2008 Nissan Titan Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 55 Titan reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
Because it is a new model, the 2008 Nissan Titan does not have any crash test results, but previous models have done well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests. On the other hand, several reviewers take issue with the sometimes-hampered visibility.
In 2007, the last year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted federal government crash testing on the Nissan Titan, the truck earned five out of five stars for driver protection in front impact crashes, and four out of five stars for front passenger protection. The Titan also earned four out of five stars for the two-wheel drive rollover rating and three out of four stars for four-wheel drive rollover.
In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's private testing, the 2007 Nissan Titan earned the highest rating, "Good," for frontal offset tests. The 2007 Titan was not tested for side impact protection.
Accident Avoidance
All 2008 Titan trims have front and rear disc, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Brake Assist is an optional feature for the three highest trims.
All these accident avoidance procedures are well and good, but what reviewers say is really missing is a clear view. PickupTruck.com's reviewer explains: "Our only real problem was visibility. The A-pillars are huge and the high profile hood makes judging the curbs a little tenuous." MSN also had difficulty with the pillars' placement, and warns drivers to "watch as you drive the Titan through crosswalks."
On the other hand, several mention the Titan's side mirror set-up. Regular extendable mirrors sit atop a smaller convex mirror on each side, a combination that Allentown Morning Call's reviewer says "helps give a fuller view."
Crash Protection
Nissan Titans have dual-stage supplemental front air bags standard. Nissan's Side Air Bag Package for the SE, PRO-4X and LE trims includes roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags and side impact supplemental air bags for the driver and front passenger.
Standard structural safety features include an energy absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones and hood buckling creases. Rear seats also feature the lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system. All trims but the PRO-4X receive front-seat active head restraints standard, and the latter trim has the option to receive them with the air bag package.