Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Nissan Altima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima | VIN: [redacted] 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 [redacted] 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).
Related recalls
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…
Engine complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 395 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Nissan Altima, 36% of the model year's 1,091 complaints. The component named most often is engine (43 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Nissan Altima engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-527 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Altima engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 10 fires and 11 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.