The 2005 Nissan Titan has 891 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and the largest group of them names the power train[1][2]. It also has 4 recalls[3][4][5][6].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 891 owner complaints for the 2005 Titan[1]. Eleven mention a crash, 7 a fire and 10 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners,.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Power train[2] | 469 | 62,129 |
| Engine[9] | 120 | 83,500 |
| Brakes[10] | 85 | 16,600 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[11] | 68 | 120,000 |
| Suspension[12] | 65 | 60,600 |
| Electrical system[13] | 57 | 89,220 |
Power train. This is the biggest group by a wide margin[2]. Some of the power train complaints we read describe a rear differential or rear end that failed[2]. Owners say the truck was left unable to move and had to be towed, and some describe the failure happening again after a repair[2]. The group has 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury among its complaints[2].
Brakes. Brake complaints have the lowest median mileage at failure of any group listed, 16,600 miles, and the group includes 5 crashes[10]. Some of the brake complaints we read describe shaking or vibration when braking, and some owners blame warped rotors[10]. Some describe pads and rotors being replaced or turned again and again, and some mention waiting for parts[10].
Engine. Some of the engine complaints we read describe cracked exhaust manifolds and some describe stalling or hesitation that owners or dealers tied to a power distribution module[9]. Others describe rear axle seal leaks or rear end failures that were filed under the engine group[9]. The engine group includes 2 fires[9].
Fuel and propulsion. Some of the fuel/propulsion complaints we read describe a fuel gauge that showed fuel or read inaccurately when the tank was empty or low[11]. Owners describe running out of gas or stalling as a result[11]. Some of those owners say they were told their truck was not covered by the fuel gauge recall[11]. See the recall section below for what that recall covers[4].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Titan[3][4][5][6]. They are below, newest first.
If you own or are shopping for a specific truck, ask a Nissan dealer whether these recalls were completed on it. Some owners in the complaint sample say they were told their truck was not included in the fuel gauge recall[11].
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the 2005 Titan in two drive versions[8][14]. Both versions use regular gasoline, and the EPA also lists versions that run on gasoline or E85 with the same numbers[15][16].
The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $4,800 for each version[8][14][15][16].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists the 2005 Titan as not rated in its 5-Star Safety Ratings, for both the 4-door and 2-door listings[17][18]. That means there are no star ratings here to compare.
Engine and size
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications[19].
How 2005 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1,046 | 5 |
| 2005 | 891 | 4 |
| 2006 | 430 | 5 |
| 2007 | 139 | 1 |
| 2008 | 133 | 5 |
| 2009 | 47 | 3 |
| 2010 | 46 | 3 |
| 2011 | 26 | 1 |
| 2012 | 22 | 2 |
| 2013 | 11 | 3 |
| 2014 | 10 | 2 |
| 2015 | 12 | 1 |
| 2017 | 187 | 3 |
| 2018 | 90 | 4 |
| 2019 | 49 | 4 |
| 2020 | 23 | 5 |
| 2021 | 58 | 5 |
| 2022 | 13 | 4 |
| 2023 | 18 | 2 |
| 2024 | 15 | 2 |
Here are the complaint and recall counts by model year[7].
- 2004: 1,046 complaints and 5 recalls[7]
- 2005: 891 complaints and 4 recalls[7]
- 2006: 430 complaints and 5 recalls[7]
Counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so they show what was reported, not how likely a problem is.
Should you buy a used 2005 Titan?
The 2005 Titan has a large complaint history, and the power train group stands out at 469 complaints[2]. In the complaints we read, rear differential failures and braking vibration come up[2][10]. Fuel economy is rated at 14 combined MPG with an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel[8][14]. All 4 recalls have a dealer remedy described, so confirm each one was done on the truck you are looking at[3][4][5][6]. A pre-purchase inspection of the rear end, brakes and fuel gauge would cover the themes in these complaints, which come from small samples and unverified reports.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Titan?
- The largest complaint group on file with NHTSA is the power train[1][2]. In a sample of those complaints, owners describe rear differential failures[2]. Engine, brakes and fuel/propulsion complaints follow[9][10][11].
- Does the 2005 Nissan Titan have any recalls?
- Yes, 4 recalls are on file[3][4][5][6]. Each has a dealer remedy described in the recall facts.
- What is the gas mileage of a 2005 Nissan Titan?
- The EPA rates the 2WD at 13 city, 17 highway and 14 combined MPG[8]. The 4WD is rated 12 city, 17 highway and 14 combined[14].
- Is the 2005 Titan worse than other model years?
- The by-year section above shows how 2005 compares with other model years[7]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Nissan Titan
Compare all model years of the Nissan Titan
Other Nissan models from 2005
Similar cars from 2005: pickup trucks
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 891 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Nissan Titan (11 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 469 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,129). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 10V517, filed October 28, 2010: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V074, filed March 3, 2010: Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V284, filed June 27, 2008: Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 06V459, filed November 30, 2006: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Titan model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Titan 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 120 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 85 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,600). NHTSA vehicle records
- 68 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 120,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 65 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,600). NHTSA vehicle records
- 57 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,220). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Titan 4WD, 5.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Titan 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Titan 4WD, 5.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TITAN CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4 LE: length 222 in, width 79 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 5,302 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov