Car Yearsto Avoid

2008 Nissan Altima Airbag Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Nissan Altima?

142 owners have reported airbag problems on the 2008 Nissan Altima, 14% of all complaints for this year and the 3rd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 35,000–119,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.

142 complaints 14% of all 2008 complaints 72,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Frontal 15
Front passenger 4
Side / window 2
Occupant classification 2
Inflator module 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (97 of 142). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Airbags complaints by the year the problem happened.

Airbags complaints by Altima year

2008 Altima 142
2009 Altima 91
2010 Altima 61
2011 Altima 21
2012 Altima 57
2016 Altima 71
2017 Altima 73
2018 Altima 36
2019 Altima 11
2020 Altima 8
2021 Altima 2
2022 Altima 3
2024 Altima 2

Related recalls

Passenger air bag may be suppressed

Crash risk

A part in the passenger seat sensor system may have been made out of specification, which can interrupt the signal to the air bag control unit. If that happens, the passenger air bag could be turned off and fail to protect the passenger in a crash.

Fix: The dealer will test the seat sensor signal with a special tool and replace the seat cushion if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 08V521000 · Oct 2008
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2008 Nissan Altima gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2008 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.

One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Other 2008 Nissan Altima problems

Common questions

What are common 2008 Nissan Altima airbag problems?

Complaints most often name the frontal, front passenger and side / window.

At what mileage do 2008 Nissan Altima airbag problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 35,000–119,000 miles. The middle value is about 72,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2008 Nissan Altima airbag problems?

Yes: 08V521000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Altima year has the most airbag complaints?

The 2013 Altima, with 514 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.