RoadVitals

2008 Nissan Altima Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical 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.
90
Latest Feb 19, 2025
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.
9%
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.
9
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. 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. 90 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 electrical

The 25 most recent of 90, in the owner's own words

AirbagsElectrical
Filed Feb 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The contact called the dealer and made an appointment; however, the contact was informed that the part might not be available for the appointment. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed 3 hours later that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact was informed by the dealer that several other dealers and was informed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that other dealers would be contacted for parts availability, and a case was filed. The contact stated that a week later, the contact called the manufacturer again and was informed that the part was found and sent to the local dealer. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there was no knowledge of parts being sent to the dealer location and that there had not been any communication with the manufacturer about parts. The contact stated that upon sitting in the passenger’s seat, the air bag sensor failed to recognize a passenger seated in the passenger’s seat. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11643609
Incident
Nov 1, 2024
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 26, 2024

Parked car due to electrical and transmission issues had left it for a couple hours to receive assistance and the car was gone it had no plates because I was attempting to register the car that same day

NHTSA ID
11574017
Incident
Feb 17, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jul 14, 2022

I’m having to replace at least 2 sensors every 6 or 7 months.

NHTSA ID
11474002
Incident
Jun 17, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalFuel system
Filed May 23, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported

I pulled into Regions bank parking lot to use ATM machine and before I could even park my car accelerated for no reason. I had my foot on the brake but it just made it go faster. I crashed into the building and airbag deployed. This was the scariest driving experience I’ve ever had. The car is totaled and caused serious damage to bank. I escaped by the grace of God with sprained wrist and elbow and knee abrasions.

NHTSA ID
11465698
Incident
May 15, 2022
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Apr 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while at a stop light the front passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat cushion sensor had failed. The dealer updated an unknown software; however, the failure reoccurred persistently. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side seat cushion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11461513
Incident
Jan 4, 2022
Mileage
75,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 22, 2021

While driving down the highway at about 60 mph the vehicle shut off and has not restarted in almost 2 weeks. There was no indication or warning of any engine trouble prior to it shutting off. Luckily, I was getting off an exit and nobody was injured. Had I NOT been exciting the highway, there would have most certainly been a MULTI vehicle accident with severe injuries and possibly even death because of the high speeds. Once the car was completely stopped and off towards the shoulder I tried to restart but got a fast clicking noise, but wouldn't start. Let the car sit for a little tried to jump start it, but now the key indicator was being displayed which means the car wasn't recognizing the key even in the slot. This leads me to believe the security system/ immobilizer could've been what caused it to shut off. The car has not been looked at yet. Still waiting for Nissan dealer to diagnose it.

NHTSA ID
11425910
Incident
Jul 10, 2021
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 15, 2021

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 ID
11408244
Incident
Mar 7, 2021
Mileage
176,200 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 13, 2021

MY WIFE'S CAR SHUTDOWN ON HER LAST MONTH AND I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY INDICATED THE FUEL PUMP WAS BAD SO I ORDERED A NEW ONE AND THINGS WENT FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND NOW THE FUEL HAND JUST FLUCTUATS UP AND DOWN AND JUST SUDDENLY DROPS TO (E) WHEN IT HAS GAS OR FULL TANK OF GAS IN IT. ALSO THE MILEAGE DISPLAY IS SHOWING INACCURATE READINGS AND BLINKING ON THE DASH ON AND OFF AND MY WIFE IS SCARED NOW TO DRIVE HER 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA ON LONG DRIVES WITH THIS PROBLEM GOING ON!! IT HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION ON A BUSY HWY 278 IN BATESVILLE,MS

NHTSA ID
11402731
Incident
Feb 17, 2021
Mileage
208,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 13, 2020

