2005 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 1,091 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 48 involved a crash and 18 involved a fire. 62 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine coolingNov 14, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 07V527000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsOct 25, 2007
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.
MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DIMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 07E087000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
259 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2025
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, Jul 23, 2024
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2023
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2022
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2022
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 and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2021
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Structure, Apr 10, 2015
1. PRECAT FAILURE WHICH LED TO NEEDING OF A COMPLETE LONG BLOCK REPLACEMENT. @ 49875 MILES 2. CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY CAUSED PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT OF MANUAL TRANSMISSION.@ 94571 MILES 3. PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR HAS COMPLETELY ROTTED THRU!!!! @ 100000 MILES, THIS CUTS THE CAKE! CAR IS JUNK!
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Apr 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS RUSTED AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT. THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE RUST SPREAD TO OTHER PARTS, LIKE THE FRAME AND A HOLE DEVELOPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2015
I PURCHASED SOMEONE ELSE LEMON! EXTREME USE OF OIL WITH NO VISIBLE OIL LEAKS. I HAVE TO ADD OIL AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. NO ONE CAN FIND AN OIL LEAK. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND 1000'S OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. IT IS A KNOWN NISSAN PROBLEM THAT THEY REFUSE TO ADDRESS! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND THE VIAS SWIRL CONTROL VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING).THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 8, 2015
CAR STARTS AND STALLS/ENGINE LIGHT ON. WAS TOLD IT IS THE CRANK AND CAM SENSOR AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION INPUT SPEED SENSOR. WE NOTICED THIS IS A BIG ISSUE AND MANY CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE BUT NOT ALL, INCLUDING OURS. IF THIS IS SUCH A MAJOR ISSUE WHY ARE ONLY SOME BEING REPAIRED BY DEALER. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO GET THE DEALER TO REPAIR IT. THIS IS MY FATHER'S CAR BUT IT IS MY INFORMATION BELOW. HE DOESN'T SPEAK ENGLISH. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *TR UPDATED 4/13/2015*JS
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, BUT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAM AND CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 9, 2014
TRYING TO LEAVE FOR WORK ONE MORNING AND MY CAR STOPS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TRY TO TURN IT ON, AND IT DOES BUT AS I START SPEEDING UP IT TURNS OFF AGAIN (AT THE INTERSECTION) AND NOW THE CHECK ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON. IT ALMOST CAUSED THE CAR BEHIND ME TO REAR END ME BUT HE SWERVED TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I FOUND OUT IT WAS A FAULTY CRANKSHAFT FROM THE MECHANIC AND TOLD ME TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE HE THOUGHT THERE WAS A RECALL. L CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL BUT NOT ON MY CAR (DIFFERENT YEAR), INSTEAD THEY SAID THEY COULD CHANGE THE PART FOR $350 WITH LABOR. SO I COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED SOMEONE OR VISE VERSA AND IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT? I'M AM SO UPSET ABOUT HOW THEY ARE NOT AT FAULT FOR MAKING PARTS THAT DON'T WORK AND AT THE END THEY AREN'T LIABLE...UPDATED 09-24-14 *BF *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 6, 2014
CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS GONE BAD ON LOW MILEAGE, SINGLE OWNER, WELL MAINTAINED CAR. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH 2002-2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHAT MAKES THE PROBLEM WORSE IS THAT THE CONVERTER DISINTEGRATES AND GETS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND STALLING. SPOKE TO NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE AND ESCALATED TO EXECUTIVE RESPONSE TEAM AT NISSAN, AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FAULTY PART FOR WHICH THEY HAD ISSUED 3 TSBS BUT REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART AND SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO ENGINE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL OR AT LEAST A WARRANTY EXTENSION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE DID RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOUR TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF A SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BUT NO RESULTS WERE GIVEN AS CONTACT DID NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 1, 2014
I SEE IN 2007 NISSAN RECALLED THE CRANKSHAFT AND I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS. I TOOK MY CAR TO SEARS ON MARCH 31ST AND BROUGHT A BATTERY BECAUSE I THOUGHT THIS WAS THE PROBLEM THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON SO I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC TODAY 4-1-14 AND WAS TOLD NOT ONLY DO I HAVE TO REPLACE MY CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, BUT MY SPEED SENSOR AND MY FUEL PUMP SYSTEM WHICH IS GOING TO COST ME A TOTAL OF $1395.66 TO REPAIR IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THIS SINCE NISSAN NEVER INFORMED ME OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT IN 2007? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 10, 2014, crash
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR OVERHEATED CAUSING BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR ENGINE STOPED RUNNING CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 2, 2013
I HAVE A 2005 ALTIMA AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS. I REPALCED THE SENORS BASED ON THE DIAGNOSTIC READING FROM TWO REPUTABLE REPAIR SHOPS. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING BACK ON. I GOOGLED AND FOUND OUT THAT SEVERAL ALTIMA OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD BASED ON MY VIN #, I'M NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THAT MAKES NO SENSE. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME AN ARM AND A LEG AND WILL ONLY DO IT FOR FREE IF NISSAN SAYS SO. I'M SO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2013
IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREA, 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND IN THE FAR LEFT LANE MOVING ABOUT 45, THE CAR DIES. I CAN NOT GET MY CAR TO START. CARS WERE FLYING ON ALL SIDES OF ME EVEN IN THE TURNING LANE NEXT TO ME ON THE LEFT. I COULD NOT GET OUT OF MY CAR. I CALLED THE POLICE BECAUSE I THOUGHT I COULD BE KILLED. THE POLICE SAID THAT THIS WAS DANGEROUS AND MANAGED TO STOP ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC. THEY BUMPED MY CAR OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE TOW TRUCK TOOK ME AND MY CAR TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP. I HAD TO PAY $634.35 FOR THE TOW TRUCK AND THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR REPLACEMENT. NO RECALL. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE WITH NISSAN CUSTOMER SPECIALIST IN TN. TODAY ON 10/9/13 AFTER CALLING EVERYDAY SINCE 9/13/13, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PART IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. IT IS JUST WHAT HAPPENS IN MAINTAINING THE CAR. I HAD JUST SPENT ALMOST $1000 IN A REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE TEAM LEADER USED THE EXAMPLE OF REPLACING THE TIMING BELT. DON'T SEE WHY THIS IS THE SAME. I ALMOST GOT KILLED AND SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE ALREADY LOST THEIR LIFE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR NISSAN! IF I WAS ON I 75 I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 4, 2013
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND HESITATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD DETACHED AND CAUSED ENGINE DAMAGE. THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,300. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 54,000. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 22, 2013
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 SUMMARY: 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 WITH REGARD TO ABOVE RECALL DETAILS, WHEN I PROVIDED THE VIN TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP, THEY DON'T SEE ANY RECALLS FOR IT. BUT IT IS QUITE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH THIS MECHANICAL PROBLEM IN THE CAR. APPRECIATE IF APPROPRIATE SAFETY CARE IS TAKEN BY MANUFACTURER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT THE RECALL HAD ENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED SEVERAL MINUTES LATER AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WOULD NEED TO REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 7/3/13 *CN