VehicleVerdict

2008 Nissan Titan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 174 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Titan year — the 2008 model ranks #7 of 21 Titan years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (30), transmission (29), and fuel system (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

174

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Titan years?

See all Titan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Nissan Titan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3017%
Transmission2917%
Fuel System2011%
Airbags148%
Electrical System148%
Suspension137%
Brakes137%
Body & Structure106%
Tires & Wheels85%
Visibility & Wipers74%
Other74%
Lighting42%
Speed Control21%
Steering11%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2008 Nissan Titan have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V067000AirbagsFebruary 10, 2023 · 404,690 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

Consequence

A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

10E019000SuspensionMay 20, 2010 · 1,873 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence

IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

10V074000Fuel SystemMarch 3, 2010 · 340,000 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56 VEHICLES. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE MAY INACCURATELY DISPLAY THAT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS SOME FUEL, TYPICALLY ABOUT ONE QUARTER TANK, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SENDER UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW IMPROVED SENDER CARD. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

10V072000BrakesMarch 2, 2010 · 179,383 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PARTIALLY DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET.

Consequence

THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

08V187000SeatsApril 24, 2008 · 1,126 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING 1,126 MY 2008 QUEST, TITAN AND ARMADA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL ADJUSTMENT FRONT SEATS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE SEAT TRACK ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN THE MANUAL SEAT PAWL NOT FULLY ENGAGING INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT TRACK ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS AND REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

08V045000OtherJanuary 25, 2008 · 5,523 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.' THE TIRE PLACARD LISTS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Consequence

THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE SELECTION TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.

Remedy

NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

PUCHASE FROM PRIVATE PARTY IN FEBRUARY, NISSAN RAN DIAGNOSTICS IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE. LEAK WAS NOT RECORDED. ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN JUNE, VEHICLE RETURNED IN SEPTEMBER, APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AFTER PICK UP, CODED LEAK IN EMULATION SYSTEM, MANIFOLD/EXHAUST CAUSING FUMES TO BACK UP INTO TRUCK WHILE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 25, 2017 · crash

WHILE DRIVING, MY NISSAN TITAN BEGAN TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE MOTOR WAS TOO STRONG. I PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND THE MOTOR REDLINED AND I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE MOTOR OFF. THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAYS THEIR COMPUTER DOES NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I AM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 21, 2009

PUCHASE FROM PRIVATE PARTY IN FEBRUARY, NISSAN RAN DIAGNOSTICS IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE. LEAK WAS NOT RECORDED. ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN JUNE, VEHICLE RETURNED IN SEPTEMBER, APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AFTER PICK UP, CODED LEAK IN EMULATION SYSTEM, MANIFOLD/EXHAUST CAUSING FUMES TO BACK UP INTO TRUCK WHILE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 25, 2017 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN TITAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND TOWED AWAY FROM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 11, 2014 · crash

PULLING A TRAILER WHEN THE ABS & SLIP LIGHTS CAME ON, THEN THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER GETTING TO THE CAMP SITE I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD BURNED AND MELTED FUSING SEVERAL WIRES TOGETHER. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE NO ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROL TO MY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 13, 2014 · fire

2008 Nissan Titan — common questions

Is the 2008 Nissan Titan reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 174 complaints put the 2008 model at #7 of 21 Titan years. It is one of the Titan years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Titan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (30 complaints), transmission (29 complaints), fuel system (20 complaints).

Does the 2008 Nissan Titan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Nissan Titan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Titan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Titan years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016, 2017, 2007, 2008, 2018. The cleanest record among Titan years belongs to 2014.

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.