Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

2005 Nissan Altima Electrical system Problems

Complaints
97about this part
Share
9%of 1,091 total for the year
Median mileage
69,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 97 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Nissan Altima, 9% of the 1,091 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Vehicle died while coasting down the side street. Once I stopped the vehicle I put it in park and turned the key to off. When trying to restart the vehicle, the engine would crack, but would not start. This problem has been listed for a recall for the 2.5 engine but not for my 3.5 engine, and Nissan will not do anything to help the situation.”

NHTSA complaint #10653027, filed 2014-11, 97,867 miles

“The car's electrical system failed and while driving. The brake and battery lights kept going off and on. There was also a clanking sound. I stopped and let car cool. Continued driving and noticed fire from my rear view mirror. Ran out of car and it caught fire 30 seconds after followed by couple of explosions.”

NHTSA complaint #10745999, filed 2015-08, 130,000 miles

“Car shuts down no power will not start. Back up on the freeway it just shuts off with no warning this is not the first time this problem will kill me or ppl around me on the road. It will stop and you can't put on your brakes nor steer to move to a save place”

NHTSA complaint #11043125, filed 2017-11, 8,000 miles

“I already went though p0420 issue few years back and I got it again. Nissan dealer charged me whole lotta money to fix the issue and the warning sign came back again. Went to local auto zone and it show p0420 again. Please help. I read so many articles online and it turns out all Altima has this issue (crankshaft, o2 sensor, etc.).”

NHTSA complaint #10486142, filed 2012-11, 106,000 miles

“While driving in the highway vehicle lost power and engine shut off, was barely able to get to the side of the freeway before the car came to a complete stop. It was the most scary experience I have ever had in my life. The ses light came on only after loosing all control. I was told at the shop that this is a common issue with some altimas and that they had a recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10485449, filed 2012-11, 66,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025114%
202437%
20231137%
2022723%
20212130%
20204625%
20195825%
20183716%
2017277%
2016428%
2015566%
2014716%
20131597%
20124410%
20113213%
20107419%
200946630%
2008909%
2007378%
2006729%
2005979%
20043212%
20038910%
2002777%
20011912%
20002516%
199945%
19981512%
19971413%
19961112%
1995169%
19941413%
199376%

Other parts of the 2005 Nissan Altima

Body and structure
351 complaints
Engine cooling
259 complaints
Engine
141 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
115 complaints
Other or unknown
60 complaints
Air bags
47 complaints
Vehicle speed control
42 complaints
Brakes
37 complaints
Fuel system
35 complaints
Steering
31 complaints
Suspension
21 complaints
Tires
21 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Nissan Altima

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology