2005 Nissan Almera
The 2005 Nissan Almera is a compact car known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, although it’s not without its common issues. Engine options typically included a 1.5L gasoline engine producing around 98 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque and a 1.8L gasoline engine producing approximately 114 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque. A 2.2L direct injection turbo diesel engine was also available in certain markets, and generated about 134 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were generally a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic, depending on the engine and market. Owners often appreciate the Almera for its affordability and practicality, but some common complaints revolve around issues with the suspension, electrical components, and certain engine-related problems.
Engine
1.5L Gasoline Engine
- Timing Chain Wear/Stretching
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially upon start-up. Can lead to poor engine performance and potential engine damage if not addressed.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, reduced power, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty coil pack(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per coil pack
- Recalls: None Found
1.8L Gasoline Engine
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Poor fuel economy, rough idling, stalling, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the MAF sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
- Recalls: None Found
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the crankshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
- Recalls: None Found
2.2L Turbo Diesel Engine
- Diesel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, black smoke from exhaust, poor fuel economy, loss of power.
- Solution: Replacement or refurbishment of faulty injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per injector
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Clogging
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, black smoke from the exhaust, engine warning light.
- Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Shift Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift at all. Check engine light may illuminate.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty shift solenoid(s) or valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at low speeds, and potential stalling.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Clutch Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, high clutch pedal engagement point.
- Solution: Replacement of the clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
- Synchro Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting into certain gears, especially when cold.
- Solution: Rebuilding or replacing the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Shock Absorber Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll.
- Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per pair
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Suspension Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Central Locking Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Central locking system failing to lock or unlock doors, remote key fob not working.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the central locking module, door lock actuators, or wiring, and repair or replacement as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Windows not going up or down, or moving very slowly. Grinding noises when operating the window.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Rear Wheel Arches
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the rear wheel arches.
- Solution: Rust repair, bodywork, and repainting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on severity
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Lens Yellowing/Clouding
- Description/Symptoms: Headlight lenses becoming yellowed or cloudy, reducing headlight brightness.
- Solution: Headlight lens restoration or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in sun-exposed areas.
- Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ for replacement
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning system blowing warm air, unusual noises from the compressor.
- Solution: Replacement of the air conditioning compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2005 Nissan Almera, while generally reliable, can experience a range of issues affecting its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components. The severity and cost of these issues vary, with engine and transmission problems potentially being the most expensive to address. Suspension and electrical issues are generally less costly, while exterior rust and interior cosmetic concerns can also add to the overall maintenance burden.