RoadVitals

2008 Nissan Altima Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
310
Latest Dec 21, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
30%
of 1,028 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
7
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2008 Nissan Altima submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 310 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming body or structure

The 25 most recent of 310, in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Dec 21, 2024

The dashboard of the car melted that causes a very bright glare.

NHTSA ID
11631968
Incident
Jan 1, 2020
Body & structure
Filed Aug 11, 2024

My 2008 Nissan Altima's dash is degrading and has caused a sticky residue to form on it. This stickiness is very shiny and causes a glare to occur on the windshield. I live in Kentucky and when the sun is shining, and actually basically anytime driving, the glare makes it nearly impossible to see. I almost hit another vehicle because I could not see but instead went off the road to avoid a collision. This is very unsafe.

NHTSA ID
11607772
Incident
Apr 8, 2024
Body & structure
Filed May 13, 2023

The dashboard of this vehicle has become sticky to the touch and excessively shiny, and appears to be melting in spots, causing glare on the windshield that obstructs vision while driving.

NHTSA ID
11521811
Incident
May 9, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Oct 24, 2022

2008 Nissan Altima: Noticed this year a shiny gleam on the dashboard. This windshield gets hazy. The dashboard is melting, it is sticking and shiny. When a fingernail is pressed, it will actually sink into the dashboard and leave a mark. The dashboard cannot take any cleaning or friction. When the dashboard is touched it leaves fingers sticky. Became more of an issue this year now that I have a grandchild. MY other vehicle is a mini cooper 2 door which is not feasible to hold a car seat and baby. I now have the carseat in the Nissan and now it has become more of a problem because i cannot use the other car as alternative transportation when I have my grandchild. It is very difficult to drive with the glare it causes, and it is a safety issue not only for me but for others. When the sun is out and it is hot (this summer) it is worst and causes the windshield to get hazy. Not sure if it is leaking chemicals as the dashboard is now soft, shiny and cannot be removed by cleaning. The glare is very dangerous and difficult to drive under the conditions. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11490614
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Apr 19, 2022

The dashboard in this vehicle similar to other Nissan models that have already been recalled is cracked, sticky, shiny and glossy. It’s dangerous to have cracks in the dashboard in case of airbag deployment. The glossy shiny dashboard creates a blinding glare and is extremely dangerous while driving. It creates a glare that makes the front windshield appear black and unable to see through.

NHTSA ID
11461287
Incident
Apr 19, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Mar 29, 2022

Problem - Car dashboard is melting and becoming sticky due to heat. Safety - Severe glare from the black dashboard on the windshield makes it a safety risk to drive on the roads during day time. Potential health hazard due to melting dashboard material and any harmful gases from dashboard material while driving the car with heater or AC ON. This is a known issue to Nissan and a class action lawsuit was filed and settled in the state of FL.

NHTSA ID
11458747
Incident
Mar 1, 2016
Body & structure
Filed Aug 30, 2020

THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING WHEN IT REACHES A CERTAIN HIGH TEMPERATURE. THIS HAPPENS WHENEVER THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES FARENHEIT.

NHTSA ID
11352097
Incident
Aug 30, 2020
Body & structure
Filed Aug 21, 2020

THE DASHBOARD OF VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A SHINE TO IT THAT REFLECTS ONTO THE WINDSHIELD WHEN DRIVING IN SUN LIGHT OBSTRUCTING VISION OF ROAD. THE DASH ALSO FEELS LIKE IT HAS BECOME STICKY AND SOFT LIKE IT IS MELTING.

NHTSA ID
11350675
Incident
Jul 1, 2020
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Jul 18, 2020

DASHBOARD IS MELTING GIVING OFF A DANGEROUS GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD. ALSO THE GAS GAUGE IS DEFECTIVE ... DOES NOT SHOW THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF GAS TANK ... NEEDLE FLUCTUATES FROM F, 1/2, E.

