Problems with 2008 Nissan Altima ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

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.

Car stopped, would not start, yellow key light on the left dashboard stays on. car will not start at all

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

5 yrs ago the sound of my engine changed and upon inspection the welding on the exhaust manifold was cracked. i was informed by pembroke pines nissan that since car is at 38,500 miles and out of warranty despite it being a manufacture failure it would set me back $975. i didn't have the repair done. for the past 3 yrs, my passenger airbag light will turn off and on even irregardless if someone is in the seat or not. furthermore, the radio will go blank or have illegible characters on it. i too have the melting dash issue as well as a couple of times i slipped and my finger nail has gouged out pieces of dash board. it's amazing that lexus has issued a recall on their melting dash board on the is250 & is350 issues but nissan could care less about its brand or reputation; i guess that's what happens when the company isn't whole japanese owned.

When an adult is setting in the passenger seat the air bag indicator light will periodically go on. this has been an ongoing issue for years. st. charles nissan tech found occupant sensor failure to be causing the issue. there is a recall involving this issue, nhtsa campaign id number 08v521000. my car's vin is not part of the open recall, however, since it is the same problem in the same year vehicle, i wondered if the recall should be expanded. i have not been informed at what vin they stopped in the recall.

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).

Intelligent key indicator on dash indicates low battery in key fob. at startup battery replaced twice and other fob used. still lights on dash. car starts for now but afraid it will not. have seen this compliant on other 2008 nissan altimas

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and caused the air bags to become exposed. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 118,760.

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.

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 nissan altima. while driving at approximately 35 mph, black smoke emitted from the ventilation unit and the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact mentioned that after exiting the vehicle, it caught fire and the front passenger side door failed to open. as a result, the front seat passenger was trapped inside the vehicle and sustained smoke inhalation related injuries that required medical attention. the fire department had to remove the front seat passenger from the vehicle and was able to extinguish the fire. it was later determined that the fire was caused by a faulty ignition switch. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 111,000. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. while driving 35 mph, the front passenger side air bag warning light illuminated. the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 08v521000 (air bags, electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 170,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start intermittently. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v373000 (air bags, electrical system). the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 120,000.

My 2008 nissan altima needs to be recalled due to dashboard melting. the dashboard is sticky and gives off a glare during the daytime while driving. this issue is extremely hazardous and blinds my vision when i drive during the day. please nissan fix this issue. take responsibility for the materials used when manufacturing a vehicle. care about your customers concerns and fix my dashboard. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. the contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. as a result, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact and the air bags failed to deploy. no injuries were sustained. a police report was filed. the contact was able to restart the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. while driving at approximately 65 mph, the ocs warning light illuminated. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the same failure listed in nhtsa campaign number: 08v521000 (air bags, electrical system), but the vin was not included. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger seat cushion ocs needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 65,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start until after several attempts. the failure recurred on several occasions. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake pedal was faulty and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 67,000. ma 10/2 *cn

Was informed by our nissan dealership that this vehicle has inoperable airbags due to a failure of the front crash zone sensor. of course, this is just an assumption on their part. this vehicle has never been in an accident or experience any impact of any nature to cause this sensor to malfunction. nissan dealership ran a diagnostics test, but still no clear indication as to there being inoperable airbags. was given two options, starting with one option of replacing the sensor in its entirety at an estimated cost of $525, and if that didn't work, running another diag. test at an additional estimated cost of $592. in an attempt for some assistance, a consumer complaint was filed with nissan north america only to be denied assistance on the cost of this repair. their decision was based solely on the age of the vehicle and it not being under a warranty. paying a $1,000 for a "guess" is extremely steep and unreasonable and a cost to which i cannot afford. due to their faulty transmissions, at 45,000 miles, the transmission on this vehicle had to be completely replaced, to which nissan picked up the tab for due to faulty transmissions of their cvt transmissions. being purchased as a brand new vehicle only to have a transmission being completely replaced at 45,000 miles sheds new light on the poor quality of nissan vehicles. at this time, nissan is refusing to assist.

Nissan: door lock/unlock inoperative with intelligent key. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Went to a smoke shop went back out and my car wouldn't start.. my key yellow logo on dash is on so i'm positive it steering lock seen a lot of complaints about this and this should be recalled!!!! *tr

Car will not start even though there is power. this is the fifth time this has happened. dealer has replaced battery. problem occurred 1 month later. brake switch appears to be the problem. have been able to start after "playing" with the brake switch. dealer replaced switch but the car wont start again 5 weeks later. *tr

Not so much one specific incident but a few over a couple of months. first and most importantly the seat moves side to side and seems to be off track. the internet mentions many instances of seat problems and i don't understand how a car seat can be a problem, i've owned many cars and know many folks who owned many cars and never ever heard of a seat being a problem ever. but i'm going to be charged $89.95 to "diagnose" a seat problem that apparently if isn't affected by the tech bulletin could pay upwards of $1500 for a car seat. 2nd issue is my rear door locks stopped working. first it was the driver side back door and the lock stopped responding to the key fob and internal lock button. week and a half later the passenger back door locks stopped working. looking up this on the internet it's a common problem for nissan's. the dealer conveniently is going to charge me two (2) diagnostic charges of $89.95 to determine what the problem is with the door locks (again not 1 charge for both but two separate charges). the internet says actuators which i'll update later after this week if that's the issue. i'd think the nhtsa should investigate these two claims for a potential recall to save consumers from be fleeced for what appear to be consistent issues that aren't wear and tear issues and appear to be defects. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. the contact stated that the ignition switch failed to start the vehicle. the failure occurred on several occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 108,000.

