Problems · NHTSA complaints
2005 Nissan Altima problems
Owners filed 1,091 complaints about the 2005 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between Jul 2004 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is structure (351).
Complaints
1,091
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
48
Reported by owners
Fires
18
Reported by owners
Injuries
62
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Structure351
- Engine and engine cooling259
- Engine141
- Power train115
- Electrical system97
- Air bags47
- Vehicle speed control42
- Steering31
- Service brakes, hydraulic29
- Suspension21
- Tires21
- Fuel/propulsion system18
- Electronic stability control (esc)18
- Visibility14
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
13
44
38
36
86
82
97
65
102
79
106
159
63
40
26
23
10
7
5
6
1
1
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 13 |
| 2005 | 44 |
| 2006 | 38 |
| 2007 | 36 |
| 2008 | 86 |
| 2009 | 82 |
| 2010 | 97 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2012 | 102 |
| 2013 | 79 |
| 2014 | 106 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 63 |
| 2017 | 40 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Structure
351 reports3 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA S/SL. THE CONTACT STATED THE FLOORBOARD IN THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED WHICH CAUSED EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE VEHICLE AND GIVING CONSUMER A HEADACHE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT AN AUTO BODY SHOP OR A DEALER. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. *LN*JB *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THTA NISSAN INFORMED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE AS THEIR VEHICLE IS NO LONGER IN WARRANTY.*AS”
Engine and engine cooling
259 reports5 crashes6 fires1 related recall
“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
141 reports4 crashes4 fires
“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”
Power train
115 reports4 crashes1 fire
“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…”
Electrical system
97 reports3 crashes7 fires
“BROUGHT THE CAR AUGV18TH WARRANTY ENDED SEP 18TH.INTHAT TIME CAR WAS TAKEN BACK FOR ENGINE RELATED ISSUES ALSO NO HEAT WAS .THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TWICE FOR REPAIRS.THEN YESTERDAY CAR STOPPED RUNNING COMPLETLY ON SEPT 23RD.THEY SAID THE REPAIRED THE CAR AND GAVE IT BACK TO ME ON SEPT 19TH”
Air bags
47 reports21 crashes
“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”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.