuel. Previously when it gave those numbers I had 4-5 gallons of fuel left. Ran out of gas. Fortunately I was not on the interstate doing 70 in rush hour traffic. Would have been difficult to get to shoulder of an 8 lane highway.”

NHTSA complaint #10314720, filed 2010-02, 45,000 miles

Engine: “I have a leak in my exhaust manifold and at this time no fumes have come into cabin yet but do to so many problems of this type and when you replace them the manifold are cracked again.”

NHTSA complaint #10536604, filed 2013-08, 91,000 miles

Air bags: “Tl * the contacts owns a 2008 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact mentioned that the engine and air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The diagnosis was unavailable. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and current mileage was 106,995. Updated 3/13/15 updated 8/30/2017”

NHTSA complaint #10597376, filed 2014-06, 106,995 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

39% of the 111 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 29,000 and 96,000 miles.

13%0–1011%10–2515%25–5018%50–7519%75–10014%100–15011%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (111 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 61,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’1018’13’16’19’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Nissan Titan. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Titan · sedan RWD/4WDnot rated5 / 4——3 · 21.2% risk
Titan · coupe RWD/4WDnot rated5 / 4——3 · 21.2% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2008 Nissan Titan version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Titan 2WD5.6L 8-cyl5-speed automatic121714$4,800
Titan 4WD5.6L 8-cyl5-speed automatic121714$4,800
Titan 2WD5.6L 8-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed automatic121714$4,800
Titan 4WD5.6L 8-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed automatic121714$4,800

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2008 Nissan Titan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 106 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 106 bulletins →

Other model years of the Nissan Titan

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20241513,5002417—Too new
20231744,0002418—Too new
2022146,8504418—Not enough data
2021589,950541886 · MoreFalling
2020238,5005418—Stable
20194914,400441844 · TypicalStable
20189015,000441855 · TypicalRising
201718718,450341888 · MoreRising
20151234,0001—15—Not enough data
20141019,2702—15—Not enough data
20131139,3263—15—Not enough data
20122264,0002—15—Rising
20112642,3261—150 · FewerStable
20104655,0003—1521 · FewerStable
20094756,1473—1533 · FewerRising
200813361,0005—1469 · MoreFalling
200713964,0001—14Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200643063,0005—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200589166,0004—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20041,04660,0005—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Nissan Titan model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Titan?

Complaints on this model year cluster around the transmission and driveline, fuel gauge and refueling behavior, cracked exhaust manifolds, brake pedal feel, and air bag warnings. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal sinks or feels spongy; Air bag warning light and no deployment in a crash; Transmission fluid loss and transmission failure.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Nissan Titan have?

NHTSA recorded 133 consumer complaints for the 2008 Nissan Titan as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2008 Nissan Titan is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 29 complaints (22% of the total), followed by fuel system with 20.

Has the 2008 Nissan Titan been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Nissan Titan get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Nissan Titan (Titan 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Nissan Titan reported?

Among the 111 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 61,000 miles and the middle half falls between 29,000 and 96,000 miles; 39% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.