THE CVT TRANSMISSION STEP SOLENOID AND THE ACCELERATOR PADDLE NOT WORKING WRITE IT WONT GO ANYWHERE SOMETIMES ONLY LIKE 20 MILES AN HOUR HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN IT OFF AND WAIT 5 TO 10 MIN THEN IT'S OK FOR A LITTLE BIT IF I HIT A BUMP IT ALSO SHUTS OFF CAN U HELP PLEASE ITSBEEN DOING THIS SINCE BOUGHT FROM AN INDIVIDUAL

NHTSA ID
11348948
Incident
May 20, 2020
Mileage
195,000 mi
ElectricalEngineSuspension
Filed Jul 21, 2020

PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE SLOWS/STALLS WHEN DRIVEN IN HIGH HEAT WEATHER DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW/STALL.

NHTSA ID
11340571
Incident
Jul 20, 2020
Mileage
111,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 22, 2020

ORANGE KEY LIGHT INDICATOR COMES ON AND CAR WILL NOT START UP.

NHTSA ID
11318963
Incident
Feb 1, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Sep 16, 2019

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 ID
11256042
Incident
Aug 29, 2019
Mileage
150,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 3, 2018

I CAN DRIVE THE CAR FOR SEVERAL HOURS THEN AFTER SEVERAL HOURS THE CAR SHUTS DOWN SLOWS DOWN AND THEN CUTS COMPLETELY OFF TRIES TO RESTART THE CAR IT COMPLETELY DIES HAVE TO GET A JUMP START. COULDN'T GET A READING ON THE CAR NO CODES WOULD SHOW UP IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE NOT KNOWING WHEN IT WILL JUST SHUT OFF ON ME AND MY DAUGHTER.

NHTSA ID
11133127
Incident
Mar 10, 2018
AirbagsBody & structureElectrical
Filed May 6, 2018

MY DASH BOARD IS MELTING FROM THE HEAT AND CRACKING ALL AROUND. MY PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT KEEP COMING ON ALONG WITH TIRE SENSOR. HAD SENSOR REPLACE SEVERAL TIME AND HAVE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11092098
Incident
Jul 15, 2016
ElectricalSteering
Filed Feb 6, 2018

CAR STOPPED, WOULD NOT START, YELLOW KEY LIGHT ON THE LEFT DASHBOARD STAYS ON. CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL

NHTSA ID
11067200
Incident
Feb 5, 2018
Mileage
139,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 19, 2017

THE POWER START KEY ISNT TURNING ON THE CAR, IT ALLOWS YOU TO ENTER THE CAR BUT THE START TAKES VARIOUS ATTEMPTS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE LOCK STEERING FEATURE MALFUNCTIONS.

NHTSA ID
11016305
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Mileage
80,000 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed May 5, 2017

THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SEAT STOPPED WORKING ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I HAD TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED LAST MONTH TO DRIVE IN THE STATE OF VA AND TO ACCESS THE NAVAL BASE FOR WORK. I FAILED THE INSPECTION BECAUSE OF IT AND HAD TO PAY $705 FOR A NEW SEAT. I SAW A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT WAS TOLD BY NISSAN RECALL DEPARTMENT MY CAR WASN'T COVERED. HOW CAN THAT BE POSSIBLE? I AM REQUESTING A FULL REFUND FROM NISSAN AS THE ISSUE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED IN 2008. I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN HELPING ME ACCOMPLISH IT.

NHTSA ID
10983702
Incident
Apr 24, 2017
AirbagsElectricalInterior & seats
Filed May 3, 2017

THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SEAT STOPPED WORKING ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I HAD TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED LAST MONTH TO DRIVE IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA AND TO ACCESS THE NAVAL BASE FOR WORK. I FAILED THE INSPECTION BECAUSE OF IT AND HAD TO PAY $705 FOR A NEW SEAT. I SAW A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT WAS TOLD BY NISSAN RECALL DEPARTMENT MY CAR WASN'T COVERED. HOW CAN THAT BE POSSIBLE? I AM REQUESTING A REFUND AS THE ISSUE WAS A SAFETY RECALL IN 2008.

