2005 Nissan Altima

Above average

Owners filed 1,091 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › body. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

904 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 86,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body284
001
Engine and Engine Cooling183
459
Engine109
330
Electrical System54
245
Power Train40
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine38
112
Unknown or Other36
101
Air Bags35
15017
Structure28
001
Power Train › Manual Transmission25
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling07V527000
Filed Nov 14, 2007653,910 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Risk. IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights07E087000
Filed Oct 25, 20074,654 vehiclesGenera Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN TYC HALOGEN TYPE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/N 20-6644-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2005-2006 NISSAN ALTIMA PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PHOTOMETRIC WERE MISALIGNED WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DIMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. GENERA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 25, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT GENERA AT 714-522-6688.

What owners reported

Newest filings
EngineFire
Filed Apr 28, 2026WV

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 engine control system addressed in NHTSA Campaign 07V-527, which describes sudden engine stall without warning due to sensor signal interruption. Although my vehicle previously received recall-related service, this incident suggests the prior remedy did not prevent recurrence of the defect. Sudden engine shutdown while driving in traffic Loss of vehicle power without warning Smoke entering passenger cabin Risk of crash involving child passenger Request: I am requesting that NHTSA: Review this incident for potential recall remedy failure Investigate whether this represents recurrence of a known defect Determine whether additional corrective action is needed for this vehicle population INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 27, 2026WV

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, specifically NHTSA Recall 07V527000 (Crankshaft Sensor/Stalling) and NHTSA Recall 06V223000 (Oil Consumption/Fire Risk). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 12, 2025120,000 milesDC

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 steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and while at a complete stop at the red traffic light. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the crankshaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000(Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
Filed Jul 23, 2024210,000 milesNV

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 contact was informed that the crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 7, 2023WV

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 ?

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 14, 2023173,591 milesVA

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 model year was included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,591.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 28, 2023SD

The car shuts off while driving.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 25, 2023NY

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).

Electrical System
Filed Feb 24, 2023NJ

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 mins. When the mechanic got it back he said the alternator was dead it was only putting out 3.5 volts. He figured maybe he got a defective alternator so he replaced it again with another battery. Same thing happened for the 3rd time. He said he couldn't figure it out and recommend me to bring it to the dealership. So I did and just for them to look at your car is 150 walking in the door. I explained everything to them and told them don't tell me it's my alternator and charge me 150 for information I already know. The guy said he wouldn't and a few days later calls me and tells me it's the alternator and it would cost 1000 $ to replace it. I told him again I already changed it out 3 different times with a new battery. He told me in order for them to find the issue they would have to do the alternator first and then move on from there. So I asked him ok what's gonna be the next step after I pay a 1000s dollars for something that's not going to fix the issue. He said he couldn't tell me till they did the firs

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 27, 2023LA

Car did a jerk while I was driving in the interstate never lost speed didnt hit anything it was like a big jerk no noise no smoke no lights came on nothing so I got to my mom house parked no smoke no dent no nothing right well got ready to go a couple hours later no reverse fluid level was kinda low but no leaks now yesterday getting readyto leave work I have no foward either what is this seem like a drive shaft issue to me

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 3, 2022160,000 milesNC

The contact owns 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the vehicle would have a hesitation sensation and or jerking sensation when the vehicle is started and or running. The check engine light was illuminated The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the cam shaft/crank shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. A sensor was replaced on the vehicle before however the failure persisted. The vehicle had now failed to start and had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that although their failure related their VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number:07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure was 160,000. The contact stated that the crank sensor and wire set was recently replaced.

EngineCrash
Filed Aug 27, 2022NY

Car engine cuts off. After that I have no power steering, no acceleration, brakes need to be pumped. The first years of me owning the car I had the sensors replaced by auto shop and dealership under extended car warranty. Pretty much been replacing the sensors ever since for the past 8 years. I believe I replaced over 10 sensors of the time I owned my Nissan. I can be on the hallway, streets anywhere with out any warnings my car engine will stop. It has to do with turning back on the car while it's warm. That's when I seen the problem the most.

