CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005 Nissan Altima has two fairly significant problems with the floor pan rusting through & motor mounts breaking.

Altima owners report that up to a basketball-size hole develops under the floor mats where the floor pan metal rusts through. Average repair cost is over $1,000.

The broken motor mounts are less of a problem - they break at ~75,000 miles average & it's $400 to fix. Still, motor mounts should not break!

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,419 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Nissan Altima transmission problems

transmission problem

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2005 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #16

Jul 192011

Altima

  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into different gears, it would not move. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notifed and they were unaware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were approximately 92,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #15

Apr 012009

Altima

  • 40,500 miles
Many times after owning my 2005 Nissan, I started having to crank the engine a couple of times before it would start. This should not happen on a car that was only 4 years old when it first started happening. Also the key gets stuck in the ignition which it has been doing for a couple of years. No one knows what it is. I just put it back in drive then park to take the key out.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

problem #14

Jun 012009

Altima

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The driver states there was a recall done on the electronic control module last year at 32,433 miles. The contact states they have never had any problems with the vehicle until after the recall was done. The vehicle will jerk while doing high speeds on the highway and recently while driving at 25mph the vehicle completely shut off on it's own. The driver then waited a minute and started the vehicle again and was able to drive it. The failure mileage on the vehicle was 35,000 and the current mileage is 50,000.

- Metirie, LA, USA

problem #13

Feb 172010

Altima

  • 74,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the vehicle the check engine light came on. Shortly after that the car died. I pulled off the side of the road and after several attempts was able to restart the car. The check engine light has come on in the past and after having the computer cleared the problem goes away. This is the first time that car died on me while driving. The problem usually occurs when I shift from park to drive before the rpms drop below 1000.

- Joppa, MD, USA

problem #12

Oct 152009

Altima

  • 76,250 miles
I am unable to move the gearshift in my 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 L.. according to the NHTSA has issued tsb 04098 in July 2005 on the issue. I ust use a small screwdriver to press the safety switch to move the vehicle. The dealer cost for correction of this problem is $590.

- Jonesborough, TN, USA

problem #11

Jul 282009

Altima

  • 29,000 miles
The motorist and lawful owner of Nissan Altima 2005 (29K miles) was driving on cloudy but dry July 21 '09, at 9:50am, 4.5 miles from home to the university of Arkansas at little rock. Motorist pulled into the parking lot adjacent to the student center, and drove around looking for suitable parking spot. After one lap at creeping speed of 5 mph, motorist found an unoccupied parking spot facing the woods. Motorist pulled into available parking spot, nose first, and slowed down. When aforementioned vehicle came to a complete still stand, motorist then intended to shift the gearshift from the 'd' into the 'P' position, going through 'N, R'. with right foot on break pedal, motorist shifted gearshift forwards, when the gearshift suddenly got stuck in the 'N' position. The vehicle's engine, however, unexpectedly revved loudly. The vehicle simultaneously accelerated uncontrollably forwards, running over a 4-foot long, 8-inch tall concrete stopper block, then going over the 6-inch high sidewalk, and inevitably moving into the woods, where vehicle hit a tree and finally came to a complete halt, with gearshift still being in 'N' position. Shaken by this startling experience and by driver's airbag, motorist instantaneously turned car's engine off by turning the ignition keys counterclockwise. The traumatized and bruised motorist noticed smoke emanating from steering wheel, thus decided to step out of vehicle. At 1st glance, the collision damaged right fender, bottom metal frame, hood, right headlight as well as bumper. Witnesses assisted motorist in arranging tow-truck to pick-up incapacitated vehicle. It appears that the cause of this accident lies in mechanical failure: A defective transmission. It's unsafe to drive a vehicle with an undependable transmission. Luckily, no pedestrians were in the way of the uncontrollable vehicle. A thorough inspection of the cause of this accident, and a replacement of all faulty parts or vehicle, is highly advisable.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #10

Feb 112009

Altima

  • 76,717 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Timing chain on my 2005 Nissan Altima is making a buzzing/whining noise at the engine area. This whole process started on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 when the Nissan service department found the issue and stated that it should be fixed to the amount of $1,578 (+tax). They even sent a "cpia - goodwill recommendation" request to which Nissan's message back was "goodwill is not recommended". at that time I explained to them that it did not make any sense to me why a timing chain that is meant to outlast the life of the engine would need to be replaced when my vehicle only has 76,717 miles on it. I have always ensured it is well maintained at the intervals recommended and I am a very safe and good driver and keep my vehicle in good working condition, it is not neglected in anyway. They suggested that I phone the Nissan customer care line to see if there was anything further that could be done. After 6 phone calls with Nissan customer care they too decided that they felt it was out of warranty and not their problem. So I went back to the dealership and received a recommendation to speak with the service manager. I sent him a very detailed email requesting assistance, he stated he'd look into my concerns. Unfortunately, he too received the same response that Nissan feels they are not obligated in anyway to repair the timing chain on my vehicle because it is out of the warranty period. At this time I plan to pursue this further by contacting the better business bureau and lemon law to see if they can assist in anyway. I believe that it is ridiculous for the consumer to pay the cost of replacing a part that should be replaced by the manufacturer since it is obviously a defective part, since it's designed to out live the life of the engine, last I checked 76,000+ miles on a Nissan is not the life of the engine. I hope that Nissan will finally realize they are responsible and assist in resolving this matter for me.

