RoadVitals

2005 Nissan Altima Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,091
Latest Apr 28, 2026
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
66
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
2
Reports on file since Jul 25, 2004

What this page shows

Our database holds 1,091 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Nissan Altima. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 1,091 · page 1 of 44

Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2026
Fire reported

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 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11734402
Incident
Apr 23, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2026

Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima | VIN: [XXX] To the Executive Team and Legal Counsel, I am writing this under extreme duress following a catastrophic, life-threatening vehicle failure on April 23, 2026, in Ripley, WV. While transporting my [XXX] son, my 2005 Nissan Altima suffered a sudden engine stall, followed by the engine bay becoming saturated with oil and emitting heavy smoke. This event is the direct result of Nissan’s failure to remediate known federal safety defects, specifically NHTSA Recall 07V527000 (Crankshaft Sensor/Stalling) and NHTSA Recall 06V223000 (Oil Consumption/Fire Risk). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11734008
Incident
Apr 23, 2026
EngineSteering
Filed Jun 12, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11666604
Incident
Mar 3, 2025
Mileage
120,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and felt as if the vehicle was going to stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crank shaft sensor. The contact was informed that the crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

NHTSA ID
11604007
Incident
Jul 2, 2024
Mileage
210,000 mi
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 7, 2023

Hello, I am the owner now of this vehicle snd I see the recalls have not been taken care of? What do I do in order to get them repaired ?

NHTSA ID
11543076
Incident
Sep 6, 2023
Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle overheated and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived to inspect the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,591.

NHTSA ID
11538331
Incident
Aug 11, 2023
Mileage
173,591 mi
Filed Jun 28, 2023

The car shuts off while driving.

NHTSA ID
11529411
Incident
Jun 9, 2023
AirbagsFuel system
Filed Jun 25, 2023

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 INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11528737
Incident
May 16, 2023
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 24, 2023

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 times with a new battery. He told me in order for them to find the issue they would have to do the alternator first and then move on from there. So I asked him ok what's gonna be the next step after I pay a 1000s dollars for something that's not going to fix the issue. He said he couldn't tell me till they did the first step. So pretty much what I got out of it was they just want to run my pockets and get as much money as the possibly could. I asked him if he could just do what ever you would do after changing the alternator and he told me nope. Also I believe this should be a recall because when I look up forms online a ton of people have this same issue and can't get answers to fix it.

NHTSA ID
11508991
Incident
May 11, 2022
Filed Jan 27, 2023

Car did a jerk while I was driving in the interstate never lost speed didnt hit anything it was like a big jerk no noise no smoke no lights came on nothing so I got to my mom house parked no smoke no dent no nothing right well got ready to go a couple hours later no reverse fluid level was kinda low but no leaks now yesterday getting readyto leave work I have no foward either what is this seem like a drive shaft issue to me

NHTSA ID
11504041
Incident
Jan 26, 2023
Engine
Filed Oct 3, 2022

The contact owns 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the vehicle would have a hesitation sensation and or jerking sensation when the vehicle is started and or running. The check engine light was illuminated The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the cam shaft/crank shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. A sensor was replaced on the vehicle before however the failure persisted. The vehicle had now failed to start and had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that although their failure related their VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number:07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure was 160,000. The contact stated that the crank sensor and wire set was recently replaced.

NHTSA ID
11487579
Incident
Oct 3, 2021
Mileage
160,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngineSteering
Filed Aug 27, 2022
Crash reported

Car engine cuts off. After that I have no power steering, no acceleration, brakes need to be pumped. The first years of me owning the car I had the sensors replaced by auto shop and dealership under extended car warranty. Pretty much been replacing the sensors ever since for the past 8 years. I believe I replaced over 10 sensors of the time I owned my Nissan. I can be on the hallway, streets anywhere with out any warnings my car engine will stop. It has to do with turning back on the car while it's warm. That's when I seen the problem the most.

