NissanAltima2008Overview/nissan/altima/2008/base/

2008 Nissan Altima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Altima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2008 Nissan Altima is a passenger car equipped with a 4.9-quart oil capacity requiring 0W-20 viscosity, and its reliability record shows 1,028 owner complaints—most frequently in the Structure category—along with four recalls. Within the model’s complaint history spanning 1993 to 2025, the 2008 model year sits between the highest complaint year of 2013 (2,304 complaints) and the lowest of 2025 (6 complaints), placing it in the middle range of the nameplate’s long-term reliability spectrum.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182008

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Note the factory battery and front wiper blades are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-60R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E
Engine air filter165460Z000 alt 16546JA00B
Spark plug22401JA01B alt 22401EW61C
Battery24410JA80A discontinued
Front wiper blades28890JA000 discontinued · alt 28890JA010
Serpentine belt11720JA10B alt 11720JA00B
Thermostat210496N220 alt 21049ED00A
Cabin air filter27277JA00C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.7 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height55.5 in
Wheelbase105.5 in
Curb weight3056 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 61 in

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Altima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.8–7.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 2008 3.5 SE Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V65.80 sec14.60 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V65.80 sec14.30 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE 3.5L V66.30 sec14.80 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V66.40 sec14.80 sec270 hpFWD
20082.5 SL 2.5L I-47.70 sec16.00 sec175 hpFWD
20082.5 S 2.5L I-47.80 sec16.20 sec175 hpFWD
20073.5 SE 3.5L V65.90 sec14.50 sec270 hpFWD
20073.5 SE 3.5L V65.90 sec14.60 sec270 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 0W-20 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0-26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Engine Oil0W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.9 qt
Power Steering FluidUSE NISSAN POWER STEERING FLUID

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts65 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub129 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub129 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)CVT: 650, MT: 800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Ignition Timing15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance5 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm
Ignition Timing15, Not adjustable degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.04-1.16 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.03 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number35

Service checks

Injector Primary Resistance11.1-14.3 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11.1-14.5 ohms
Engine Compression103-130 psi. 14 maximum variation psi.
Engine Oil Pressure43 psi @ 2000 rpm, 57 psi @ 57 rpm psi
Engine Oil Pressure43 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM2000 rpm
Intake Valve Lash0.009-0.013 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.010-0.013 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs / 32 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle98 ft-lbs / 62 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0016 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.024 in / 0.354 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.024 in / 0.354 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.945 in / 0.315 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114-15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9514–15 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
132 ft. lbs., step 2: 9032 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
137 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
260 degrees60 degrees
3completely loosen bolts in reverse order
429 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
575 degrees75 degrees
675 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.23 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.75 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
172 ft. lbs.72 ft. lbs
2loosen all bolts in reverse order
329 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 11 mm and 48 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.11 mm, replace bolts.90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1029 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
124-28 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9524–28 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 3,750 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Exterior Lighting (inspect) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level)
Every 7,500 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 30,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)
Every 60,000 miRadiator Hose (replace)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2008 model year recorded 1,028 federal complaints, more than double the 498 seen in 2007 and part of an escalation that peaks at 1,547 in 2009 before falling to 380 by 2010. Recalls held steady at four, matching 2009 and exceeding 2007’s three, while investigations dropped from three to one and TSBs stayed effectively flat at 117 versus 118 the prior year. For 2008, Structure tops complaint categories at 206 filings, followed by Unknown or Other at 125 and Air Bags at 91, with 53 crash-related and 13 fire-related reports on file; the data does not specify root causes. Because 2008 sits on an upward arc—higher than both the prior year and the post-peak 2010–2011 period—it reflects elevated reported owner concerns within this generation. Given that complaint volumes spike after 2007 and remain high through 2009, 2008 is a riskier used-car purchase than the later 2010 or 2011 models. Those subsequent years show markedly lower complaints with similar or lower recall exposure, making them more attractive alternatives.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
117
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,028
Owner complaints
53 involved a crash · 13 a fire

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,028 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Structure206
Unknown Or Other125
Air Bags91
Structure,Visibility/Wiper60
Visibility/Wiper58
Power Train57
Service Brakes, Hydraulic49
Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper35

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

08V363000SuspensionReported 31/07/2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 1,018 MY 2008 ALTIMA VEHICLES. THE LEFT SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE… Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT TO SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 11, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

08V521000Air BagsReported 07/10/2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES… Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 117 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB10-066C2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Altima. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 Altima take?

4.9 qt of 0W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 Altima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.