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2005 Nissan Altima: headlights failing or too dim

13 of the 1,091 complaints about the 2005 Nissan Altima describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints
13
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
50,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 28, 2022 · Engine, Lights · GA

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

Filed Sep 27, 2019 · Lights · 50,000 miles · MD

1. Three handles on the nissan altima on my car have snapped off when opening. Even after replacing them they still snap off probably because in cold weather they become brittle. If he handles were metal they would not snap off. My concern is if during an accident before emergency vehicles could arrive that if someone were to try to assist getting me out of the car the handles would snap off and they could not remove me from the car. This is extremely dangerous the handles on cars should not snap off and plastic handles are extremely dangerous in all climates. 2. I have had my front headlights cleaned three times and they always fog up within several weeks of cleaning. The dealership has said it is faulty design and to replace the headlamps is close to a thousand dollars with 1 year guarantee which is very cost prohibitive. I have seen cars less than two years old with opaque head lamps this is unaccetable and dangerous that lights can not project light appropriately and this is on most models of cars. If you are in rural areas and the lights do not project light this is a big problem. I can not believe that metal handles and durable headlight covers that don't fog are not required of these companies. Until the last 15-20 years this was never a problem but car manufacturers are opting for cheap materials that can have lethal repercussions for crucial safety items. Car handles and head lamps as far as safety are as crucial as proper airbag function. Handles should not snap off in your hands and headlamps if cleaned should remain clean and not foggy and this does not happen. Please address this concern.

Filed Mar 11, 2019 · Lights · 230,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan altima. The contact stated that the headlights failed to operate and the vehicle could not be driven at night. The vehicle was taken to jim johnson nissan (2200 scottsville rd, bowling green, ky 42104, (270) 781-6770), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 230,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Lights · CA

I bought this '05 altima about 2 months ago. I don't drive at night a lot but when I did for the 1st time, I noticed the low beam headlights were in the trees. I found an adjustment screw on back of the headlight assembly and found that when I adjusted it, it turned both the hi and low beams down. When the low beams came close to level- the hi beams were now hitting the ground 15 ft in front of the car. I found a recall # on line for this very issue dating back to blogs in late 2004. It's # 07e087000. Sunnyvale (ca) nissan turned me away this morning saying that based on my VIN- there is no recall on the headlights. This is a hazard as I have little light on the road at night unless I drive with my brights on. Can you help? Thanks

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Lights · 88,000 miles · CA

I bought a 2005 altima 2.5 s brand new and it has always been garaged and kept in perfect condition. My headlights have started to oxidize horribly but only on the inside, this seems like a poorly made product, if after only about 5 years my headlights start failing to perform with no warranty?

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 105,000 miles · IL

About 2 yrs ago the engine light came on in my nissan. I took it for a diagnostic and it came up with two codes that at this point I don't remember. However, what I was told is that I needed my crankshaft sensor replaced. I checked online for information about this sensor and I came across a recall for this sensor. Around the same time my headlights started burning out bulbs also. I also noticed there was a recall on a headlight issue. I contacted a local dealership to check my VIN to see if I qualified for the recall and I was told my VIN was supposedly one of the impacted ones. Which is too coincidental. My car stalls while running and at times will not start. And I say will, because, I brought it in to 2 different shops for replacement and neither could find a compatible sensor. They even ordered one from nissan and it did not fit and were unable to fix it. They apologized and said that I would be able to drive it but would eventually need to somehow replace it. I have since continued driving it, as it is the only vehicle I have. It has gotten worse and turns off my often. I am asking for some type of help. I am out of options. I am afraid it will one day shut off as I driving and cause a catastrophe.

Filed Jun 7, 2010 · Engine, Lights · NV

November 14 2007653,910 vehicles recalled 2005 nissan altima -- 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. 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. 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. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official the federal safety agency page concerning recall #07v527000 the federal safety agency campaign #07e087000 exterior lighting:headlights october 25 20074,654 vehicles recalled 2005 nissan altima -- 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. Misalignment of the lights diminishes frontal illumination which could result in a vehicle crash. 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. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official the federal safety agency page concerning recall #07e087000 .

Filed Jul 31, 2009 · Transmission · 29,000 miles · AR · crash

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.

Filed Apr 30, 2008 · Lights, Visibility · CA

The headlights on my 2005 nissan altima look like they are burned on the inside and foggy looking. At night they are very dim, almost as though I was driving in a constant thick fog. The front windshield has foggy looking circles all over inside the glass and makes visibility hard.

Filed Dec 11, 2006 · Steering · 50,000 miles · KY · crash · 1 injury

While attempting to give my vehicle gas after stopping at a red light, I heard a hissing sound coming from the front passenger tire. When the light turned green and I began to give the vehicle gas, the steering wheel was incredibly hard to turn. I tried to turn the steering wheel to the left and as a result, I lost control of the vehicle. The steering column felt as though it did not have power steering at the time. When my vehicle came to rest, I was facing oncoming traffic in the middle of the median and had additionally taken out several roads signs. The vehicle was towed away and inspected by a mechanic for the cause of the accident. The mechanic discovered the right tie rod had broken. As a result of this failure, the radiator was busted, headlight busted and many other costly expenses. At present time, my vehicle remains in the body shop awaiting repairs. This has ended up a very costly defect in my vehicle and I am in the process of contacting the manufacturer for some reimbursement! This accident is still under investigation by the police.

Filed Aug 20, 2005 · Lights · 1 miles · MI

When headlights are on lowbeam at night you can hardly see where you are going. I am very uncomfortable with this. There should be a recall for this. You will be seeing another complaint here again from me if this should cause an accident.

Filed Jan 17, 2005 · Lights · NC

I purchased a new 2005 nissan altima the first time I drove the car at night and turned on the low beam headlights, I noticed that the lights projected far less than I had been used to in the 1998 altima or even the 1988 subaru that we have. Driving at night is scary, uncomfortable and most certainly dangerous. My wife, the second driver in our family, noticed the problem, as did a neighbor.one evening I lined up both the 1998 altima and the 2005 altima side by side and turned on the low beam headlights of each. The new 2005 altima headlamps projected less than 2/3rds the distance as the 1998 altima. I contacted the dealer and manufacturer to no avail. Nissan issued me a reference complaint no.4858724. They said that there was no problem and that it just may be the design. The design! They advised me to go to another dealer preferably at night. The service departments close at night so that is a very remote possibility. I asked if they could recommend after market bulbs that I, at my own expense, could have installed. They offered no advice. These headlamps are a real danger to all night drivers especially elderly drivers. This is a an imminent or even fatal danger. An accident waiting to happen! I sincerely hope you will investigate this dire situation and I pray no lives are lost in the mean time.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 2005 Nissan Altima headlights

Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2005 Nissan Altima?

13 of 1,091 owner complaints about the 2005 Nissan Altima (1%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2005 Nissan Altima?

There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2005 Nissan Altima

Stalling 188Check engine light 124Won't start 44Jerking 31Overheating 25Hesitation 23Airbag light 18Grinding brakes 18Loss of power 17Engine failure 15Fire or smoke 14No deployment 13Fuel smell 13Oil consumption 10Transmission failure 10Ball joint 8Fuel pump 8Harsh shifting 8Brake failure 7Door locks 7Knocking 7Misfire 7Power steering loss 7Water leak 6Whining noise 6Spongy pedal 5Won't shift 5

All model years of the Nissan Altima

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