2005 Nissan Altima Engine Problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I WAS GIFTED THIS CAR BACK IN APRIL AND SINCE THE CAR RANDOMLY STALLS WHILE IN MOTION A Z WHILE DRIVING WITH NO NOTICE. I'VE GOTTEN INTO 1 ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID

11329443

Incident

Apr 15, 2020

Mileage

66,104 mi

CATALYTIC CONVERTER! AND PRECAT! *TR

NHTSA ID

11326209

Incident

Feb 1, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A JUMP START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11322151

Incident

Mar 10, 2020

MY CAR STARTED TO OVERHEAT AS I INCREASE MY SPEED, I HAVE TO DRIVE AT 30MPH OR LESS TO KEEP ME CAR FROM OVERHEATING ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK.

NHTSA ID

11281226

Incident

Nov 16, 2019

Mileage

130,186 mi

NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 2.5 ENGINE WILL TURN OVER BUT NOT START. REPLACED CAM AND CRANK SENSORS, FUEL PUMP,PLUGS,VALVE COVER. WHEN IT DOES START YOU HAVE TURN PUSH ACCELERATOR 2/3DOWN AND CRANK FOR OVER 15 SECONDS. SOMETIME START, MAYBE NOT. ALSO GAS COULD PLUGS AFTER SITTING FOR WHILE

NHTSA ID

11257758

Incident

Aug 3, 2019

I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH THE CAR LETTING OUT ALOT OF EXHAUST.DOESNT GO PAST 35MPH

NHTSA ID

11244052

Incident

Jun 1, 2019

Mileage

2 mi

ENGINE IS HAVING ISSUES AFTER HAVING CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CAM SENSOR REPLACED. THE PART THAT'S HAVING ISSUES HAS BEEN RECALLED.

NHTSA ID

11222012

Incident

Jun 1, 2019

Mileage

90,000 mi

I HAVE HAD TWO ALTIMAS AND ON BOTH THE HEADS CONSISTENTLY GOES OUT ON THEM.

NHTSA ID

11203452

Incident

Apr 3, 2019

Mileage

150 mi

OIL SERVICE TURNED INTO 3K OUT OF POCKET COST IN CROSSVILLE TN WHEN J AND R SERVICED MY CAR. THEY INSISTED ON CRACKING OPEN THE ENGINE BLOCK TO REPLACE GASKETS THAT DID NOT NEED REPAIR. CAUSED SMOKING-IMPROPER PRESSURE AND OTHER PROBLEMS. BURNS MASSIVE AMTS OF OIL NOW. DID NOT BEFORE THE SERVICE- CYL4 FLOODS W OIL- MASSIVE PROBLEMS W OIL FLOODING SINCE. REPAIRED TWICE- BOTH TIMES I WAS TAKEN FOR MORE $$.

NHTSA ID

11196454

Incident

Apr 27, 2017

Mileage

165,000 mi