2005 Nissan Altima
The Verdict
The 2005 Nissan Altima has 1,091 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (455 complaints) and engine (419 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Nissan Altima, consider the 2025 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 99% fewer complaints
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Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 1
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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...
Risk
MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DIMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
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.
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 50 | 12 | 42 | 62 | 10 |
| 2001 | 58 | 5 | 35 | 69 | 5 |
| 2002 | 187 | 27 | 108 | 717 | 23 |
| 2003 | 175 | 8 | 90 | 590 | 20 |
| 2004 | 79 | 8 | 34 | 144 | 11 |
| 2005 | 455 | 31 | 104 | 419 | 82 |
| 2006 | 300 | 19 | 70 | 371 | 63 |
| 2007 | 198 | 71 | 92 | 87 | 50 |
| 2008 | 593 | 84 | 187 | 88 | 72 |
| 2009 | 806 | 37 | 493 | 125 | 86 |
| 2010 | 141 | 25 | 98 | 59 | 57 |
| 2011 | 82 | 12 | 40 | 47 | 60 |
| 2012 | 110 | 16 | 88 | 82 | 127 |
| 2013 | 663 | 38 | 956 | 198 | 443 |
| 2014 | 296 | 21 | 509 | 97 | 183 |
| 2015 | 252 | 21 | 446 | 86 | 136 |
| 2016 | 130 | 9 | 112 | 103 | 190 |
| 2017 | 107 | 17 | 92 | 56 | 109 |
| 2018 | 78 | 44 | 64 | 15 | 22 |
| 2019 | 82 | 29 | 46 | 58 | 8 |
| 2020 | 66 | 16 | 37 | 41 | 12 |
| 2021 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 7 | 2 |
| 2022 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| 2023 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| 2024 | 24 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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Complaints
While driving my 2005 Nissan Altima in active traffic with my [XXX] 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. Sudden engine shutdown while driving in traffic Loss of vehicle power without warning Smoke entering passenger cabin Risk of crash involving child passenger Request: I am requesting that NHTSA: Review this incident for potential recall remedy failure Investigate whether this represents recurrence of a known defect Determine whether additional corrective action is needed for this vehicle population INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima | VIN: [XXX] 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 [XXX] 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). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
Hello, I am the owner now of this vehicle snd I see the recalls have not been taken care of? What do I do in order to get them repaired ?
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 car shuts off while driving.
When I was in an accident in 2006 Airbags did not open. I worry about valve cap and if it is safe. Other this when opening my door Door handle are defected and breaking off. I never had a car where door handles break. I would like assistance with these issues. Thank you. [XXX]-Customer INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The cars battery and brake lights came on while driving and then after about 10 mins my gas pedal stopped working and I almost got in a really bad car accident. If i rev the car over 3000 rpms the lights go out. So while i was cruising i had to shift to natural and rev the car and shift back to drive when i needed to go faster. I brought the car to the mechanic got a new alternator and battery. When driving it home after picking it up the same thing happened after about ten mins. When the mechanic got it back he said the alternator was dead it was only putting out 3.5 volts. He figured maybe he got a defective alternator so he replaced it again with another battery. Same thing happened for the 3rd time. He said he couldn't figure it out and recommend me to bring it to the dealership. So I did and just for them to look at your car is 150 walking in the door. I explained everything to them and told them don't tell me it's my alternator and charge me 150 for information I already know. The guy said he wouldn't and a few days later calls me and tells me it's the alternator and it would cost 1000 $ to replace it. I told him again I already changed it out 3 different times with a new battery. He told me in order for them to find the issue they would have to do the alternator first and then move on from there. So I asked him ok what's gonna be the next step after I pay a 1000s dollars for something that's not going to fix the issue. He said he couldn't tell me till they did the first step. So pretty much what I got out of it was they just want to run my pockets and get as much money as the possibly could. I asked him if he could just do what ever you would do after changing the alternator and he told me nope. Also I believe this should be a recall because when I look up forms online a ton of people have this same issue and can't get answers to fix it.
Car did a jerk while I was driving in the interstate never lost speed didnt hit anything it was like a big jerk no noise no smoke no lights came on nothing so I got to my mom house parked no smoke no dent no nothing right well got ready to go a couple hours later no reverse fluid level was kinda low but no leaks now yesterday getting readyto leave work I have no foward either what is this seem like a drive shaft issue to me
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.
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 has a hole in it and I bought the car without knowing the engine had a whole in it and I asked the dealer Mark Brown where there any major damages he said no. Also my car smoked while I was driving and I could have majorly endangered my life without knowing.
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.
Open Safety Recall Check October 25, 2007 07e087000 Exterior Lighting:headlights 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, Re
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.
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.
The Air Bag Warning Light is Flashing
THIS HAPPENED ON SATURDAY APRIL 03, 2021. I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH NISSAN ALTIMA 2005. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MILES PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY HERE IN MADISON WISCONSIN, WHERE ALL THE SUDDEN A ROAD CONSTRUCTION TRUCK COMING FROM THE WORK AREA (CENTER OF THE HIGHWAY) TRIED TO SNICK AND CROSSED WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE UPCOMING TRAFFIC. THEN, I TRIED TO BRAKE, BUT NO WAY TO PREVENT THE CRASH FROM HAPPENING, SO I HIT THAT TRUCK FROM HIS PASSENGER SIDE. AFTER THE "T", MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, SO I HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED THAT THE AMBULANCE TOOK ME TO UW HOSPITAL FOR EMERGENCY CARE. THEREFORE, I GOT EXPOSED TO THE DANGER BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND PROTECT ME. SO, THE AIRBAGS WERE WORKING IN MY CAR.
THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO DROP ALL THE WAY TO E. NO WARNING LIGHT THAT FUEL IS LOW. WHILE ON A CITY STREET, ON THE ON RAMP TO AN INTERSTATE MY CAR'S ENGINE JUST STOPPED, NO SPUTTER, NO LAGGING JUST 3K RPM TO 0 RPM. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AND COAST TO THE SHOULDER ON THE ON RAMP. UNABLE TO RESTART ENGINE. CRANKED BUT NONSTART. ADDED FUEL AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. AT THE TIME OF THE STALL THE FUEL GAUGE READ APPROXIMATELY 33/8 OF A TANK OF GAS. PRIOR TO THIS OCCURING, WHEN TANK WOULD GET LOW THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 1/8TH OF A TANK.. ABOUT HALFWAY BEEN THE 1/4 MARK AND E. SINCE THIS OCCURED I HAVE TESTED THE FUEL PUMP, SENDING UNIT AND FUEL LEVEL FLOAT, AND THEY ALL TEST OK.. WHEN THE TANK WAS FILLED AFTER THIS THE FUEL GAUGE MOVED BACK UP TO THE FULL MARK (SLIGHTLY ABOVE,) SO THE NEEDLE IS NOT STUCK.
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