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
1,091 reports, newest first.
Structure, Apr 7, 2015
I PURCHASED A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA FOR MY SON IN MARCH OF 2008 BECAUSE HE WAS LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 12,561 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME AND WE REALLY GOT A GOOD DEAL ON THE CAR. MY SON HAS BEEN THE ONLY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE FROM THE FIRST DAY WE BOUGHT IT, AND NOW HE USES IT AT SCHOOL DOWN IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR FOR HIM AND HE IS REALLY HAPPY WITH IT. HE TAKES EXTREMELY GOOD CARE OF THE CAR, MAKING NECESSARY REPAIRS AS THEY COME UP ALONG WITH THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. WITH ONLY 75,522 MILES ON THE VEHICLE WE FIGURED THE CAR WOULD PROBABLY LAST AT LEAST ANOTHER 50,000 MILES IF NOT MORE. WELL, IT WOULD LAST THAT LONG IF THE FLOOR BOARDS ON THE VEHICLE WEREN'T LITERALLY FALLING OUT FROM UNDER HIM. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OTHER NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING, ROTTED OUT FLOOR BOARDS DUE TO RUST! I NOW HAVE TO TAKE MATTERS INTO MY OWN HANDS TO TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE NISSAN WON'T STEP UP AND ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAULTY WORKMANSHIP. WE WERE HOPING THIS CAR WOULD LAST ANOTHER 2 YEARS UNTIL MY SON IS DONE WITH COLLEGE BUT I DON'T THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE SO LUCKY. HE IS ALREADY EXPERIENCING A HOLE IN THE FLOOR BOARD UNDER HIS RIGHT HEEL UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. RIGHT NISSAN, THIS ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE AT ALL!!! WHAT ABOUT IF HIS ENTIRE LEG GOES THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD WHILE HE'S DRIVING....DO YOU THINK THAT MIGHT BE AN ISSUE??? WE MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE AND WE KNOW THAT IT WILL LAST ANOTHER 2 YEARS BUT WITH THIS FLOOR BOARD RUSTING PROBLEM IT MAY FORCE US TO BUY MY SON ANOTHER VEHICLE A LOT SOONER THAN WE REALLY ANTICIPATED DOING. THANKS FOR NOTHING NISSAN! *TR
Structure, Apr 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOORBOARD WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Structure, Apr 7, 2015
NOTICED RUST. TOOK IT TO NISSAN. FLOORBOARD RUSTED OUT. THEY SAID IT IS NOT COVERED. REPAIRS RUN BETWEEN $3,000 TO $4500. NOW EATING THROUGH TO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HAVE TO AVOID AREAS OF FLOOR BOARD TO NOT PUT FOOT THROUGH. ALSO, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH PEDAL 3 TIMES. IT BREAKS AND IS CITED ON NUMEROUS WEB DISCUSSIONS. AIR CONDITIONER QUIT AT 36,500 MI. *TR
Structure, Apr 7, 2015
MY 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS BEING CHECKED THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR WAS IN REAL GOOD SHAPED ALL EXCEPT UNDER THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD IT IS RUSTED THROUGH AND A BIG HOLE IS THERE IT IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE REPAIRED IT IS LIKE IT WAS MISSED BEING UNDERCOATED IN THAT SPOT. THE HOLE IS PROBABLY 12" X 18" THAT WILL HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. *TR
Structure, Apr 7, 2015
THE FLOOR PAN OF THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE RUSTED OUT AFTER ONLY 5 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOW SO BAD THAT YOU CAN PUSH YOUR FOOT RIGHT THROUGH THE FLOOR PAN OF THE VEHICLE TO THE PAVEMENT BELOW. I GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLES AND EVEN RINSE THE UNDERBODY OF THE CAR AFTER STORMS TO REMOVE THE SALT. I'VE NEVER HAD A CAR RUST OUT SO QUICKLY AND IN SUCH A . *TR
Structure, Apr 7, 2015
THE FLOORBOARDS IN THE CAR HAVE ROTTED AND RUSTED CAUSING HOLES IN FLOORBOARD WHICH IS BEYOND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE CAR FLOOR STARTING RUSTING ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
