- 2009
2008 Nissan Altima Sedan
- Used Nissan Altima Sedan
Reliability
The 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Nissan provides a three-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty, and a five-year 60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
In November 2007, Nissan recalled several Altimas featuring the 2.5-liter engine to fix problems with the crankshaft position sensor. Problems with this sensor could cause the engine to stall. Several auto experts also notice minor issues with the Altima's build quality. Nevertheless, most praise the Nissan brand and Altima specifically for above average reliability and quality. Consumer Guide lists the Altima as one of its "Recommended Picks" for 2008, but also notes some mechanical issues with previous models, including an incorrectly manufactured rear subframe that could affect the Altima's suspension and faulty air bags sensors. These problems were reported in models made prior to the 2007 redesign.
- In December 2007, the Detroit News reported on the recalled Altimas: "Last month, the company recalled 696,600 Altimas and Sentra sedans that had a faulty engine part that could overheat and cause the engine to stall." -- Detroit News
- "Altima is a sporty alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, with sedans giving up little in terms of everyday usability. … Any Altima trails our class benchmarks for overall refinement. Still, the sedans have strong enough appeal to earn our Recommended nod." -- Consumer Guide
- "The Altima is projected to perform well in the residual value department, a key consideration that makes it an even more attractive purchase to someone seeking a solid long-term return on an automotive investment." -- Kelley Blue Book
- When reviewing the redesign 2007 Altima, Autobytel's team wrote, "With only a few exceptions…Altima appears to be well-built. Among the negatives we discovered were slight gap differences around the instrument panel, a couple of ill-fitting plastic pieces on the front of the center console, larger spaces around the right side dash vent than on the left vent, and slightly loose rear lower door panels. Outside, our 2.5 S test car was marred by inconsistent gaps around the hood, trunk, and doors. Not one of these issues was glaring or significant enough to immediately dismiss the Altima, rather they were unveiled after close inspection and indicate average, if not above average build quality." -- Autobytel
J.D.Power Ratings
Initial Quality Ratings
These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after the first few months of ownership.
Dependability Ratings
These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after three years of ownership.
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