One problem related to vehicle shudder has been reported for the 2008 Nissan Altima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Nissan Altima based on all problems reported for the 2008 Altima.
Cvt transmission is warmed up after approximately thirty minutes of driving. Once warm, from a complete stop, I lightly accelerate to 20mph. The rpms drop slightly and more acceleration is necessary to drive faster than 20mph. I press the accelerator pedal to about half way down and the vehicle shudders/surges three to five times then accelerates rapidly. This causes your neck to snap back and the vehicle to loose control. No accident yet but it could easily happen. Taken to Nissan dealer in California who called it a "normal operating condition" and sent me home. Still fighting with Nissan customer service.