NHTSA ID
11481540
Incident
Aug 19, 2022
Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2022

The engine has a hole in it and I bought the car without knowing the engine had a whole in it and I asked the dealer Mark Brown where there any major damages he said no. Also my car smoked while I was driving and I could have majorly endangered my life without knowing.

NHTSA ID
11476164
Incident
Jul 26, 2022
Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate while driving at highway speeds. The contact stated that the failures occurred without warning. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID
11472982
Incident
Aug 16, 2021
Mileage
180,000 mi
EngineExterior lighting
Filed Apr 28, 2022

Open Safety Recall Check October 25, 2007 07e087000 Exterior Lighting:headlights 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 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 108, Lamps, Re

NHTSA ID
11462553
Incident
Apr 27, 2022
Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2021

The engine began to stall out randomly when driving down the road. After two times the engine light came on it stated that the crankshaft sensor was off. Since then, the engine light turned off bu, the problem still persists. When driving at low speeds through a city area, will cut off randomly. I have contacted Nissan regarding their recall about this exact problem of the crankshaft causing the engine to cut off but was simply told that my VIN number does not qualify under the recall even though it is exactly what the recall is for. Was also told that even if I were to get it inspected and checked for the problem that I would not be covered under the recall because they considered it "wear and tear." the car is only at 110000 miles and has this extremely dangerous problem, but Nissan refuses to help fix their mistake.

NHTSA ID
11444047
Incident
Aug 15, 2021
Engine
Filed Dec 15, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 66 MPH, the temperature gauge started increasing as the vehicle started to shake. The contact stated that the dashboard was making an abnormal sound. The contact pulled over, turned off the vehicle for 20 minutes, and waited for the engine to cool down. The vehicle was restarted, the contact was able to drive the vehicle however, the temperature gauge was fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was diagnosed with radiator failure. The radiator was replaced. The contact stated several days the failure with the temperature gauge reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed as cooling sensor and ignition coil failure. The ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced however, the repair did not correct the failure. The contact stated that she then took the vehicle to Auto Zone where a diagnostic reader stated that the failure was the catalyst sensor needed replacement. The contact found NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and contacted the local Nissan dealer to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 229,000.

NHTSA ID
11443910
Incident
Nov 15, 2021
Mileage
229,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 24, 2021

The Air Bag Warning Light is Flashing

NHTSA ID
11426233
Incident
Jun 26, 2021
Airbags
Filed Apr 6, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

THIS HAPPENED ON SATURDAY APRIL 03, 2021. I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH NISSAN ALTIMA 2005. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MILES PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY HERE IN MADISON WISCONSIN, WHERE ALL THE SUDDEN A ROAD CONSTRUCTION TRUCK COMING FROM THE WORK AREA (CENTER OF THE HIGHWAY) TRIED TO SNICK AND CROSSED WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE UPCOMING TRAFFIC. THEN, I TRIED TO BRAKE, BUT NO WAY TO PREVENT THE CRASH FROM HAPPENING, SO I HIT THAT TRUCK FROM HIS PASSENGER SIDE. AFTER THE "T", MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, SO I HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED THAT THE AMBULANCE TOOK ME TO UW HOSPITAL FOR EMERGENCY CARE. THEREFORE, I GOT EXPOSED TO THE DANGER BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND PROTECT ME. SO, THE AIRBAGS WERE WORKING IN MY CAR.

NHTSA ID
11406809
Incident
Apr 3, 2021
Mileage
197,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 14, 2021

THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO DROP ALL THE WAY TO E. NO WARNING LIGHT THAT FUEL IS LOW. WHILE ON A CITY STREET, ON THE ON RAMP TO AN INTERSTATE MY CAR'S ENGINE JUST STOPPED, NO SPUTTER, NO LAGGING JUST 3K RPM TO 0 RPM. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AND COAST TO THE SHOULDER ON THE ON RAMP. UNABLE TO RESTART ENGINE. CRANKED BUT NONSTART. ADDED FUEL AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. AT THE TIME OF THE STALL THE FUEL GAUGE READ APPROXIMATELY 33/8 OF A TANK OF GAS. PRIOR TO THIS OCCURING, WHEN TANK WOULD GET LOW THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 1/8TH OF A TANK.. ABOUT HALFWAY BEEN THE 1/4 MARK AND E. SINCE THIS OCCURED I HAVE TESTED THE FUEL PUMP, SENDING UNIT AND FUEL LEVEL FLOAT, AND THEY ALL TEST OK.. WHEN THE TANK WAS FILLED AFTER THIS THE FUEL GAUGE MOVED BACK UP TO THE FULL MARK (SLIGHTLY ABOVE,) SO THE NEEDLE IS NOT STUCK.

