2008 Nissan Titan

The 2008 Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck known for its robust V8 engine and comfortable ride. The 2008 Titan came standard with a 5.6-liter VK56DE V8 engine producing 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission option available was a 5-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Titan for its powerful engine and towing capacity. Common complaints revolve around fuel economy and some reliability issues.

Engine

5.6L VK56DE V8

• Exhaust Manifold Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: A common issue is cracking of the exhaust manifolds, particularly on the passenger side. This results in a ticking noise, especially upon cold start, and can eventually lead to an exhaust leak.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cracked exhaust manifold. Aftermarket shorty headers are a popular solution to prevent the manifolds from cracking again.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The camshaft position sensor(s) can fail, leading to rough idling, stalling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
• Fuel Sending Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate fuel level reading, fuel gauge not working, or the vehicle running out of gas even with fuel showing on the gauge.
  • Solution: Replacement of the fuel sending unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires due to worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks. This can result in rough idling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of spark plugs and/or ignition coils. Address any vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The 5-speed automatic transmission can experience slipping between gears or harsh shifting, especially when cold. This can be caused by worn clutches or valve body issues.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body replacement, or full transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3,500+ (rebuild/replacement)

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear leaf springs can sag or break, especially under heavy loads or with frequent towing. This leads to a loss of ride height and reduced load-carrying capacity.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Front Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A common issue is failure of the front wheel bearings which can create a humming or growling noise that gets louder with speed. Worn wheel bearings can also cause vibrations and looseness in the front end.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front wheel bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Electrical

• IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The IPDM can fail, causing a variety of electrical issues, including starting problems, lights not working, and other electrical components malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replacement of the IPDM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The blower motor resistor can fail, causing the HVAC blower fan to only work on certain speeds or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200

Exterior

• Rust on Frame
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive rust on the frame of the vehicle.
  • Solution: Sanding, coating and protecting the frame from any future rust
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (cover) - $1,500+ (replacement)

Recalls:

• 08V320000
• 09V399000
• 10V525000
• 14V087000

Summary:

The 2008 Nissan Titan, while praised for its powerful engine and towing capability, has some common issues to be aware of. The exhaust manifold cracking and potential transmission issues can be costly to repair. Electrical problems related to the IPDM can also be frustrating. Suspension components may require attention due to sagging leaf springs and wheel bearing failures. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision.