2005 Nissan Altima problems and complaints

Owners have filed 1091 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Nissan Altima. The most-reported areas: Structure (351), Engine And Engine Cooling (259), Engine (141).

Key takeaways

  • 1091 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 48 involve a crash, 18 a fire, 62 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Structure35132%
Engine And Engine Cooling25924%
Engine14113%
Power Train11511%
Electrical System979%
Unknown Or Other605%
Air Bags474%
Vehicle Speed Control424%
Service Brakes373%
Steering313%
Hydraulic293%
Suspension212%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2005 Nissan Altima 4-DR.Not ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Unknown Or Other,engine - filed 2026-04-28

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 cabi...

Unknown Or Other,engine - filed 2026-04-27

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 ...

Steering,engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2025-06-12

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 mad...

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More for the 2005 Nissan Altima

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.