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2022TX

The engine has a hole in it and I bought the car without knowing the engine had a whole in it and I asked the dealer Mark Brown where there any major damages he said no. Also my car smoked while I was driving and I could have majorly endangered my life without knowing.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 8, 2022180,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate while driving at highway speeds. The contact stated that the failures occurred without warning. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2022GA

Open Safety Recall Check October 25, 2007 07e087000 Exterior Lighting:headlights Certain TYC Halogen Type Headlamp Assemblies P/N 20-6644-00 Sold AS Aftermarket Equipment FOR 2005-2006 Nissan Altima Passenger Vehicles. THE Photometric Were Misaligned Which Does NOT Comply With Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 108, Lamps, Re

Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2021VA

The engine began to stall out randomly when driving down the road. After two times the engine light came on it stated that the crankshaft sensor was off. Since then, the engine light turned off bu, the problem still persists. When driving at low speeds through a city area, will cut off randomly. I have contacted Nissan regarding their recall about this exact problem of the crankshaft causing the engine to cut off but was simply told that my VIN number does not qualify under the recall even though it is exactly what the recall is for. Was also told that even if I were to get it inspected and checked for the problem that I would not be covered under the recall because they considered it "wear and tear." the car is only at 110000 miles and has this extremely dangerous problem, but Nissan refuses to help fix their mistake.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 15, 2021229,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 66 MPH, the temperature gauge started increasing as the vehicle started to shake. The contact stated that the dashboard was making an abnormal sound. The contact pulled over, turned off the vehicle for 20 minutes, and waited for the engine to cool down. The vehicle was restarted, the contact was able to drive the vehicle however, the temperature gauge was fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was diagnosed with radiator failure. The radiator was replaced. The contact stated several days the failure with the temperature gauge reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed as cooling sensor and ignition coil failure. The ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced however, the repair did not correct the failure. The contact stated that she then took the vehicle to Auto Zone where a diagnostic reader stated that the failure was the catalyst sensor needed replacement. The contact found NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and contacted the local Nissan dealer to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 229,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 24, 2021TX

The Air Bag Warning Light is Flashing

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 6, 2021197,000 milesWI

THIS HAPPENED ON SATURDAY APRIL 03, 2021. I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH NISSAN ALTIMA 2005. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MILES PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY HERE IN MADISON WISCONSIN, WHERE ALL THE SUDDEN A ROAD CONSTRUCTION TRUCK COMING FROM THE WORK AREA (CENTER OF THE HIGHWAY) TRIED TO SNICK AND CROSSED WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE UPCOMING TRAFFIC. THEN, I TRIED TO BRAKE, BUT NO WAY TO PREVENT THE CRASH FROM HAPPENING, SO I HIT THAT TRUCK FROM HIS PASSENGER SIDE. AFTER THE "T", MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, SO I HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED THAT THE AMBULANCE TOOK ME TO UW HOSPITAL FOR EMERGENCY CARE. THEREFORE, I GOT EXPOSED TO THE DANGER BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND PROTECT ME. SO, THE AIRBAGS WERE WORKING IN MY CAR.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 14, 2021223,883 milesWA

THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO DROP ALL THE WAY TO E. NO WARNING LIGHT THAT FUEL IS LOW. WHILE ON A CITY STREET, ON THE ON RAMP TO AN INTERSTATE MY CAR'S ENGINE JUST STOPPED, NO SPUTTER, NO LAGGING JUST 3K RPM TO 0 RPM. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AND COAST TO THE SHOULDER ON THE ON RAMP. UNABLE TO RESTART ENGINE. CRANKED BUT NONSTART. ADDED FUEL AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. AT THE TIME OF THE STALL THE FUEL GAUGE READ APPROXIMATELY 33/8 OF A TANK OF GAS. PRIOR TO THIS OCCURING, WHEN TANK WOULD GET LOW THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 1/8TH OF A TANK.. ABOUT HALFWAY BEEN THE 1/4 MARK AND E. SINCE THIS OCCURED I HAVE TESTED THE FUEL PUMP, SENDING UNIT AND FUEL LEVEL FLOAT, AND THEY ALL TEST OK.. WHEN THE TANK WAS FILLED AFTER THIS THE FUEL GAUGE MOVED BACK UP TO THE FULL MARK (SLIGHTLY ABOVE,) SO THE NEEDLE IS NOT STUCK.

20 of 1,091 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20256200Routine
202441110Routine
202329010Routine
202230010Routine
202170210Routine
2020158651Fatalities reported
2019231750Above average
2018225200Above average
2017391370Above average
2016553431Fatalities reported
20159521050Above average
20141,114881Fatalities reported
20132,3101291Fatalities reported
2012425420Above average
2011241150Above average
2010380390Above average
20091,547482Fatalities reported
20081,0284132Fatalities reported
20074713222Fatalities reported
20068244140Above average
2005 — this page1,0912180Above average
2004276530Above average
200388310132Fatalities reported
20021,04712280High concern
2001159224Fatalities reported
2000160250Routine
199987430Routine
1998123420Routine
1997108350Routine
199692250Routine
1995180570Routine
1994106420Routine
1993122330Routine

Compare every Altima year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 14, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.