Model year guide

2005 Nissan Altima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Nissan Altima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 569 on record.

2005 Nissan Altima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Nissan Altima at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints1,091
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$2,867

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2005 Nissan Altima recalls 2

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #07E087000 · 25/10/2007

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.

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #07V527000 · 14/11/2007

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.

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 REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNE…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2005 Nissan Altima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1,091 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2005 Nissan Altima safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2005 Nissan Altima 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2005 Nissan Altima MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,810

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2005 Nissan Altima worth?

Low
$1,350
Typical price
$2,867
High
$4,500

From 564 comparable 2005 Nissan Altima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Nissan Altima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,050
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,700
Total$15,750
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,867) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,152), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Nissan Altima trims & engines on record

Trims
2.5 S · 2.5 · 3.5 SE · 3.5 SL · 3.5 SE-R
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl

2005 Nissan Altima vehicles on record

2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11DX5N917370 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE1N4BL11E65N483381 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D55C265608 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D75N900221 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D75N487698 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D65N497378 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D45N427085 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11E55N930570 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D05C145795 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D85C118022 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D95N431892 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE1N4BL11D25C266025 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE-R1N4BL11E75C319357 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D85C203359 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D05N428038 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.51N4AL11D85C276229 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE1N4BL11E15C111233 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D45C199813 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D75N492657 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D65C382923 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D15C386748 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S1N4AL11D65C104703 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 2.51N4AL11D95N411187 2005 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE-R1N4BL11E15C170587

Other Nissan Altima model years

2025 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2004 2003 2002 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993

2005 Nissan Altima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Nissan Altima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2005 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Altima?

Based on 1,091 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, engine and engine cooling, steering.

What is the 2005 Nissan Altima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2005 Nissan Altima crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Nissan Altima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Nissan Altima at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2005 Nissan Altima worth?

Comparable 2005 Nissan Altima listings run roughly $1,350–$4,500, typically around $2,867 (from 564 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.