2005 Nissan Altima
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 122 |
| 1994 | 106 |
| 1995 | 180 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 160 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 1047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1028 |
| 2009 | 1547 |
| 2010 | 380 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 423 |
| 2013 | 2303 |
| 2014 | 1111 |
| 2015 | 941 |
| 2016 | 544 |
| 2017 | 382 |
| 2018 | 223 |
| 2019 | 223 |
| 2020 | 172 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: structure — 295 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 196 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY13% of complaints: engine — 141 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260428
7% of complaints: electrical system — 77 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY6% of complaints: power train — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE FROM PARK INTO DRIVE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STIFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181024
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120823
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 FE
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.
Campaign 07E087000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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 REPRO
Campaign 07V527000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (295 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (196 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (141 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E087000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V527000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Nissan Altima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Nissan Altima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Altima?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Altima have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.