MYRModel Year Report

2005 Nissan Altima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2005 Nissan Altima
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
1,091
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Structure

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

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: 1,047 complaints 2003: 883 complaints 2004: 276 complaints 2005: 1,091 complaints 2005 1,091 2006: 824 complaints 2007: 471 complaints 2008: 1,029 complaints 2009: 1,547 complaints 2010: 381 complaints 2011: 241 complaints 2012: 426 complaints 2013: 2,310 complaints 2013 2014: 1,114 complaints 2015: 954 complaints 2016: 553 complaints 2017: 391 complaints 2018: 226 complaints 2018 2019: 231 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2022: 30 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 6 complaints 2026: 1 complaint
1993: 125 complaints 1993 1994: 113 complaints 1995: 180 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1996 1997: 108 complaints 1998: 123 complaints 1999: 87 complaints 1999 2000: 160 complaints 2001: 159 complaints 2002: 1,047 complaints 2002 2003: 883 complaints 2004: 276 complaints 2005: 1,091 complaints 2005 1,091 2006: 824 complaints 2007: 471 complaints 2008: 1,029 complaints 2008 2009: 1,547 complaints 2010: 381 complaints 2011: 241 complaints 2011 2012: 426 complaints 2013: 2,310 complaints 2014: 1,114 complaints 2014 2015: 954 complaints 2016: 553 complaints 2017: 391 complaints 2017 2018: 226 complaints 2019: 231 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2020 2021: 70 complaints 2022: 30 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 6 complaints 2026: 1 complaint 2026
1993: 125 complaints 1993 1994: 113 complaints 1995: 180 complaints 1995 1996: 92 complaints 1997: 108 complaints 1997 1998: 123 complaints 1999: 87 complaints 1999 2000: 160 complaints 2001: 159 complaints 2001 2002: 1,047 complaints 2003: 883 complaints 2003 2004: 276 complaints 2005: 1,091 complaints 2005 1,091 2006: 824 complaints 2007: 471 complaints 2007 2008: 1,029 complaints 2009: 1,547 complaints 2009 2010: 381 complaints 2011: 241 complaints 2011 2012: 426 complaints 2013: 2,310 complaints 2013 2014: 1,114 complaints 2015: 954 complaints 2015 2016: 553 complaints 2017: 391 complaints 2017 2018: 226 complaints 2019: 231 complaints 2019 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2021 2022: 30 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 6 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaint

2005: 1,091 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
1993125
1994113
1995180
199692
1997108
1998123
199987
2000160
2001159
20021,047
2003883
2004276
20051,091
2006824
2007471
20081,029
20091,547
2010381
2011241
2012426
20132,310
20141,114
2015954
2016553
2017391
2018226
2019231
2020178
202170
202230
202329
202441
20256
20261

Known problem areas

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

Structure

32% · 354 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2004-09-04

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, 2004-08-27

Engine and engine cooling

24% · 266 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine

13% · 141 reports
CRASHFIRE
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, 2026-04-28

Power train

11% · 117 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2018-10-24

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, 2012-08-23

Also filed under Suspension

Electrical system

9% · 98 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2005Complaint volume 1,091 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2007-10-25Exterior lighting07E087000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2007-12-31Engine and engine cooling07V527000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 354 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 266 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 141 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 07E087000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 07V527000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.