The Lemon Index2008 Nissan Maxima.
The 2008 Nissan Maxima is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about tires, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 21 mpg combined. The best Nissan Maxima year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 79 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Nissan Maxima year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 46K to 112K miles on the car (58 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 57K–117K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 82 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement
- The shift position indicator in the combination meter is blank when the gear selection is park
- Axle bolt and torque information
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedTransmission hose leak2008
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Noticed new tire - approx 3400 miles had a bubble in the side wall.
2008 Nissan Maxima owner · NHTSA complaint 10229190
More owner reports
Rattling noise comes from fuel tank when it is full when car comes to a complete stop, or sudden move. Noise continue for 1-2 seconds after the car stop.
NHTSA complaint 10250146
2nd tire defective - goodyear eagle rsa tire- car has only 7639 miles on it and this is the second tire on the car that had to be replace with the same issue .
NHTSA complaint 10243784
Quick answers
Is the 2008 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Maxima year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2008 Nissan Maxima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are tires (40%), airbags (15%) and transmission & drivetrain (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Maxima have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Nissan Maxima get?
21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Nissan Maxima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 46,200 and 112,200 miles. The middle report was at 75,000 miles, from 58 complaints.
Does the 2008 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2008 Nissan Maxima cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Maxima year is better than the 2008?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2019 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works