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 Sentra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My Nissan 2005 Sentra completely died at 75000 miles. The car gave no warning just completely did not start one morning. Took it the repair shop and the technician advised me that one of the engine cylinders wasn't firing and it would cost 1600 to repair. My complaint is how can a vehicle that has been serviced at it's proper servicing intervals and under 100 k miles possibly have engine issues. My vehicle now outside of the warranty sits in my driveway collecting dust. I have done research online and have come to the understanding that many Nissan Sentra 05 owners have also experienced the same problem which clearly indicates fault from the manufacturer ( Nissan). This was my very first brand new vehicle that I purchased from Nissan. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. While driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The service engine and oil warning indicators illuminated after the failure occurred. The contact pulled the vehicle off the road, restarted the engine, and drove home at a very low speed. The contact diagnosed the vehicle himself and located a 'p03355' failure code regarding the crank shaft sensor. The vehicle was taken to first team Nissan (6520 peters creek road, roanoke, va 24019, [phone]) and a failure code was located at the crank shaft sensor. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V527000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
Engine light has been on for at least 2yrs or longer. The vehicle is running hot. I've replaced the thermostat, water pump, radiator, throttle body, etc. I've spent hundreds of dollars. Nissan needs to stand behind their products, and correct this madness. Then want to say because you don't have a warranty nothing could be done. Too many people has reported this similar issue to now take action and classify this as a recall to their expense. The consumer has spent enough money to try and correct this headache, and still not have the matter corrected. My vehicle still runs hot, and it's terrifying to watch that needle move constantly in the hot area of the gauge as I drive the highway, and streets everyday.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer Nissan of vacaville (671 orange dr, vacaville, ca 95687, [phone]) where it was diagnosed with needing the crankshaft sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 07V527000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not including in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. While driving on the interstate at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power and all of the sensor lights illuminated. The vehicle was pulled onto the left shoulder. The vehicle restarted and was driven approximately one mile; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who diagnosed that the crank shaft sensor had to be replaced due to overheating. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 07V527000 (engine, engine cooling). The failure mileage was 166,000...updated 11/17/16 status request. Updated 11/22/16. ...updated 08/02/17
Nissan Sentra 05 head gasket Nissan Sentra's ( especially 05's ) seem to have problems with head gaskets blowing. Desperately needs to be recalled would truly appreciate if you look into this problem. Everyone it seems has problems with it. If you look up 05 Sentra complaints online 9 out of 10 times its head gasket. I gave false information on here concerning the incident report in hopes that it would increase chances of my description being read. Don't try my contact information either because it should also be obviously false. Please help.
I was sitting a stop light in traffic and my car cut off and would not cut back on. I was obstructing traffic and could not move. Had to have a stranger help me push the car off the road in busy highway lunchtime traffic to a nearby parking lot. Then had car towed to mechanic. Diagnosed as a faulty crankshaft position sensor that overheated and caused vehicle to shut down. This should be part of warranty 07V527000. But my VIN is not listed, even though it fits the description of the known issue exactly so I was told by Nissan there is nothing they will do.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Banister Nissan of chesapeake (located at 930 n battlefield blvd, chesapeake, va 23320, [phone]) was contacted and a diagnostic appointment was scheduled and still pending. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,000. Piir = y.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. While attempting to start the vehicle, the engine would not immediately start. Once the engine started, fuel fumes were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition coil and engine sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. While driving at a low speed, the contact noticed that the temperature gauge began to increase as the vehicle overheated. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,544.
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 Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 78 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Nissan Sentra, 46% of the model year's 170 complaints. The component named most often is engine (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Nissan Sentra 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 Sentra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 2 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.