I parked my 2008 nissan altima 3.5se at my door took groceries inside and went back to park my car,and it would not start i could go thru the different modes of the push button start but the car would not start. i get it towed to nissan and the tell me my electronic steering column lock has gone bad they also tell me they have a recall on the same part on the 2009 models. price tag to fix the e.s.c.l $800 this is so unfair i believe the 08 models altima should be added to the already ineffect recall for the same exact part. *tr

Regarding 2008 nissan altima: the air conditioning evaporator drain hose is poorly engineered leading to water draining back into the vehicle as opposed to outside of the vehicle. the water will pool in the back seat passenger side and continue to collect water until it moves forward toward the front seat passenger side. without correcting this defect the water will lead to mold/fungus growth, rotted carpet, rusted floor wells, and potentially electrical damage as there is a main electrical wire that runs along the passenger side floor that parallels the evaporator drain hose. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. the vehicle failed to start when the contact depressed the brake pedal and pushed the ignition button. the vehicle started after thirty minutes. the failure would always occur after the vehicle had been parked for a lengthy period of time. in addition, the contact was informed that the brake light switch was faulty. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 140,000.

I was driving on hwy 610 in houston, texas when the vehicle engine shut off and caught fire. i had gone to the dealership several times initially for a start up key issue, then tires, hub cap, and then the engine shut off on the hwy january 25th 2014, the warranty company noted that there were underlying issues with the vehicle when it was first sold, made a proposal to the dealership, and dealership eventually placed an engine i was told later by a younger gentleman named [xxx] that is was a sued engine. i had taken it home, and next day had issues again. took it in to get spark plugs changed, but the end result was fire on the hwy way may 12, 2014. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The passenger side vehicle airbag light went to the off position and the air bag light on the dashboard began to flash. the dealer stated the seat cushion on the passenger seat needed to be replaced. when i contacted nissan they stated there was never a recall in my specific vin; though there was a recall for the exact same problem for my model and year vehicle in 2008. they stated they would pay 40% of the cost to replace seat cushion; which would run upwards of $800.00. i asked if it as just a coincidence that the airbag is now inoperable and they stated yes it was. the nhtsa recall campaign was 08v521000. the recall specifies that the passenger seat cushion may have been manufactured out of specification. thank you for your time... *tr

Had the oil changed at dealership. upon driving back home the car would not start. i received the yellow key light on the dash and could not depress the brake pedal or start the car. i attempted to put in a new battery to the intelligent key and also jumpstart the vehicle. still would not start. nothing warns you of this issue and glad that i was not driving the vehicle when this happened or part failed. on the following date the vehicle was towed to the local dealership. on monday the 7th the car was diagnosed with the electric steering lock assembly failure. same day i contacted nissan consumer affairs to find out there were no recalls nor would they offer any assistance or recall this part as they have on other similar models. *tr

There was a public announcement of a recall in march, 2014 related to the reliability of gauges on the passenger side of the front seat, that tell the person, as well as the mechanical system, that the passenger front seat airbag is "now engaged" and ready to activate in the event of an accident/emergency.. following the announcement i took my 2008 altima to the dealer to ensure i was part of the recall. the dealer is at 3275 sw 8th street, ,miami,, florida. and is called autonation nissan. the service agent total me, after cursory research in his data base, that while many, many nissans were recalled in my model year and in my car group, mine was not included. the selection process for inclusion went by supplier, and not just by type of car and model year. to ascertain if my car had a faulty air bag on the passenger side of the front seat, i would therefore have to pay a $150 upfront diagnostic fee, and, if damage was noted, i would need to pay for repairs myself, as my car did not have the affected parts which were provided by only select suppliers. there is a problem. i have noted for some time that when a passenger is seated in the front, right side, seat, a beacon light in a small square box on the dash board flashes on and clearly states: "pass. off - air bag (x) psg.. 2" the reference from the light leaves one with the impression the air bag, for the passenger is not activated. during a drive, no set time period noted, the light will go off for a while, and later, come back on again. i am convinced that at some certain points the system is trying to tell me it is not activated.. of all the cars involved in the nissan recall, how could it possibly be that mine is excluded??? please, please try to get this corrected. *tr

Car cranks but won't start. *tr

The switch that allows the car to start and lights the brake lights is sticking, this is a common problem that nissan is aware of. the car not starting is annoying, if the switch sticks after the car is started then the brake lights will fail to illuminate, that is dangerous. the car fails to start with regularity, if the switch is manipulated it starts, i do not know if the break lights are failing but i assume this is occurring. these cars should be recalled for replacement of these switches. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. the contact stated that the body control module caused all of the electrical components in the vehicle to malfunction. in addition, the tpms warning light was illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to a tire dealer where the tpms was replaced. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign i.d. number 07v599000 (electrical system) and called the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in the recall. the failure mileage was 92,000.

