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 Titan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, she heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the door locks. The contact opened the door and noticed smoke coming from the ignition switch. The contact was unsure if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband disconnected the battery. The vehicle was towed to the residence. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start and the windows and lights became inoperable. The locks continued making the abnormal clicking noise. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 165,324.
The exhaust manifolds are faulty and crack allowing deadly carbon monoxide exhaust gases to enter the cab of the truck while the vehicle is in operation. This could cause the driver to lose consciousness and crash. It was only after my 6th long road trip (3+ hours driving) did I discover I was being poisoned by carbon monoxide. I took my truck to an exhaust repair company and as soon as I mentioned my vehicle the technician told me he was 99% sure I had a cracked manifold. He later confirmed this with a diagnostic test which revealed both manifolds cracked and leaking exhaust fumes into the cab. This could have killed me just sitting in a parking lot! I thought I was just getting bad headaches from the long drive and my nausea was from the extreme headaches. After this happening so many times I knew there had to be more to this. …
Their is a current recall on the fuel system for the gauge reading incorrectly and could cause an accident. My truck is having that issue, but my VIN shows not to be under that recall. I am also having engine problems that I also believe to be due to a failing fuel pump or possibly one of the other many problems with engine performance on this model Titan. I don't understand why the recall for the fuel gauge problem is not covering my vehicle , I have had many problems with my Nissan Titan since I bought it brand new and absolutely no help from Nissan to fix faulty parts, including the valve cover that if clogged will allow engine oil down into the valves and cylinder and cause smoking problem, and eventually ruin the engine cylinder. My Titan will not take fuel and starts staling out at 2000 RPM causing me to almost be in several accidents already. …
For the past three months, I've spent over $3,000 diagnosing and "fixing" erroneous warning lights. This past week, my truck (2005 Titan) would not start. The first time, it just cranked the starter, but would not engage. Now, I can turn the ignition to start and the starter won't even engage (no "clicking" noise, no noise whatsoever). It will start after several attempts, but I have to wait at least 2-3 minutes between each attempt. I've replaced the ECM (at my own expense) and it still does not start properly. It appears (from reading online posts in Titan forums) that the issue is the ipdm (intelligent power distribution module). The symptoms all line up. I feel lucky that my engine has not completely stopped while driving (yet). …
2005 Nissan Titan 121K miles. Cracked exhaust manifold causing a exhaust leak. There is a strong exhaust smell in the cab when traveling at slower speeds (under 35mph). It has been so bad at times it makes you light headed and sick to your stomach. This could cause someone to pass out while driving causing them to loose control of their vehicle. Defiantly a safety hazard! Also causing a decrease in gas mileage as well as a loud knocking/puffing noise upon acceleration. I have searched the internet finding 100's if not 1000's of complaints about this! Why has this never been recalled? The safety issue alone should warrant a recall, its obviously a faulty component!
My Nissan Titan has roughly 31,000 miles on it over the last 12 years . The exhaust manifold is cracked . I did a search to see if this was a known problem and there are tons of complaints and pictures on the internet so I was amazed to see that there are no recalls . Many people have had the issue taken care of under the 8 year 80,000 mile emissions warranty . The only problem is many people ( including myself ) are past the 8 years even though way under the mileage . My truck is practically brand new inside and out and has been sparingly used and still now I have harmful exhaust fumes leaking out and the truck is robbed of power .
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Titan. While traveling 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the brakes and steering seized. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times in a five mile span and no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that the electronic control module failed. The dealer stated that there was a recall for the ECM under NHTSA campaign number: 10V517000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 124,000.
When exiting highway engine quit running. Fuel tank showed 1/4 tank left. Highway support vehicle stop to help, gave me some gas, about 1 gallon. Still would not start, had vehicle towed. Put 2 more gallons of fuel in tank, vehicle started. Found a NHTSA campaign id number 10V074000, for 2005-2009 Titan's for this exact same problem, but for some reason my Titan is not covered even though it's a 2005. I have called my local dealer and Nissan customer service with no help. Just asking why my Titan is not covered? I have uploaded a file of the campaign id number.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the engine stalled without any warnings. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was exhibiting the same failures listed in recall NHTSA campaign number: 10V517000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Cracked exhaust manifolds. Nissan has a poor design and I have checked on line and 100's of others have commented about the cracked exhaust manifolds. These are a safety concern as I can smell the exhaust gas around the front of the truck, instead of it being properly transferred out the exhaust system as designed. Nissan is not supporting the required replacement which should be free. The repair cost are in the thousands not acceptable when it is Nissan poor design all all trucks with these manifolds are affected.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, Infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on December 6, 2010. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Engine complaints in other Titan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Nissan Titan?
NHTSA has 120 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Nissan Titan, 13% of the model year's 891 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Nissan Titan engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-517 (engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Titan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 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.