- Snohomish, WA, USA

problem #9

Sep 092007

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. While driving 55 mph, the transmission would skip without warning. As of March 25, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 37790.

- Washington , NC, USA

problem #8

May 222006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,631 miles
Car would stall at low speeds or when stopped. I took the car to the dealership, they explained to me that my crankshaft position sensor was failing and that they would replace it for approximately $600. I then took the car to a private mechanic who replaced the sensor for $222.91. Car purchased in 2004. Additional work required: Engine replacement, wheel bearings replacement, transmission replacement, and interior panels replacement. I found information of this campaign (07V527000) through www.NHTSA.gov and I've contacted Nissan. Nissan claimed that there was no such campaign and they could not help me. The campaign that they show for the crankshaft position sensor is for the 2002-3 Altima models.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #7

Nov 012007

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles
Automatic transmission solenoid malfunctioned. Caused the car to make loud thud and bang into gear between 1st and 2nd gear. Accident near miss, but no actual wreck. This is a widespread problem as any online forum on the Altima reveals...

- Senoia, GA, USA

problem #6

Jun 292006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2005 Nissan Altima. Noticed transmission slipping at 59,000 miles. Took to local dealership at that time. They refused to even consider it a warranty issue because the transmission fluid was not changed at 30,000 miles. Owners manual has several maintenance schedules. Mine falls into the category of substantial hwy. Driving and does not require the fluid be changed until 100,000 miles. I continued to pursue the claim even after the 60,000 mile warranty expiration period. I am now told that claim will be denied because a diagnostic test was not done when I took the vehicle in at 59,000 miles. The dealership changed the fluid on my first visit (at my expense) and very bluntly told me that if the problem persisted, I was on my own. They never offered to do a diagnostics test. The dealership finally did a diagnostics test at 67,000 miles and determined that the transmission was bad, but they will not replace under warranty.

- Franklin, IN, USA

problem #5

May 152006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,500 miles
: the contact stated while accelerating the transmission hesitates to shift. And when it shifts, it is a rough transition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who changed the ground wire. This did not correct the problem therefore the dealer determined the transmission needed to be replaced. Also, while depressing the brake pedal the brakes squeaked and when driving at 10 mph the brakes made a squeaking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on four occasions. The first time dust was blown off the brakes. On the second and third visit the brake pads were replace. The fourth time, the brakes were determined to be 'glazed' and nothing could be done to repair the problem.

- Hemet, CA, USA

problem #4

Jan 102005

Altima

  • miles
Purchased a 05 Altima in June of 2004. I have had nothing but problems. I took the car in at 19,000 and told them my car shakes and there is a ticking in the front end. Sounds like it is coming from the engine. You can feel the shaking in the seats, gear shift and steering wheel. Not to mention the shaking continues to knock my windows out of place. The shaking happens when your are sitting at a stop light and while driving. They told me that I would need to replace tires and alignment. I did the alignment. They then said that the ticking was normal and the shaking was normal. So being a young female I was took them for there word. I then was driving about 35 mph and the right front tire blew out. I was able to pull over, no one was hurt. Called Nissan said tires were not covered under warranty. So I went to an outside tire dealer to have replaced, was told rim was bent. Again called Nissan was told that was my problem. So I purchased a new set of rims. Just started to face the fact that I would have to deal with the shaking and noise. About 2 months ago returned to the dealer because along with the shaking and noise now there is a loud clunking on the right passenger side. Was told tires need to be replace, alignment and balance. Also get this right front passenger rim bent. Again! said it was the roads. Took to tire dealer. Rim was bent. He did his part, took it back to dealer. They have had my car more times in the last 2 months then I care to remind myself. But has been no fix to any of my issues. At closing of repair ticket was told ticking noise they did not know where it was coming from but they were pretty sure it was not the engine. The shaking was from a broke rack and pinion. So now that I am over my 36,000 mile warranty. I need to pay over $1300 to have repaired. I feel like this car is a lemon and I am now stuck. I am very upset with this lack of concern Nissan has with my issues. I need help getting my car repaired.

- Lemon Springs, NC, USA

problem #3

Jul 262005

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The contact stated the fuel system and cluster module had to be replaced with less than 800 miles on the vehicle. There was a pinging noise coming from under the mid section. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they stated this noise was normal. A local mechanic determined it was a broken catalytic converter. Based on complaints on a website she felt that a clamp nut may be loose. This has not been addressed by the dealership. After 90 minutes in the vehicle the contact became dizzy by what she felt may be related to the exhaust system. The transmission jerked, and hesitated in low gears. The dealership has not been able to diagnose the problem with the transmission. The front windshield defroster partially defrosts the driver's side, but did not work at on the passenger's side. The vehicle has not been seen by the dealership for the defroster.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #2

Jun 112005

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,200 miles
Had the vehicle 3 months and transmission replaced. Noticed when driving the vehicle it accelerated, then when letting off the accelerator was pulling back like a rubber band effect. Currently, that the transmission been replaced when making a right turn it makes a clanking noise. Also, can feel every bump in the road.

- Lauderhill, FL, USA

problem #1

Apr 102005

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,500 miles
When accelerating, the car attempts to change gears and hesitates before changing into the next gear. When hesitating, the car loses acceleration and sometimes when it does change into the next gear, there is a loud clunk noise. It only happens occasionally. The dealership has already replaced the transmission solenoid pack but that has not fixed the problem.

- Villa Rica, GA, USA

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