2008 Nissan Maxima problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2008 Nissan Maxima sits mid-pack among Maxima years: 99 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 127, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (23), body & structure (21), and transmission (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
99
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other Maxima years?
What are the most common 2008 Nissan Maxima problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 23 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 21 | 21% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 8 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 8 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 6 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IDLE AT A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FRONT END AN EIGHTEEN WHEEL TRUCK. THE CONTACTS AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE DASHBOARD DUE TO IT BEING ABOVE THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”
“I LEFT THE IGNITION ON AND IT RAN THE BATTERY WENT DOWN , WHEN I REALIZED THE BATTERY WAS DEAD WE CHARGED THE BATTERY NEXT DAY I GOT IN TO DRIVE THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION WAS LIKE IN 1ST GEAR OF THE 6 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION , I WAS OUT OF STATE AND FOUND A DEALERSHIP IT TOOK THEM A WEEK TO REPLACE…”
“ON APRIL 30, I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY, AND AS I WAS PICKING UP SPEED (35-40MPH). THE DRIVER SIDE TIME BROKE CAUSING THE CV AXLE TO GIVE-OUT AND ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR. IN ADDITION, THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR THAT ONLY HAS -4000 MILES. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE WITH THIS CAR BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THAT…”
“WHEN TRYING TO ADJUST DRIVERS SIDE SEAT, THE SEAT WILL NOT ADJUST BUT WILL EVENTUALLY ADJUST AFTER THE DRIVER HAS ALREADY STARTED TO DRIVE. THE SEAT THEN ADJUSTS ALL THE WAY TO THE FRONT WHICH PUTS THE DRIVER AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALSO PUTS THE DRIVERS FEET CLOSE TO THE…”
2008 Nissan Maxima — common questions
Is the 2008 Nissan Maxima reliable?
It is close to typical for the Maxima: 99 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2008 Maxima problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (23 complaints), body & structure (21 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).
Does the 2008 Nissan Maxima have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Nissan Maxima.
Is the 2008 Nissan Maxima under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Maxima years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2016, 1999, 1995, 1987. The cleanest record among Maxima years belongs to 2023.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.