NHTSA ID
11340110
Incident
Jul 17, 2020
Mileage
117,000 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Jul 1, 2020

NOT A SINGLE EVENT... DASHBOARD HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN SOFTER/STICKIER OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. IT IS NOW CRACKED AND IS MELTING NEXT TO THE WINDSHIELD. IT HAS OFF-GASSED AN UNREMOVABLE FILM ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE GLASS, AND THE CAR HAS SUCH A NOXIOUS SMELL FROM THE FUMES WE NO LONGER FEEL IT'S HEALTHY TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE WINDOWS DOWN. *TR

NHTSA ID
11337054
Incident
Jul 1, 2020
Body & structure
Filed Jun 24, 2020

DASH MELTING AND STICKY AND CAUSING A GLARE IN THE WINDSHIELD. *TR

NHTSA ID
11330573
Incident
Jun 1, 2018
Body & structure
Filed Jun 18, 2020

THE DASHBOARD HAS BEGUN TO MELT AND THE GLARE IS VERY DISTRACTING. IT IS VERY STICKY AND GETS WORSE AT THE WEATHER GET WARMER. *TR

NHTSA ID
11329594
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Body & structure
Filed Jun 6, 2020

THE DASHBOARD IS MELTED. IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE OVER THE YEARS. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD SO I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THE CAR. NISSAN REFUSES TO REPLACE IT. I HAVE TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT IS STATIONARY FOR NOW. THE CAR ALSO HAS A FOUL ODOR FROM THE MELTED DASH. *TR

NHTSA ID
11327537
Incident
Jun 4, 2018
Body & structure
Filed May 21, 2020

REFLECTIVE DASHBOARD THAT IS MELTING FROM THE SUNLIGHT CAUSING IT TO BE VERY STICKY, GUMMY, & SHINY. CAUSING A BLINDING GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD & EFFECTING MY VISIBILITY TO SEE WHERE I'M DRIVING & I CAN NOT SEE OTHER PERSONS OR VEHICLES. IT A SAFETY HAZARD TO ME OTHER PEOPLE I MEET IN THE ROAD & ALSO A HEALTH HAZARD TO ME FROM HAVING TO BREATH, INHALE THE TOXIC CHEMICALS THAT ARE COMING OUT OF THE MATERIAL OF THE DASHBOARD. PLEASE HELP ME WITH VEHICLE THAT I AM HAVING DRIVING HAZARDS WITH. MY NAME IS [XXX], MY PHONE NUMBER IS [XXX] & MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS [XXX]. I NEED TO GET HELP GETTING THIS DASHBOARD FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BEFORE IT CREATES AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD KILL ME , MY PASSENGERS & WHOM EVER I MEET ON THE HIGHWAY. THANK YOU! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11325375
Incident
May 20, 2020
Mileage
80,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 11, 2020

THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING AND TURNING TO GOO AND NOW IS ALSO CRUMBLING. I STARTED CONTACTING NISSAN CORP APPROX 3 YEARS AGO . I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FILE 3 CLAIMS AND ALL HAVE BEEN DENIED. THE DEALERSHIP AGREES THAT THE DASHBOARD IS DEFECTIVE BUT STATES SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY CAN'T HELP. THE DASHBOARD PUTS OFF A GLARE THAT IS A SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY ON SUNNY DAYS. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT A LAWSUIT FILED IN TEXAS AND FLORIDA RESULTED IN THE DASHBOARDS. THERE IS ALSO AN ODOR AT TIMES AND THE VAPOR LEAVES A FILM ON THE WINDSHIELD. YOU CAN'T CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE THE RAGS OR PAPER TOWELS STICK TO THE GOO. THIS ISSUE IS A SAFETY HAZZARD. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE CONSUMERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AND HAVE BEEN DENIED BY NISSAN. THE NISSAN REP WOULD NOT EVEN ALLOW ME TO SPEAK WITH HER SUPERVISOR OR ANYONE IN CHARGE. SHE SIMPLY SAID I HAVE PRESENTED YOUR INFORMATION AND OUR DECISION IS FINAL GETTING REPLACED. BASICALLY I WAS TOLD THAT I AM NOT PART OF THE FLORIDA OR TEXAS SUIT SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK. NISSAN DID SAY THAT IF I WANTED TO BUY A NEW CAR THEY WOULD OFFER ME A SPECIAL DEAL. REALLY WHY WOULD I BUY SOMETHING FROM A COMPANY THAT KNOWS THE DASHBOARDS ARE DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA ID
11320834
Incident
Jun 1, 2017
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Feb 21, 2020

I OWN A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE DASHBOARD BEGAN MELTING ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO HOWEVER RECENTLY IT STARTED TO MELT MORE AND BECOME STICKY TO THE TOUCH. EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE, THE GLARE THAT SHINES ONTO MY WINDSHIELD FROM THE DASHBOARD IS TERRIBLE, SO BAD THAT IT IS HARD TO SEE AT TIMES. IT HAS CAUSED ME TO HAVE TROUBLE IDENTIFYING THINGS WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND WILL CHARGE $2500 FOR A NEW DASHBOARD.

