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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-NISSAN-ALTIMA
2005 · Nissan

Nissan Altima problems

0 safety recalls. 1,091 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

body
338 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
engine
338 reports · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
99 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
67 reports · avg $850
severe
airbags
40 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
31 reports · avg $450
severe
steering
31 reports · avg $700
severe
cruise control
19 reports · avg $600
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Altima · body
FLOOR BOARDS UNDERNEATH PASSENGER SIDES ARE ROTTING THROUGH...WHY??!!!!!!!!! *JS
12/31/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669247.0
2005 Altima · engine
MY 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHY MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST? IS NISSAN WAITING FOR AN ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN FIRST? I WENT OUT TODAY TO START MY CAR AND NOW IT WON'T…
12/31/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373597.0
2005 Altima · engine
WE HAVE 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH THE 2.5 MOTOR, CARS ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, AND TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER, AND ALL THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ECM, AND…
12/31/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297669.0
2005 Altima · engine
THE CAR FAILED TO START AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR 13 MONTHS. THE CAR ACTED AS IF IT WAS FLOODED, CRANKING BUT NOT FIRING. TO START THE CAR I HAD TO HOLD THE GAS PEDAL DOWN UNTIL THE CAR FIRED AND STARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER RECENTLY PURCHASING GASOLINE. WE ONLY USE 2-3…
12/31/2005 · NHTSA ODI #10146636.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2005 Nissan Altima reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 1,091 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Nissan Altima has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Nissan Altima?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 338 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The body is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Altima has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Nissan Altima?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,091 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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