NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Nissan Altima Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Nissan Altima has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,091 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Nissan dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Nissan Altima, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2005 Nissan Altima owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,091 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Nissan Altima, describing incidents dated January 1, 2004 to April 23, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 395 complaints
Structure 351 complaints
Power Train 115 complaints
Electrical System 97 complaints
Unknown or Other 60 complaints
Air Bags 47 complaints

Of the 1,091 complaints on file, 48 report a crash and 18 a fire; across all 1,091 complaints, owners report 62 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11734402 · Filed April 28, 2026
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…
ODI #11734008 · Filed April 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…
ODI #11666604 · Filed June 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…

Read all 1,091 complaints

Owner-reported

2005 Nissan Altima mileage at failure

894 of the 1,091 complaints on file for the 2005 Nissan Altima give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Engine	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–105,000 miles	Based on 334 complaints
Structure	Median 105,000 miles	Middle half 80,000–130,000 miles	Based on 297 complaints
Power Train	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–100,000 miles	Based on 89 complaints
Electrical System	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–110,000 miles	Based on 75 complaints
Air Bags	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–140,000 miles	Based on 42 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE/ENGINE STALL

NHTSA #07V527000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported November 14, 2007 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 653,910 vehicles

Owners notified December 31, 2007 · Vehicles built January 24, 2004 – October 23, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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 REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes

THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (06V223).CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/HALOGEN HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES

NHTSA #07E087000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported October 25, 2007 · GENERA CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 4,654 vehicles

Owners notified October 25, 2007

Defect description

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, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DIMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET TYC HEADLAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY NISSAN.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2005 Nissan Altima 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1,091 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Nissan Altima.

Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11734402

Fire

Incident: April 23, 2026 · Filed: April 28, 2026

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)

Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11734008

Incident: April 23, 2026 · Filed: April 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)

Steering; Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11666604

Incident: March 3, 2025 · Filed: June 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11604007

Incident: July 2, 2024 · Filed: July 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.

Power Train; Electrical System; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11543076

Incident: September 6, 2023 · Filed: September 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 ?

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11538331

Incident: August 11, 2023 · Filed: August 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.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11529411

Incident: June 9, 2023 · Filed: June 28, 2023

The car shuts off while driving.

Air Bags; Unknown or Other; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11528737

Incident: May 16, 2023 · Filed: June 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).

Power Train; Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11508991

Incident: May 11, 2022 · Filed: February 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.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11504041

Incident: January 26, 2023 · Filed: January 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

Other Nissan Altima model years

Check your 2005 Nissan Altima VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Nissan Altima at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Nissan VIN