NHTSA ID
10983357
Incident
Apr 13, 2017
Electrical
Filed Feb 23, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START THE INTELLIGENT KEY FOB AND THE STEERING LOCK MECHANISM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 06/01/17*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/19/2017*JS

NHTSA ID
10956636
Incident
Feb 23, 2017
Mileage
102,000 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jan 6, 2017

I HAVE 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. I NOTICED THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE STATUS LIGHT REMAINS OFF WITH NO PASSENGER IN IT. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE AS MENTIONED IN THE LINK BELOW. HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/CS/JAXRS/DOWNLOAD/DOC/ACM10619386/RCRIT-08V521-7546.PDF PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO FIX THE ISSUE WITHOUT CHARGE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN AND THEIR REPLY WAS AS BELOW: THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REGARDING YOUR 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. A REVIEW OF OUR SYSTEM INDICATES THAT THE ABOVE-REFERENCED VEHICLE IS NOT CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN ANY RECALL OR SERVICE CAMPAIGNS.CASE # [XXX] HAS BEEN CREATED TO DOCUMENT YOUR INQUIRY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10940069
Incident
Jan 2, 2017
Mileage
30 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING LOCK MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID
10894214
Incident
Aug 4, 2015
Mileage
90,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 27, 2016

MY TPMS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW, AND THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE SYSTEM IS READING ZERO PSI IN ALL TIRES. THEY SAID IT WAS A PART OF THE SYSTEM THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT AND DOESN'T WANT TO ADDRESS IT. SO IF I WANT IT FIXED ITS GONNA COST ME OVER $200. MY WIFE WHO HAS A 2009 MURANO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TPMS LIGHT BEING ON AND READING ZERO PSI IN ALL TIRES.

NHTSA ID
10888900
Incident
May 1, 2016
Mileage
95,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 15, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

NHTSA ID
10884999
Incident
Jul 14, 2016
Mileage
160,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jul 6, 2016

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 ID
10882846
Incident
Jul 5, 2016
Mileage
140,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 14, 2016

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING RECURRING ISSUES INVOLVING THE GAS PEDAL FAILING TO WORK IN MY 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHETHER ON THE HIGHWAY, AT A STOP SIGN, OR MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY THE GAS PEDAL WILL UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. I WILL PRESS THE PEDAL WITH ABSOLUTE NO ACCELERATION FROM THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME THE SAME CODES APPEAR. THE CODES ARE P0223, P0123, P2135. RESPECTIVELY, EACH CODE MEANS ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ACTUATOR FAULT, ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ACTUATOR FAULT AND FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE CODES IS TO REPLACE THROTTLE BODY. I HAVE REPLACED THE ALTIMA'S THROTTLE BODY TWICE AND THE AFTER EACH TIME THIS ISSUE CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ISSUE STILL OCCURS AS WELL. I HAVE ALSO PERFORMED THE THROTTLE BODY RE-LEARN PROCEDURES AS DIRECTED BY NISSAN AND THE ISSUE PERSISTS AS WELL. BOTH MY WIFE AND I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND WE HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN INTO SERIOUS ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THIS FAULTY ISSUE WITH OUR ALTIMA. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TRYING TO MERGE ONTO A MAJOR ROAD OR HIGHWAY WHEN ABRUPTLY THE GAS PEDAL FAILS TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NISSAN MUST CORRECT THIS ISSUE. UPON, LOOKING AT THE INTERNET IT SEEMS NUMEROUS CONSUMERS OF NISSAN ALTIMA'S ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ACCELERATION ISSUE WITH THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT THIS FRIDAY WITH NISSAN BUT I AM NOT VERY HOPEFULLY THEY CAN FIX THIS AFFORDABLY WITHOUT CHARGING AN ARM AND A LEG. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER GLITCH WITH NISSAN ALTIMA(S).

NHTSA ID
10874118
Incident
Mar 1, 2016
Mileage
150,000 mi

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .