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Nissan TitanModel year report

2005 Nissan Titan Problems

Complaints
891filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
66,000miles, 798 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
14 mpgcombined, 5.6L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 17 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Nissan Titan (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2005 Titan most often write about driveline problems — rear axle seal leaks, differential failures and assorted transmission symptoms — with many reports arriving between 15,000 and 80,000 miles. A second recurring theme is a fuel gauge that reads about a quarter tank when the tank is actually empty, which several owners say left them stalled. Brake complaints are common early in ownership, and many reports are framed around whether a given VIN was covered by a recall.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Rear axle seal leak and differential failure

    • 435 complaints (49%)
    • median 60,129 mi at 4.9 yrs old (408 state mileage)
    • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 63 quotes)
    • filed 2005–2019

    Owners describe gear oil weeping from the rear axle ends and sometimes being thrown onto the wheel and brake rotor. Many say the leak happened more than once, and several report that the rear differential then failed, with a clunk, grinding or the rear wheels seizing and the truck becoming immobile. Dealers commonly replaced the axle seal and bearing; in other cases owners were told the whole rear axle or rear end had to be replaced rather than repaired. Mostly reported between about 15,000 and 80,000 miles, often appearing after the truck was a year or more old.

    What to check: Look for oil streaks or grease on the inside of the rear wheels, brake backing plates and the ground under the axle, and ask whether the rear axle seals or bearing have been replaced and how long ago.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “4 inches of new snow. Before leaving work, I engaged 4x4 high. Pulling out from a stop light, I noticed it didn't feel like the 4x4 was working. Next morning, had a big puddle of diff fluid on ground. Took it to the Nissan dealership, and was told front diff was junk. This truck has been put in 4x4 high maybe 5 times in 80,000, always on icy roads.”

    NHTSA complaint #10374991, filed 2011-01, 81,000 miles

    “This vehicle has more common failures than any I have seen. Both of the rear leaf spring shackles rotted out. The rear axle seals are now leaking. In 6 months I have replaced 2 oxygen sensors and now for the 2nd time I am replacing the evap canister control valve. Nissan seems to ignore all of these issues and has redesigned many of these problem areas in newer models however does not own up to fixing the issues on vehicles that are on the road.”

    NHTSA complaint #10456492, filed 2012-04, 107,455 miles
  2. Fuel system

    Fuel gauge reads a quarter tank when empty

    • 195 complaints (22%)
    • median 89,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (169 state mileage)
    • 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,900 (median of 20 quotes)
    • filed 2005–2023

    Owners describe the instrument panel fuel gauge showing roughly a quarter tank, or fluctuating wildly, when the tank is actually empty. The truck then stalls or shuts off in traffic with no warning light, and the driver finds the tank dry after refueling. Several complaints note that a gauge recall existed but their VIN was not included, and some report no repair was made. Reported across a wide mileage range, generally from about 50,000 to 170,000 miles.

    Recall 10V074000

    What to check: Ask whether the fuel level sender or gauge recall 10V074000 has been performed on this VIN, and note the fuel level against actual fill-ups over a few tanks before trusting the gauge on longer trips.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Their is a current recall on the fuel system for the gauge reading incorrectly and could cause an accident. My truck is having that issue, but my VIN shows not to be under that recall. I am also having engine problems that I also believe to be due to a failing fuel pump or possibly one of the other many problems with engine performance on this model Titan. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11348608, filed 2020-08, 140,000 miles

    “I was driving my truck on a main road and stopped at a stop sign and when I went to accelerate my truck was barely moving, unless I put the pedal to the ground. The truck went into limp mode and after looking into it, the codes p1757 and p1759 came up for the front break solenoid valve and after examining the TCM, I noticed the pin snapped for the front break solenoid, hence making the truck go into limp mode. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11166678, filed 2019-01, 188,000 miles
  3. Brakes

    Brake judder, poor stopping and ABS symptoms

    • 142 complaints (16%)
    • median 50,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (124 state mileage)
    • 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,350 (median of 12 quotes)
    • filed 2005–2022

    Owners report steering-wheel shimmy or shudder when braking, sometimes at low mileage, with pads and rotors replaced repeatedly. Others describe the ABS or brake warning light coming on and the pedal feeling ineffective or the wheels nearly locking, with the fault sometimes clearing after a restart. Some dealers resurfaced or replaced rotors; others told owners the condition would recur and there was no permanent fix at the time. Plenty of reports under 15,000 miles, plus a second group from roughly 100,000 miles and up.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Brake firmly from highway speed during the test drive and feel for pulsation or vibration through the pedal and wheel, and ask for receipts showing how recently pads and rotors were replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Front brake judder when hard braking occurs. Vehicle steering wheel pulls in different directions. Fixed by dealer twice for after multiple complaints (warranty) once by me out of my own pocket. At 55,000 and three sets of brakes the judder is coming back again for the 4th time.”

    NHTSA complaint #10243846, filed 2008-09, 9,319 miles

    “I purchased this vehicle new. At 7000 miles I started experiencing severe brake shudder whenever I applied the brakes. The dealer replaced the front pads and rotors and turned the rear rotors. Brakes should last longer than 7000 miles.”

    NHTSA complaint #10185329, filed 2007-03, 7,000 miles
  4. Engine

    Exhaust manifold leak and fumes in cabin

    • 85 complaints (10%)
    • median 82,950 mi at 6.9 yrs old (76 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2008–2024

    Owners describe a cracked or leaking exhaust manifold or gasket, with a tapping or abnormal exhaust sound and exhaust fumes entering the driver's area. Some were told the repair would not be covered even while the vehicle was under warranty, and others paid for a replacement manifold out of pocket. Mostly reported between about 75,000 and 190,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Listen for a ticking or hissing exhaust note on a cold start and after the engine warms, and check for exhaust smell in the cabin with the blower running.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “There is a leak in the manifold that causes exhaust to leak into the drivers area of the vehicle. The vehicle was under warranty when incident happened and was told that Nissan would not cover the repairs of this leak.”

