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2005 Nissan Altima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Altima years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Altima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

908 reports with mileage · 183 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 351 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 259 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 141 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

48 crash reports18 fire reports44 injury reports

Suspension complaints

21 reports
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145,000 miles · Oct 26, 2018
StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE FRAME BECAME SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION (CROSSMEMBER) WAS FILLED WITH HOLES AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS STATE INSPECTION. FREEDOM NISSAN OF SOUTH BURLINGTON (1095 SHELBURNE ROAD, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE FRAME BECAME SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION (CROSSMEMBER) WAS FILLED WITH HOLES AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS STATE INSPECTION. FREEDOM NISSAN OF SOUTH BURLINGTON (1095 SHELBURNE ROAD, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT 05403) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBERS: 28264107 AND 3338700. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: P5216 (REFERENCE NUMBER: NTB05-114C (SUBFRAME)) WARRANTY REPLACEMENT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

NHTSA ODI #11142831

141,000 miles · Aug 2, 2018
SteeringSuspension

NISSAN HAS RECALLED MY CAR UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN # 3213-3192, FOR ROTTED REAR SUBFRAME DUE TO NORTH EASTERN NORTH AMERICAN WINTER CLIMATE AND USE OF SALT. NISSAN REPLACED THE SUBFRAME . THE RECALL SHOULD AND MUST INCLUDE THE FRONT SUBFRAME ALSO. THE EXACT PROBLEM WITH ROTTED SUBFRAME OCCURRED WITH THE FRONT SUBFRAME THAT SUPPORT…

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NISSAN HAS RECALLED MY CAR UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN # 3213-3192, FOR ROTTED REAR SUBFRAME DUE TO NORTH EASTERN NORTH AMERICAN WINTER CLIMATE AND USE OF SALT. NISSAN REPLACED THE SUBFRAME . THE RECALL SHOULD AND MUST INCLUDE THE FRONT SUBFRAME ALSO. THE EXACT PROBLEM WITH ROTTED SUBFRAME OCCURRED WITH THE FRONT SUBFRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE FRONT WHEELS, STEERING & BRAKING. PLEASE INVESTIGATE INTO NISSAN REASON FOR NOT EXTENDING THE RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE BOTH SUBFRAMES NOT ONE FOR IDENTICAL CONDITIONS. AT THE MINIMUM , NISSAN SHOULD HAVE PROVIDED UNDERCOATING TO PROTECT THE REST OF THE FRAME & SUBMEMBERS TO THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR REPLACEMENT & UNDERCOATING. IT IS OBVIOUS THE CAR WAS NOT PREPARED FOR USE IN NEW ENGLAND STATES AT TIME OF PURCHASE. *DSY

NHTSA ODI #11115460

141,000 miles · Jul 23, 2018
Suspension

FRONT PASSENGER SUB FRAME ROTTED FROM SALT USED IN NEW ENGLAND WINTERS. CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE POSSIBLITY OF SEPARATION OF LOWER CONTROL ARM TO SUB FRAME MOUNTS. CAR FRAME WAS NOT PROPERLY COATED FOR NEW ENGLAND REGION.

NHTSA ODI #11113049

72,000 miles · Jul 6, 2015
EngineSteeringSuspension

FRONT SUB-FAME SEVERELY RUSTED OUT, WHICH SUPPORTS ENGINE AND CONTROL ARMS, MUST BE REPLACED. SAFETY IS COMPROMISED.....UPDATED10/20/15 *BF UPDATED 11/07/2017*

NHTSA ODI #10732302

10,000 miles · Mar 10, 2015
Electrical SystemSuspension

THE CAR STOPPED THE CAM SHAFT SENSORS WERE BAD.AND THE RATTLE IN MY PASSENGER SIDE CANT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10693433

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2013
StructureSuspension

THE FLOOR-BOARDS ON THE 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA ARE CLEARLY DEFECTIVE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGED EVER SINCE DAY ONE, AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF EXTENSIVELY. TWO GIANT RUST HOLES ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR-BOARDS HAVE DEVELOPED DUE TO POOR MATERIALS AND DESIGN. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULDN'T BE OVERLOO…

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THE FLOOR-BOARDS ON THE 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA ARE CLEARLY DEFECTIVE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGED EVER SINCE DAY ONE, AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF EXTENSIVELY. TWO GIANT RUST HOLES ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR-BOARDS HAVE DEVELOPED DUE TO POOR MATERIALS AND DESIGN. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULDN'T BE OVERLOOKED. THE RUST AFFECTS THE VEHICLES CRASH TOLERANCE, AND STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY. NISSAN SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE, AND SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE FLOORBOARDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10534691

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2013
EngineSteeringStructure

I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT I BOUGHT IN 2008 AND HAS HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, FIRST HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS GOING OUT ($400) THAN HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR MOUNTS, STRUTS, INNER/OUTER TIE RODS, I HAVE NO HEAT WHEN AT IDLE, WHILE PUTTING NEW TIRES ON AGAIN, I ALSO LEARNED MY FLOOR BOARDS …