My car starting having problems starting...it was intermittent...but would start with a jump (most of the time), so i thought it was the battery and had it replaced. but the problem persisted. i took it to the dealer on 9/17 and the computer diagnosis was the electric steering column lock. upon further research, i found that all 2009 models had the warranty for this part extended to 6 years/unlimited mileage, whichever comes first...but only the 2009 models. i also noticed during my research that many instances of this same part occurring on 2008 models as well. when i contacted nissan consumer affairs, they said that they could not help me as my car was not included in the extended warranty. i want to know why only the 2009 models are included? the nissan technician who worked on my vehicle said that the part is the same from 2007-2009...and in his opinion, all should be included. i would like to have this researched further to have additional model years included in the warranty extension. *tr

Power door locks malfunctioning on 3 of the 4 doors. depending on day, sometimes one or more locks will not lock when using key fob or when using power lock button on driver door. at other times, one or more locks will not open when using key fob or when using power lock button on driver door. i am fearful that after a crash i will try to unlock doors to no avail. i have also found my doors unlocked when returning to my vehicle, even after hitting the lock button when exiting the vehicle. i am fearful that a car thief or murderer may have access to my vehicle because of this issue. additionally, i have tried to access my vehicle quickly in dangerous neighborhoods, but i've had to try multiple times to unlock the doors. *tr

My 2008 nissan altima was failing to start. push button ignition would allow the power to turn on, the lights on the dashboard, radio, fans/cooling/heating, etc. however, the engine could not turn on. i would regularly find that this would be an intermittent behavior. sometimes the vehicle would start on the first try - other times it would take 20, 30, 40 attempts (and lots of frustration) to start finally. i attempted to have the dealer review this and they told me that they couldn't duplicate the experience. finally, after another bout with the car failing to start, i took it into the dealer and they recommended that i should replace the brake-stop-lamp-switch, for a total cost of about $450. while this was the dealer's recommendation, they would not guarantee that this was, in fact, the source of the problem. great, i thought: let's make an expensive repair that we're unsure is really the problem! the dealer told me that they're replacing these switches very often: this is a recurring problem with the '08 altima (and, they hinted, other nissan models) and they keep the part stocked all the time. i don't understand why an integral part of the ignition system dies at 55k miles. i did call nissan consumer affairs and was told that since there was no official recall notice issued by the nhtsa, that they were not obligated to recall the unit and would not reimburse me for the cost of the repair. since my car was out of warranty, they didn't feel inclined to do anything about it. very frustrated about their unwillingness to recognize an issue when their dealers see this as a major problem. not happy with both the decision by nissan consumer affairs to sweep this under the rug and pretend that this is a minor problem. *tr

Intelligent key system light is on and car will not start. brake will not fully press and engine does not respond when button is pushed. all dash lights/indicators come on, as well as lights and radio. it has come to my attention that this is a common occurrence in nissan altimas regardless of the year model. *tr

On several occasions i have tried to start the car but the brake resists being pressed in. i press the push to start button but the car does not start, only the dashboard lights and radio come on (as though i am not pushing the break in). i took my car to the dealership and they said i needed to replace my brake switch and harness for the low, low price of $500. the problem is intermittent so they cannot guarantee that it will fix the problem. this needs to be addressed by nissan immediately, as i see all over the web that everyone with a 2007 or 2008 altima is having this problem. what are recalls for except for precisely this type of issue?? *tr

The automatic door system in this car is non-functional, all 4 door do not lock or open. it has to be done manually. *tr

I drove my car yesterday without any incidents. i have noticed this "key" symbol on dash warning light indicating i needed to insert the key into the car in order to start the car for the past several months. there is no diagnostic code and i was told by the dealership at nissan that it was just indicating low battery on the key remote (even tho i just replaced the battery in november). i went to start my car this morning and although the dash lights up, the car will not start. i tried to jump start it and still wouldn't start. the brake lights come on and the dash lights up, but the car will not turn over at all. there isn't a fast clicking sound like it could be the starter. the key doesn't work to unlock the doors or the trunk either. apparently this is as a result of a faulty steering lock unit. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan altima. the contact stated that the intelligent key would not unlock the doors for a considerable amount of time. after the doors were unlocked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle but the no key warning light illuminated. the contact then changed the batteries in the key fob but the failure recurred. the vehicle had not been repaired. the vin was unavailable. the failure and current mileage was 35,000.

The lock/unlock electrical system has gone out. the only way that the doors can be locked or unlocked is by manually doing it with the key outside the car or your hands inside the car. *tr