    NHTSA complaint #10663509, filed 2014-12, 75,000 miles

    “The rear exhaust flange broke causing the exhaust pipe to aim into the underside of the truck bed. This has cause melting plastic, rear taillight failure and paint to delaminate from the rear fender.”

    NHTSA complaint #10362138, filed 2010-10, 135,000 miles
  5. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission limp mode and shifting problems

    • 80 complaints (9%)
    • median 73,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (75 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $3,400 (median of 9 quotes)
    • filed 2005–2021

    Owners describe the truck dropping into a limp mode where it barely accelerates unless the pedal is floored, sometimes accompanied by diagnostic codes for the transmission control module and a snapped solenoid pin. Others report transmission oil cooler hoses seeping fluid and note that the sealed transmission gives no dipstick to check the level. Repairs described involve replacing or reprogramming the control module or valve body. Generally reported from about 75,000 miles upward, including vehicles past 150,000 miles.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test acceleration from a stop and from rolling speed, watch for hesitation or a limp condition, and ask whether the transmission has been serviced or the control module replaced and reprogrammed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I noticed that the transmission oil cooler hoses were leaking oil onto the ground. If hose were to burst, this would cause severe damage or accident. Nissan has a sealed transmission that does not allow you to check transmission oil level. Must be taken to dealer to check level.”

    NHTSA complaint #10644746, filed 2014-10, 78,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle did not accelerated above 15 MPH. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic. The contact's father had a diagnostic code reader and the codes were electronic throttle actuator and throttle control motor relay. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #11311333, filed 2020-02, 155,000 miles

Buying note. On a 2005 Titan, the rear axle seals, differential and transmission deserve the most attention — check for leaks and unusual driveline noise, and confirm whether recall 10V074000 for the fuel gauge applies to the VIN. Service records showing the brake work and any transmission or axle repairs are worth asking for.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 891 consumer complaints for the 2005 Nissan Titan. 798 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,000 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 105 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Body and structure (18), Steering (14), Equipment (11), Tires (11), Seat belts (10), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (7), Wheels (6), Vehicle speed control (5), Electronic stability control (3), Seats (2), Exterior lighting (1), Interior lighting (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “My front differential half shaft has broken inside my differential case and ruined the diff I understand this is an ongoing issue with Nissan Titan trucks. I like everything about the truck but I can't believe this is an ongoing isssue and no recall has been done.”

NHTSA complaint #11322621, filed 2020-04, 30 miles

Fuel system: “I have a 2005 Nissan Titan that the fuel gauge will read no lower than a quarter of a tank. I have called several times about the recall #10v074000. That recall is for 2005 Nissan titans with this same problem. They however deny the claim because it doesn't include my VIN number. I feel that this VIN number should be covered under this recall as well.”

NHTSA complaint #11160699, filed 2018-12, 152,000 miles

Brakes: “Randomly, while driving anywhere I hit the brakes. The wheels almost lock up and I can hear the ABS kick in. Also the brake light is on the dash. I shut the truck off and when restarts everything is back to normal.”

NHTSA complaint #11394332, filed 2021-02, 110,000 miles

Suspension: “Leaf spring squeaking noise and also just had the rear replace on this vehicle I just bought this vehicle a year ago I don't do no hauling was so ever on this truck I did some research and Nissan knows about this problem but the don't want to do nothing rear,shackles,leaf spring.”

NHTSA complaint #10534460, filed 2013-08, 74,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

33% of the 798 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 90,500 miles.

7%0–108%10–2517%25–5027%50–7520%75–10013%100–1507%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (798 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 66,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’05’08136’11’14’17’20’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Nissan Titan. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Titan · sedan not rated5 / 4———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2005 Nissan Titan version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Titan 2WD5.6L 8-cyl5-speed automatic131714$4,800
Titan 4WD5.6L 8-cyl5-speed automatic121714$4,800
Titan 2WD5.6L 8-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed automatic131714$4,800
Titan 4WD5.6L 8-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed automatic121714$4,800

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2005 Nissan Titan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 105 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 105 bulletins →

Other model years of the Nissan Titan

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20241513,5002417—Too new
20231744,0002418—Too new
2022146,8504418—Not enough data
2021589,950541886 · MoreFalling
2020238,5005418—Stable
20194914,400441844 · TypicalStable
20189015,000441855 · TypicalRising
201718718,450341888 · MoreRising
20151234,0001—15—Not enough data
20141019,2702—15—Not enough data
20131139,3263—15—Not enough data
20122264,0002—15—Rising
20112642,3261—150 · FewerStable
20104655,0003—1521 · FewerStable
20094756,1473—1533 · FewerRising
200813361,0005—1469 · MoreFalling
200713964,0001—14Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200643063,0005—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200589166,0004—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20041,04660,0005—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Nissan Titan model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Titan?

Owners of the 2005 Titan most often write about driveline problems — rear axle seal leaks, differential failures and assorted transmission symptoms — with many reports arriving between 15,000 and 80,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Rear axle seal leak and differential failure; Fuel gauge reads a quarter tank when empty; Brake judder, poor stopping and ABS symptoms.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Nissan Titan have?

NHTSA recorded 891 consumer complaints for the 2005 Nissan Titan as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2005 Nissan Titan is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 469 complaints (53% of the total), followed by fuel system with 104.

Has the 2005 Nissan Titan been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Nissan Titan get?

The EPA rates the 2005 Nissan Titan (Titan 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Nissan Titan reported?

Among the 798 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 90,500 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.