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I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT I BOUGHT IN 2008 AND HAS HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, FIRST HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS GOING OUT ($400) THAN HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR MOUNTS, STRUTS, INNER/OUTER TIE RODS, I HAVE NO HEAT WHEN AT IDLE, WHILE PUTTING NEW TIRES ON AGAIN, I ALSO LEARNED MY FLOOR BOARDS ARE ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH, AND NOW I CAN NOT EVEN DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO IT STARTED SUCKING DOWN OIL ( 4 QTS WITHIN A 3-6 HOUR TIME FRAME) AND IT'S SMOKING BAD OUT THE TAIL PIPE BECAUSE OF THE HEAD GASKET/PISTON RINGS CAUSED BY A FAULTY PRE-CAT, AND TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 2.5L ENGINE FOR THIS ISSUE BUT ON A 2006 MODEL, WHAT ABOUT MY 2005 MODEL WITH SAME ENGINE?? SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FIND HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUES IN 2002-2006 ALTIMA'S, OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES AND NISSAN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10497585

94,526 miles · Aug 23, 2012
Power TrainSuspensionCrashInjury

THE CLUTCH PEDAL LOST PRESSURE AFTER IDLING FOR OVER THIRTY MINUTES, WHILE IN TRAFFIC, AND AFTER THE ENGINE HAS GOTTEN HOT AND BEING DRIVEN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE PEDAL WILL FALL TO THE FLOOR AND YOU CANNOT SWITCH GEARS. THE STICK SHIFT WON'T EVEN MOVE INTO NEUTRAL AND THE CAR JERKS REALLY HARD. IT WILL SOMETIMES CUT OFF IN …

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THE CLUTCH PEDAL LOST PRESSURE AFTER IDLING FOR OVER THIRTY MINUTES, WHILE IN TRAFFIC, AND AFTER THE ENGINE HAS GOTTEN HOT AND BEING DRIVEN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE PEDAL WILL FALL TO THE FLOOR AND YOU CANNOT SWITCH GEARS. THE STICK SHIFT WON'T EVEN MOVE INTO NEUTRAL AND THE CAR JERKS REALLY HARD. IT WILL SOMETIMES CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IF YOU DON'T REACH DOWN AND PULL THE PEDAL UP WITH YOUR HAND. THIS HAS CAUSE ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE I COULD NOT DOWN SHIFT OR GO INTO NEUTRAL, I RECENTLY ENDED UP TAPPING THE REAR OF SOMEONE ELSES VEHICLE AT WHICH MY DAUGHTER IS STILL COMPLAINING HER NECK HURTS. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART DEALING WITH THE HYDRAULICS AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. A LAWSUIT IS SURE TO BE ON THE WAY NOW THAT I HAVE WEN TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR BECAUSE IT WON'T DO IT FOR THEM. ALL NISSAN FORUMS ARE FILLED WITH CUSTOMERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THESE YEAR MODEL CARS. NISSAN IS ABOUT TO KILL SOMEBODY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10472118

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2012
StructureSuspension

I PURCHASED MY CAR IN JANUARY OF 2006 USED WITH ABOUT 3,800 MILES. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE SEVERAL TIME TO NISSAN DEALER FOR MY 15,000 MILE SERVICE AND ALSO THEY REPLACE MY SUSPENSION ON A RECALL. I DISCOVERED TODAY THAT MY FRONT PASSENGER FLOORBOARD IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, I MEAN IF IT WASN'T FOR THE INTERIOR CARPET I COULD PU…

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I PURCHASED MY CAR IN JANUARY OF 2006 USED WITH ABOUT 3,800 MILES. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE SEVERAL TIME TO NISSAN DEALER FOR MY 15,000 MILE SERVICE AND ALSO THEY REPLACE MY SUSPENSION ON A RECALL. I DISCOVERED TODAY THAT MY FRONT PASSENGER FLOORBOARD IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, I MEAN IF IT WASN'T FOR THE INTERIOR CARPET I COULD PUT MY WHOLE ARM DOWN IN THE HOLE. I'VE DONE RESEARCH AND IT SEEM TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MODEL AND YEAR. NISSAN HAS LIFTED MY CAR NUMEROUS TIME AND HAS NOT ONCE MENTIONED SEEING RUST, WHICH AT THIS POINT IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS COULD'VE BEEN FIXED AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY MONTHS AGO. I WAS MY CAR ALL THE TIME AND EVEN IN WINTER, I UNDERSTAND THAT RUST IS NATURAL ON A CAR, BUT WHEN YOU SEE THAT THIS HAPPENS MORE THAN OFTEN ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL THEY SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. EITHER EXTEND THE WARRANTY OUT FURTHER OR RECALL. MY CAR IS NO EVEN THAT OLD AND THIS IS UPSETTING THAT I GOING TO SHELL OUT SOME MAJOR BUCKS TO GET THIS FIXED PROPERLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10447285

166,000 miles · Oct 28, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE INSPECTION WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS RUSTED AT THE FRONT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MECHANIC WOULD PERFORM REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE INSPECTION WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS RUSTED AT THE FRONT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MECHANIC WOULD PERFORM REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

NHTSA ODI #10433461

Official recalls

1

07V527000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Nissan Altima problems