A FEW YEARS AGO I WAS ALERTED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARDS WERE RUSTING AT AN ADVANCED RATE. MY MECHANIC SAID THE REST OF THE CAR WAS IN GREAT SHAPE AND IT WAS A SHAME THE FLOOR WAS FAILING PREMATURELY. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE IT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THERE WAS A SERVICE RECALL OR A SERVICE BULLETIN. I STOPPED BY THE DEALERSHIP ON A SATURDAY AND THE SERVICE WRITER LOOKED AT THE FLOOR OF MY CAR AND SAID THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN SUCH A THING ON ANY NISSAN. HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO AND RECOMMENDED WE CONTACT NISSAN. WE CONTACT NISSAN AND NEVER EVEN GOT A RESPONSE. AT THE TIME WE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE REPORTING THE ISSUE. SO I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT NISSAN HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE ISSUE. MY MECHANIC HAS KEPT AN EYE ON THE RUST WHEN I AM IN FOR SERVICE AND HE HAS MENTIONED IT IS GETTING WORST AT A RAPID RATE AND THAT IT IS BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE. I FEEL LIKE THIS DESIGN DEFECT AND NISSAN SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
THE BOTTOM OF MY 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA IS RUSTING THROUGH TO THE FLOOR BOARDS. THERE IS ABOUT A 10 INCH ROUND AREA ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THERE IS EXCESSIVE RUST. I AM WONDERING IF IT IS A DEFECT AS I EVEN HAD RUST PROOFING DONE AT THE TIME THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. THE RUST PROOFING MAY'VE SLOWED THE PROGRESS BUT COULDN'T PREVENT THE PROBLEM (AND THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED). *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
THE FLOOR PAN ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HAS SEVERE RUST AND HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN SOME SPOTS. THE REST OF THE CAR HAS NO OTHER RUST PROBLEMS AND IS IN GOOD SHAPE. I KEEP MY CAR IN GOOD MAINTENANCE AND DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY ONLY THESE AREAS ARE EFFECTED. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS ARE RUSTING OUT. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUMES IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED CORROSION AND HOLES ON THE FLOORBOARDS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORBOARDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
AFTER SEEING A REPORT ON THE NEWS THIS MORNING THAT NISSAN ALTIMAS ARE HAVING SYSTEMATIC ISSUES WITH RUSTING UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS, I LOOKED UNDER MY 2005 ALTIMA, AND CAN SEE VISIBLE RUSTING UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS. IT HAS RUSTED, CORRODED AND IS FLAKING OFF. IF YOU TOUCH IT, IT FALLS APART. IT HAS NEARLY RUSTED THROUGH. I UNDERSTAND NISSAN WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE POSITION THAT THIS IS NOT A DESIGN FLAW OR A SAFETY HAZARD WITH THESE CARS, BUT THAT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. IF THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THESE CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, HOW COULD IT JUST BE COINCIDENCE? I AM ABOUT TO HAVE A CHILD, AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING A CHILD AROUND IN THIS CAR. I ALSO UNDERSTAND NISSAN ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WITH RESPECT TO THIS ISSUE YEARS AGO, SO THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT HAVE DONE NOTHING TO ADDRESS IT FOR YEARS. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
DEFECTIVE DRAIN SYSTEM FOR WATER RUN OFF HAS CAUSED PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR PAN TO RUST COMPLETELY THROUGH. THERE ARE HOLES IN MY FLOOR WHERE FEET ARE PLACED. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT'S FOOT WENT THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD WHEN HE STEPPED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE FLOORBOARDS AND FLOOR PANS ON THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED THROUGH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FLOORBOARDS WERE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FLOORBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
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.
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
WAS INFORMED DURING ROUTINE SERVICE (OIL CHANGE AND WINTER/SUMMER TIRE SWAP) THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST IN FRONT FLOOR PANEL AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS NEXT YEAR'S SAFETY INSPECTION UNLESS RUSTED AREA WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED.