NHTSA ID
11402843
Incident
Mar 13, 2021
Mileage
223,883 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2021

WHEN IM DRIVING AND GOING TO MAKE A STOP I PRESS THE BRAKE AND THE CAR ACCELERATES BRIEFLY UNTIL I LIFT MY FOOT AND REPRESS MY BRAKES AND THEN CAR WILL STOP SUMTIMES IF NOT REACCELERATE AND I HAVE TO REPRESS BRAKE AGAIN.

NHTSA ID
11390869
Incident
Dec 31, 2020
Mileage
72,000 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 28, 2021
Crash reported

WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THIS ENGINE? THIS CAR HAS LESS THAT 120K MILES. IT SEEMS I GET A LOT OF INTERFERENCE WHEN I'M DRIVING IT. THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY FORCE SPEED CAUSING ME TO SWERVE ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN MY PHONE IS PLUGGED IN IT SEEMS TO MISFIRE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON. H2O SENSORS COME ON, CACHE FILES ABOUT THE FUEL SYSTEM LANDS ON MY PHONE. SAMSUNG HAS SUBMITTED TESTS ON MY SPEN THAT ARE AFFECTING MY SAFETY. FCC ID A3LEJPN970 FCC ID A3LSMN970U. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CAR ACCIDENTS SINCE BUYING SAMSUNG PHONES. THE CARS WILL INCREASE SPEED AS IF I AM READY TO RUN INTO A BRICK WALL. THIS CAR DOESN'T HAVE A LOT OF MILEAGE BUT SOMETHING IS GOING ON WITH THE TIMING AND ENGINE. I CAN BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY, IT IS CONSTANTLY AFFECTING THE FUEL SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID
11390575
Incident
Jul 2, 2020
Mileage
111,111 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 24, 2020

AT FIRST WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BELT BECAUSE THE BELT FROM COMING OFF YOU CHANGE THE SERPENTINE BELT AND THEN IT WOULD RUN FOR A LITTLE BIT THEN IT STARTED TO STOP AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET ENOUGH FUEL TO THE GAS PEDAL AND I'D HAVE TO REV IT UP. WE OPENED IT UP WHERE THE SPARK PLUGS WERE ON THE VALVE COVERS AND IT WAS HALFWAY FULL OF OIL WE GOT ALL THE OIL OUT WHEN WE ORDERED A NEW VALVE COVER AND SPARK PLUGS THE CAR RUN FINE FOR ONE DAY NOW IT WILL NOT START AGAIN. THE FAN TURNS ON LIKE IT IS RUNNING BUT THERE IS NO POWER TO THE CAR AT ALL. I READ THAT AFTER THE OIL GETS INTO THE VALVE COVERS THERE'S REALLY NO FIXING IT AFTER THAT. AND EVERY TIME THAT WE FIX IT ONLY LAST FOR ONE DAY AND SO IT'S VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME AND MY DAUGHTER TO BE DRIVING AROUND IN THAT UNRELIABLE CAR WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11384833
Incident
Aug 17, 2020
Mileage
200,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 7, 2020

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CRANK SHAFT. IT RUNS ROUGH IT STALLS AND THE GAS MILEAGE IS VERY OFF

NHTSA ID
11373566
Incident
May 21, 2019
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 24, 2020

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

NHTSA ID
11360941
Incident
Sep 23, 2020
Mileage
15,300 mi

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