NHTSA ID
11310655
Incident
Feb 21, 2020
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Jan 6, 2020

DASHBOARD MELTING AND PRODUCES GLARE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN DRIVING IN SUNLIGHT.

NHTSA ID
11297425
Incident
Jan 6, 2020
Body & structureBrakesEngine
Filed Dec 14, 2019
Fire reported

WHILE DRIVING ON I95 THE CAR SHUT OFF AND WAS STEERED VERY DIFFICULTLY TO THE OFF RAMP AND THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND I EXITED THE CAR AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO BE ENGULFED IN FLAMES BURNING THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR TO THE FRONT SEATS. FIRE RESCUE ARRIVED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE.1116

NHTSA ID
11289036
Incident
Nov 16, 2019
Mileage
119,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND THE MATERIAL CREATED A GLARE FROM THE SUN. THE DASHBOARD WAS ALSO FRACTURED. THE CONTACT CALLED NISSAN VAN NUYS (LOCATED AT 5425 VAN NUYS BLVD, SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91401, 818-787-8400) AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,316. *LN *TR

NHTSA ID
11278875
Incident
Sep 1, 2019
Mileage
151,316 mi
Body & structure
Filed Oct 30, 2019

MY DASHBOARD HAS MELTED. IT WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY, IN THE SUN, ON A COLD WINTERS DAY, WHILE THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND, IN NEW JERSEY. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? ASIDE FROM HOW TERRIBLE IT LOOKS, IT'S A SAFETY CONCERN. THE SURFACE IS STICKY + GLOSSY, THE FUMES + ODOR ARE TOXIC & THE REAL DANGER IS THE BLINDING GLARE REFLECTING UP ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN IN THE DAYTIME. WE READ ABOUT THE RECALL IN FLORIDA ONLY, BUT LAST WE CHECKED, THE SUN SHINES ACROSS ALL 50 STATES.

NHTSA ID
11277179
Incident
Mar 20, 2019
Body & structure
Filed Oct 15, 2019

THE DASH OF MY 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE HAS MELTED SO SEVERELY THAT IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IN THE DAYTIME. THE MATERIAL ONCE MELTED BECOMES EXTREMELY STICKY AND DANGEROUSLY REFLECTIVE. WHAT I MEAN BY REFLECTIVE, IS THAT WHEN THE SUN SHINES, IT REFLECTS SO MUCH LIGHT FROM THE DASH TO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD RIGHT INTO MY, THE DRIVER, EYES. THE REFLECTIONS ARE EXTREMELY AND DANGEROUSLY BLINDING WHICH MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THAT MATTER! NOT TO MENTION THE GLUE LIKE SURFACE THAT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT SOMETHING ON THE DASHBOARD TO TRY REDUCING THE DEADLY REFLECTIONS! THE MANUFACTURE'S DEFECTIVE PRODUCT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO THE DIRECT SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AND EVERY OTHER MOTORIST, PEDESTRIANS, ANIMALS ETC.

NHTSA ID
11268701
Incident
Jun 29, 2018
Body & structure
Filed Jul 22, 2019

THE DASHBOARD OF MY VEHICLE IS MELTING AND CAUSING A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT MAKES IT HARD TO SEE ESPECIALLY IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE IN MY VEHICLE FOR YEARS. THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN A LAWSUIT THAT WAS SETTLED IN FLORIDA WHERE I PREVIOUSLY LIVED BUT NOTHING WAS SENT OUT TO INFORM DRIVERS OF THIS. THE TIME FRAME FOR THAT SETTLEMENT HAS NOW PASSED AND I HAVE MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE.

NHTSA ID
11233786
Incident
Jul 1, 2016
Body & structure
Filed Jun 27, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND CREATED A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS AFFECTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ID
11222923
Incident
Jun 1, 2018
Mileage
125,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 18, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED AND THERE WAS A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT OBSTRUCTED THE DRIVER'S VIEW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED AUTONATION NISSAN LEWISVILLE (1601 S STEMMONS FWY, LEWISVILLE, TX, (972) 763-5527) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11220914
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Mileage
115,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 13, 2018

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN COHEN ON BEHALF OF HIS CONSTITUENT REQUESTING A RECALL ON HER 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA FOR SAFETY RELATED DEFECTS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DASHBOARD MELTED AND BECAME STICKY. THE DEFECT IMPAIRS THE DRIVERS VISION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED THE EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE. *JS

NHTSA ID
11149431
Incident
Nov 13, 2018

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .