2005 Nissan Altima: whining or grinding noise

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 120,000 miles · DC

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.

Filed May 19, 2015 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MA

My vehicle is experiencing a whining noise at idle and also while driving. Upon further review and extensive online research at maxima forum, I have found out there's a design flaw on the timing chain tensioners on these v6 engines. If not repaired can result in extensive repairs and possible loss of engine. However, my vehicle is past the warranty mileage. I don't know if nissan will grant the free repair since it is a design flaw by the manufacturer.

Filed Oct 5, 2011 · Engine · 101,000 miles · NJ

My vehicle began exhibiting the famous nissan vq35 timing chain noises early on, mostly it was just a rattle which I was told was not a big deal. Later, at around 100k miles it became a very loud whining noise. I am concerned when driving my car because of the fact that the timing chain is a very important part of the vehicle, if damage occurs to it this could destroy my engine. Price quotes for repairing this are as high as $2500! The parts have been updated which proves nissan knows of this issue and has had a plan of some sort to fix it for those that exhibit the problem. It's just too expensive to get done! Nissan should cover the bill for this!

Filed Nov 22, 2010 · Engine · 61,000 miles · NY

Approximately a month ago, while driving my car I heard a whining sound coming from the engine upon acceleration of the vehicle. The sound would stop when I took my foot off the gas pedal. I took the car to my local mechanic to have it checked out. He took all the belts surrounding the engine off (the drive belt etc.) to see if the sound was related to a defect in one of the belts; the sound persisted and he said it was coming from the timing cover. My mechanic said that he has seen this problem before with the nissan altima so I decided to file a complaint.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 76,717 miles · WA

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 $1,578.00 (+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.

Filed Aug 6, 2006 · Transmission · 1 miles · NJ

Noises from clutch, noises from transmission. Since day 1. Rough engagement of 2nd gear. Clutch makes many creaking noises, transmission whines in every gear. 2nd gear and 3rd gear grind occasionally, and 2nd gear has a very rough engagement at times. Nothing has been done to remedy the problem yet.