Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 1,091 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Nissan Altima, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 319 | 29% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 206 | 19% |
| Engine | 82 | 8% |
| Power train | 74 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 43 | 4% |
| Air bags | 31 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 27 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 19 | 2% |
| Tires | 18 | 2% |
| Steering | 16 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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. Whil
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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 w
NHTSA complaint: Steering
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
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
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 ?
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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 illumi
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
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.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
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 whil
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Nissan Altima. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Risk: MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DIMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: 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 RUNNI
Fix: 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 REPRO
| Reliability | 66 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 71 | good |
| Maintenance | 82 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 75 | good |
| Performance | 50 | average |
| Efficiency | 43 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,091 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and structure is the most reported area with 319 of them (29%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 66/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 71/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2005 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.