2005 Nissan Altima: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 23, 2018 · Suspension · 141,000 miles · MA

Front passenger sub frame rotted from salt used in new england winters. Car is dangerous to drive because possiblity of separation of lower control arm to sub frame mounts. Car frame was not properly coated for new england region.

Filed Jul 6, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 72,000 miles · OH

Front sub-fame severely rusted out, which supports engine and control arms, must be replaced. Safety is compromised.....updated10/20/15 *bf updated 11/07/2017*

Filed Feb 9, 2013 · Body, Engine · IL

I have a 2005 nissan altima that I bought in 2008 and has had nothing but problems, first had to replace the steering knuckle because the steering was going out ($400) than had to replace the motor mounts, struts, inner/outer tie rods, I have no heat when at idle, while putting new tires on again, I also learned my floor boards are almost rusted through, and now I can not even drive my car because about 3 weeks ago it started sucking down oil ( 4 qts within a 3-6 hour time frame) and it's smoking bad out the tail pipe because of the head gasket/piston rings caused by a faulty pre-cat, and told I need to replace the engine. I see there is a recall for the 2.5l engine for this issue but on a 2006 model, what about my 2005 model with same engine?? Searching the internet I find hundreds if not thousands of people having this same issues in 2002-2006 altima's, obviously there is a problem with these engines and nissan should be held accountable!!

Filed Nov 9, 2011 · Body · KY

I purchased my 2005 nissan altima 2.5s used in november of 2006. It had approximately 33,000 miles on it. Five years later, the car has 101,000 miles on it and the passenger side floorboard has major rust damage; so much that you can actually touch the interior rubber floorboard of the car from the outside. I have yet to take it to a nissan dealership, since I know my warranty is expired, but I have had many professionals take a look and they are rendered speechless over the damage. I have been told numerous times that the damage is obviously a factory defect, a car that's only a few years old should not have that kind of damage and that it would cost well over $1000.00 to repair. I have maintained my vehicle well and haven't had any other major problems with it; just the usual replacements. I've put a new battery in it recently, I've had the brakes replaced twice, rotors once; it currently needs a new serpentine belt, lower ball joint and the muffler is showing rust, so that will be a replacement in the near future. I've read about people who live in cold, snowy areas having these problems as well, due to salt and chemical exposure. I wash and dry my car after every snow, including the undercarriage, to remove these chemicals. I do not park in wet areas, grass or dirt. My car has always been on concrete. Nothing in my car leaks, I've never had standing water in it, I've never had wet floors. This is a defect that nissan needs to take full responsibility for. I am beyond overwhelmed with the hundreds of complaints I've read in regards to this problem; this affects so many nissan owners, so it's obviously not a problem caused by owner neglect. The driver side of my car looks fantastic; no rust damage whatsoever, so once again, that proves that I am not negligent or responsible for the rust damage on the passenger side; nissan is.

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Engine · 120,000 miles · MO

The "service engine soon" light came on and went off for a few weeks finally I took it to the shop. I was told that is the catalyst converter, the part alone cost around 600.00, car is a 2005 altima 2.5 with 120,000.00 miles, well maintained. After searching the internet I have come to realize that this a common problem with this model. I just spent over 300.00 to repair the crankshaft as my vehicle would stall and not start all the time. On top of it all I was also just told that I need to replace the inner tie rod - another 300.00 - this car is turning out to be a pile of junk.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Steering · 87,000 miles · CT

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 nissan altima. The contact believes that she purchased the vehicle with a steering defect. She noticed that the steering wheel was difficult to turn while driving. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision repair shop and the mechanic stated that the lower steering shaft cupler failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer stated that they would not assist because the vehicle was purchased from a private dealer. The failure mileage was 87,000 and current mileage was 90,000. Updated 03/12/09. *lj the inner tie rod was replaced and the front end was aligned. Updated 03/16/09.

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 Jun 2, 2005 · Steering · 13,000 miles · AZ · crash · 1 injury

Driving home on 202 freeway going east. All of a sudden something on the steering broke on the left drivers side of car. Car turned left and went into concrete divider of freeway. Totaled car. Examination shows broken ball joint of some kind and tire was distroyed on drivers front side.