Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2005 Nissan Altima: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Altima years.
1,091 owner complaints, most about structure. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2005 Altima?The 2005 Nissan Altima has 1091 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 2005 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2005 Nissan Altima vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Altima years only. How we score it
Is 2005 a good year for the Altima?
Across the 31 Altima model years we track, complaint volume runs from 20 (2022) to 3,148 (2009). With 1,091 complaints, the 2005 Altima sits above the model's median of 276.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2005 Altima
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 07E087000CERTAIN 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.
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 07V527000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Extremely negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, dominated by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Altima. See the full Altima owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Altima listings typically run $9,439–$20,988.
Other Altima model years
Compare every Altima year side by side to see how 2005 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Altima against its rivals
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