MYRModel Year Report

2005 Nissan Altima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2005 Nissan Altima
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Altima Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2005 highlighted. 1993: 125 complaints 1993 1994: 113 complaints 1995: 180 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1997: 108 complaints 1998: 123 complaints 1998 1999: 87 complaints 2000: 160 complaints 2001: 159 complaints 2002: 1047 complaints 2003: 883 complaints 2003 2004: 276 complaints 2005: 1091 complaints 2005 2006: 824 complaints 2007: 471 complaints 2008: 1028 complaints 2008 2009: 1547 complaints 2010: 380 complaints 2011: 241 complaints 2012: 425 complaints 2013: 2308 complaints 2013 2014: 1113 complaints 2015: 947 complaints 2016: 552 complaints 2017: 390 complaints 2018: 225 complaints 2018 2019: 228 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 69 complaints 2022: 30 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 6 complaints 2025
2005: 1091 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1993125
1994113
1995180
199692
1997108
1998123
199987
2000160
2001159
20021047
2003883
2004276
20051091
2006824
2007471
20081028
20091547
2010380
2011241
2012425
20132308
20141113
2015947
2016552
2017390
2018225
2019228
2020178
202169
202230
202329
202441
20256

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STRUCTURE 32%

32% of complaints: structure — 354 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE DOOR IS NOT ALIGN RIGHT COULD THE CENTER BEAM BE BENT? ALSO MOLDING INSIDE OF DOOR IS NOT STAYING ON THE CENTER BEAM? DEALERSHIP MARLBOROUGH NISSAN IS CONFUSED ON THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040904

I JUST PURCHASED A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA FROM COOPER NISSAN IN EASTON, PA. PROBLEM: THE TRUNK LID IS POORLY DESIGNED AND IT WILL NOT STAY UP ON A SLOPING DRIVEWAY.*AK WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AND OPENED THE TRUNK ON MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040827

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 24%

24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 266 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE 13%

13% of complaints: engine — 141 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show 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

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 117 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

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

Also filed under SUSPENSION

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 98 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2005 — complaint volume: 1091
R 20071025 — exterior lighting

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

R 20071231 — engine and engine cooling

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 (354 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (266 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2009 ■ 2014

See all years ranked →

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, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Altima have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.