Most common 2005 Nissan Altima problems
Share of the 1,091 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Altima complaints by model year
Best Altima years: 2022, 2025, 2023. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2009, 2002. Compare all years →
2005 Nissan Altima recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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…
What 2005 Nissan Altima owners say
Engine & cooling all 395 →
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. …
While driving my 2005 Nissan Altima in active traffic with my [redacted] 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. …
Body & structure all 351 →
My 17 year old daughter was involved in an accident with my 2005 Nissan Altima on May 21, 2014. She was hit by another vehicle in which she received back, leg and knee injuries. My vehicle was hit hard on the front passenger side in which the airbag did not deploy when clearly it should have by the impact of the accident and the speed of the other driver. To add, my daughter was wearing her seat belt and thank god there were no fatalities. When I purchased the vehicle I had no idea that there had been recalls on the vehicle for airbag issues. I would not have purchased it if so. In doing research I am finding out about the airbag issues affecting past and current Nissan models. The car was deemed a total loss by my insurance company. The airbag system should deploy when the restraint controller detects a moderate to severe frontal collision. …
My 17 year old daughter was involved in an accident with my 2005 Nissan Altima on May 21, 2014. She was hit by another vehicle in which she received back, leg and knee injuries. My vehicle was hit hard on the front passenger side in which the airbag did not deploy when clearly it should have by the impact of the accident and the speed of the other driver. To add, my daughter was wearing her seat belt and thank god there were no fatalities. When I purchased the vehicle I had no idea that there had been recalls on the vehicle for airbag issues. I would not have purchased it if so. In doing research I am finding out about the airbag issues affecting past and current Nissan models. The car was deemed a total loss by my insurance company. The airbag system should deploy when the restraint controller detects a moderate to severe frontal collision. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 115 →
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. While attempting to shift the vehicle from park into drive, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal was stiff. The contact stated that the vehicle had been purchased and delivered to her residence by an unknown dealer. The dealer was informed of the failure and the mechanic was able to replace the rear passenger side caliper at the contact's residence. Additionally, while driving 25 MPH, smoke emitted from the front driver's side wheel. The contact was informed that the brake rotor and caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the recent failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000. Consumer stated police informed the consumer the vehicle was not inspected.
2005 Nissan Altima engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Nissan Altima a good car?
Based on 1,091 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Altima rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Altima at the same age. It is one of the Altima years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Nissan Altima?
The engine & cooling — 395 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the body & structure (351) and transmission & drivetrain (115).
How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Altima have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Nissan Altima, the most recent from November 14, 2007 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Altima?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2025 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2009 and 2002. See the full Nissan Altima years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Altima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 22% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.