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 WOULDN'T PASS INSPECTION DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FEET AREA. I WAS ABLE TO FIX THE PASSENGER SIDE BUT NOW THE DRIVER SIDE IS EVEN WORSE AND CAUSING LOTS IN DAMAGES. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
AFTER HEARING ON THE TODAY SHOW THIS MORNING COMPLAINTS AGAINST NISSAN REGARDING UNDER CARRIAGE RUST I THOUGHT I WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT AS WELL. IN APPROX. 2012 WHILE WALKING TOWARDS MY CAR I NOTICED SOMETHING HANGING FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY PASSENGER SIDE. UNDER FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED SEVERE RUSTING AND IT HAD ACTUALLY RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD. THE ONLY THING HOLDING MY FEET IN THE CAR WAS THE CARPET. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD OH WELL SO SAD NOT GONNA HELP ME BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I HAD PRETTY MUCH ALWAYS HAD THE CAR SERVICED REGULARLY AT UFTRING NISSAN IN PEORIA ILLINOIS. THIS WAS NEVER MENTIONED IN THE 4 YEARS PRIOR TO ME IN THE MANY TRIPS I MADE FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGES AND SEVERAL STRUT REPAIRS ON THIS CAR. YES I HAVE HAD STRUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR FROM DAY ONE. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST 6 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2008. ANYHOW, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY BODY GUY AND HE REPLACED. THE FLOORBOARD FOR 500 BUCKS AND SAID THE DRIVER SIDE IS HEADED IN THE SAME DIRECTION. AT THIS TIME I KNOW OF NO ISSUES WITH RUSTING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I PERSONALLY CHECK EVERY TIME THE CAR IS LIFTED. HOWEVER IF IT IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT IT IS MORE THAN POSSIBLE THAT BY THE TIME I COULD VISUALLY SEE DAMAGE IT WILL BE COMPLETELY THROUGH WITH CARPET BEING THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME INSIDE. I ABSOLUTELY WANT NISSAN TO NOT ONLY PAY FOR THE FIRST REPLACEMENT BUT FIX THE PROBLEM SO I AM NOT PARANOID ABOUT THE SEAT FALLING THROUGH WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THIS IS TOTAL NEGLIGENCE ON NISSANS PART. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE METAL FLOOR UNDER THE CARPET IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM A LITTLE OVER THREE YEARS AGO BUT IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR 2002-2006 NISSAN ALTIMAS. *TR
Structure, Apr 4, 2015
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5. 128,000 MILES ON IT, COUPLE OF WEEKS BACK I FOUND OUT THE FLOOR BOARDS ARE COMPLETED ROTTED OUT ON BOTH SIDES, SO BAD THAT ONE CAN STICK THEIR HANDS IN AND FEEL MY CARPET. THE MECHANICS WERE SO SURPRISED HOW BAD THEY WERE AND THIS WAS THE ONLY PART OF THE BASE WHICH WAS ROTTEN. NOW MY CAR IS JUNK AND I WONT EVEN TAKE OR RESELL MY CAR. NISSAN AUTOBODY SAYS IT WILL COST ME 1200 PER SIDE TOTALING $2400 TO FIX THE FLOOR BOARDS WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED A WHILE AGO!! I NOW HAVE NO VEHICLE TO DRIVE AND IM SCARED OF DRIVING IT ANYMORE. AND DO NOT WANT TO INVEST $2400 DOLLARS ON SOMETHING THAT IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE, ITS A STRUCTURAL ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED!!! *TR
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Structure, Apr 1, 2015
FOLLOWING A ROUTINE SERVICE APPOINTMENT I WAS TOLD THAT THE FLOOR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT IS A ONE OWNER CAR AND I AM A 75 YEAR OLD FEMALE. THE CAR HAD OUTSTANDING CARE. IT WAS NOT GARAGED THROUGHOUT ITS LIFETIME BUT IT DID GET EXCELLENT CARE. FLOOR REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST OVER $1,00.00 DOLLARS. THAT IS MONEY THAT I CANNOT AFFORD. *TR
Air bags, Apr 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Power train, Mar 27, 2015
WENT TO GO START THE CAR, PUSHED IN CLUTCH AS NORMAL, STARTED FINE, BUT WHEN I WENT TO GO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, IT WOULDN'T GO. I LIFTED THE CLUTCH AND IT WAS STUCK ON THE FLOOR. I HAD TO MANUALLY LIFT IT UP WITH MY HAND. WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN IT WAS FINE. THEN WHEN I AM DRIVING IT DOES NOT GO UP ALL THE WAY IT DROPS ABOUT 2 INCHES AND STAYS WHICH GRINDS THE CLUTCH AND CAUSES PREMATURE WEAR! *TR
Structure, Mar 26, 2015
FLOOR PANS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ON FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDES. YOU CAN SEE THE CARPETING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND ITS NOT EVEN TEN YEARS OLD. *TR