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 traffic conditions. Immediately after the stall, I observed oil leakage and smoke entering the cabin. The vehicle became inoperable and we were stranded roadside. This failure is consistent with a known defect involving the crankshaft position sensor and engine control system addressed in the federal safety agency Campaign 07V‑527, which describes sudden engine stall without warning due to sensor signal interruption. Although my vehicle previously received recall-related service, this incident suggests the prior remedy did not prevent recurrence of the defect. Sudden engine shutdown while driving in traffic Loss of vehicle power without warning Smoke entering passenger cabin Risk of crash involving child passenger Request: I am requesting that the federal safety agency: Review this incident for potential recall remedy failure Investigate whether this represents recurrence of a known defect Determine whether additional corrective action is needed for this vehicle population INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2005 Nissan Altima engine problems
395 complaints (36% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 79,000. 10 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 395
- of this car's complaints
- 36%
- typical mileage
- 79,000
- crashes
- 10
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Engine43
- Exhaust system10
- Cooling system5
- Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)3
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor3
- Exhaust system: emission control2
- Engine: gasoline2
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Nissan Altima engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Nissan Altima engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 188Check engine light 124Won't start 44Overheating 25Loss of power 17Engine failure 15Oil consumption 10Knocking 7Misfire 7
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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 running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 07V527000 · Recall details
What 2005 Nissan Altima owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. While transporting my [XXX] son, my 2005 Nissan Altima suffered a sudden engine stall, followed by the engine bay becoming saturated with oil and emitting heavy smoke. This event is the direct result of Nissan’s failure to remediate known federal safety defects, specifically the federal safety agency Recall 07V527000 (Crankshaft Sensor/Stalling) and the federal safety agency Recall 06V223000 (Oil Consumption/Fire Risk). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown diagnosis was made, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and while at a complete stop at the red traffic light. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the crankshaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 07V527000(Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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 unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and felt as if the vehicle was going to stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crank shaft sensor. The contact was informed that the crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
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 illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived to inspect the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,591.
The contact owns 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the vehicle would have a hesitation sensation and or jerking sensation when the vehicle is started and or running. The check engine light was illuminated The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the cam shaft/crank shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. A sensor was replaced on the vehicle before however the failure persisted. The vehicle had now failed to start and had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that although their failure related their VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number:07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure was 160,000. The contact stated that the crank sensor and wire set was recently replaced.
Car engine cuts off. After that I have no power steering, no acceleration, brakes need to be pumped. The first years of me owning the car I had the sensors replaced by auto shop and dealership under extended car warranty. Pretty much been replacing the sensors ever since for the past 8 years. I believe I replaced over 10 sensors of the time I owned my Nissan. I can be on the hallway, streets anywhere with out any warnings my car engine will stop. It has to do with turning back on the car while it's warm. That's when I seen the problem the most.
The engine has a hole in it and I bought the car without knowing the engine had a whole in it and I asked the dealer Mark Brown where there any major damages he said no. Also my car smoked while I was driving and I could have majorly endangered my life without knowing.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate while driving at highway speeds. The contact stated that the failures occurred without warning. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Open Safety Recall Check October 25, 2007 07e087000 Exterior Lighting:headlights 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, Re
Questions about the 2005 Nissan Altima engine
Does the 2005 Nissan Altima have engine problems?
Owners have filed 395 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Nissan Altima, 36% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Altima engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 79,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Nissan Altima engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 07V527000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Altima have bad engine?
The Nissan Altima model years with the most engine complaints are 2002 (682 complaints), 2003 (559 complaints) and 2005 (395 complaints).
Other 2005 Nissan Altima problems
Body 351Transmission 115Electrical 97Airbags 47Acceleration 42Brakes 37Fuel system 35Steering 31Suspension 21Tires 21Driver assistance 18Lights 14Visibility 14Seat belts 9Locks 7Seats 6Wheels 5
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