2005 Nissan Altima problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Nissan Altima, most often about engine. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Median mileage
152,773 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 19 of 32 complaints (59%).
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (6) and transmission & drivetrain (5) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 152,773 mi.
  • Owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries.
  • It ranks 19th of 22 Nissan Altima model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2005 Nissan Altima problems by category

  • Engine · 3 crashes
    19 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash
    5 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Brakes
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine13
Unknown or other9
Fuel/propulsion system6
Engine and engine cooling5
Power train5
Electrical system4
Air bags3
Steering2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k460k–100k2100k–150k9150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2005 Nissan Altima complaints that list mileage.

2005 Nissan Altima recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2005 Nissan Altima complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Apr 28, 2026WVFireEngineOther / Unknown
    While driving my 2005 Nissan Altima in active traffic with my [XXX] child, the vehicle suddenly stalled without any warning. The engine completely shut off while in motion, creating an immediately safety hazard in live traffic conditions. Immediately after the stall, I observed oil leakage and smoke entering the cabin. The vehicle became inoperable and we were stranded roadside. This failure is consistent with a known defect involving the crankshaft position sensor and…
    NHTSA complaint #11734402 · source
  2. Filed Apr 27, 2026WVEngineOther / Unknown
    Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima | VIN: [XXX] To the Executive Team and Legal Counsel, I am writing this under extreme duress following a catastrophic, life-threatening vehicle failure on April 23, 2026, in Ripley, WV. While transporting my [XXX] son, my 2005 Nissan Altima suffered a sudden engine stall, followed by the engine bay becoming saturated with oil and emitting heavy smoke. This event is the direct result of Nissan’s failure to remediate known federal safety defects,…
    NHTSA complaint #11734008 · source
  3. Filed Jun 12, 2025120,000 miDCTowedEngineSteering
    The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and whining sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown diagnosis was made, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power…
    NHTSA complaint #11666604 · source
  4. Filed Jul 23, 2024210,000 miNVEngine
    The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and felt as if the vehicle was going to stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crank shaft sensor. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11604007 · source
  5. Filed Sep 7, 2023WVElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Hello, I am the owner now of this vehicle snd I see the recalls have not been taken care of? What do I do in order to get them repaired ?
    NHTSA complaint #11543076 · source
  6. Filed Aug 14, 2023173,591 miVAEngine
    The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle overheated and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived to inspect the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, neither the VIN nor the…
    NHTSA complaint #11538331 · source
  7. Filed Jun 25, 2023NYAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown
    When I was in an accident in 2006 Airbags did not open. I worry about valve cap and if it is safe. Other this when opening my door Door handle are defected and breaking off. I never had a car where door handles break. I would like assistance with these issues. Thank you. [XXX]-Customer INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
    NHTSA complaint #11528737 · source
  8. Filed Feb 24, 2023NJElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    The cars battery and brake lights came on while driving and then after about 10 mins my gas pedal stopped working and I almost got in a really bad car accident. If i rev the car over 3000 rpms the lights go out. So while i was cruising i had to shift to natural and rev the car and shift back to drive when i needed to go faster. I brought the car to the mechanic got a new alternator and battery. When driving it home after picking it up the same thing happened after about ten…
    NHTSA complaint #11508991 · source

Compare the 2005 Nissan Altima with another vehicle →

Other 2005 Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology