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Is there to much wrong wtih a 2005 Titan ?

5.8K views 42 replies 29 participants last post by  BigA  
#1 ·
Hey guys I would love to get a titan. I am looking for probably a 2005. Based on what I have read on here is it as bad as it sounds?

Ive seen brake issues, transmissions, heaters, drive shafts falling out, etc.

Im looking at a 05 with 70k. If I don't buy this im sure I may get one with even more miles. Price could be anywhere from 10-17k with no warranty so this is really nerve racking..


Is this car ticking time bomb ? Need some recommendations.

Dan
 
#3 ·
Sorry I don't have much to say about the '05 as I have never owned one but Like most vehicles the majority of people posting online about them only do so when something goes wrong, that's why you will see alot of negatives when you search. Not too often many people come on to praise how little they have had to fix something.. just saying, people like to be negative nancys.
For that price range I would look around a bit more you can probably find a newer one, Just read someone on here bought a 2012 for 24k so 17 just seems a bit steep to me?
 
#4 ·
Depends on how many of the parts were replaced with 08+. :)

Seriously though, if you're that worried, check with your credit union. A lot of them offer extended warranties for vehicles with loans through them.
 
#5 ·
Yes I hear what your saying. I belong to a lot of forums for all the cars I own so I know how it is.

But I have also heard of chronic things that are wrong with these trucks, like I said brakes trans, etc

im just trying to figure out if it is a ticking time bomb, or if im just reading all the negative hype.


I have been looking around.

The 4 doors a usually more money. I have seen 05 and 06's for like 10-12. but when in good shape with under 80k they seem to be more like 14/15. And since this one is at a dealer they want 16
 
#6 ·
I sold my 05 and I loved it. Very few issues. Only sold it to get an 06 which is essentially the same thing just had a few more features my 05 didn't have. I think the 08+ models may have a few less problems but I wouldn't call the pre 08s lemons. Whatever year you get you won't be disappointed


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#7 ·
I've had my 05 for 3-4 years now and only thing I've replaced is the front brakes and one recall....can't remember what it was but it was pretty minimal, did it maybe a year and a half back. Otherwise truck runs great and no problems...although I can say don't get the red alert or your going to have problems with the clear coat. Not sure about the the trans, drive shaft or brake issues with these, although it may be more for the 4x4's. I have the 2WD and no problems with any of those issues.
 
#8 ·
I bought my 2005 with 66k on it. I now have 82k and the only problem I've had is the vent control valve. Best truck I have owned so far

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#11 · (Edited)
Skip 04-07 and buy a 2008. 2004-2007 are riddled with problems...brakes, front and rear differential are the biggest things. You need to look no further than the sticky posts on this forum to figure that out.

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/tit...om/forums/titan-general-discussion/33234-heres-rear-diff-failures-reported.html

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-general-discussion/22744-brake-recall-info.html

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-problems-dealer-service/68142-front-axle-failer-thread.html

This has nothing to do with being a negative nancy either. It's just a fact. The drive train components aren't matched to the ability of the engine and transmission on the this truck. The only 2 components that so far have seemed bullet proof.
 
#12 ·
Go ahead and get an 05. chances are all recalls have been serviced and the worst has already past and repaired. I have an 05 and had manifolds and rear axle replaced under warranty. Last issue was around 36k. Im at 63k now.

Axle vent mod and adding trutrac will most likely rid your axle of future failure.

Also something to think about if you're planning on regearing: titans 08+ cannot regear unless you swap with an 04-07 axle.
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#15 ·
Axle vent mod and adding trutrac will most likely rid your axle of future failure.
You see here is the thing...Nobody should have to do this on a truck in this day and age. The front and rear differential should easily outlast the engine and trasnmission.

I find it funny how people find this solution acceptable instead of holding Nissan responsible for poor design.
 
#13 ·
I purchased my 05 brand new. The only two problems I had was the brake judder and a cracked manifold on the drivers side. Both were covered under warranty. Other than oil changes and tires, I had zero issues. The only reason I sold the truck, was to purchase my current 2010 T.
 
#16 ·
I've got a 2006 that I've had for 4 years and it's been great (For sale btw, see my sig : ). Exhaust manifold replaced under warranty, but otherwise just routine maintenance. When I was looking for mine, I was pretty much trying to avoid the 2005's though, just cause of the bugs you hear about, though some have no issues.
 
#19 · (Edited)
What would really be nice is if NHTSA would take notice and do something about these failing rear and front differentials and force Nissan to do a recall on all 2004-2007 4 x 4 models.

Just read the other day that Honda had a recall based on 42 consumer complaints about the ignition interlock allowing the vehicle pop out of the Park position. How does that get a recall when a differential that blows at 60 mph could be more serious?

Hell...GM recently had a rear axle recall...

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/1...2/recall-alert-2011-chevrolet-avalanche-and-silverado-1500-gmc-sierra-1500.html
 
#27 · (Edited)
What would really be nice is if NHTSA would take notice and do something about these failing rear and front differentials and force Nissan to do a recall on all 2004-2007 4 x 4 models.

Just read the other day that Honda had a recall based on 42 consumer complaints about the ignition interlock allowing the vehicle pop out of the Park position. How does that get a recall when a differential that blows at 60 mph could be more serious?

Hell...GM recently had a rear axle recall...

Recall Alert: 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 - PickupTrucks.com News

Simple answer, they are more willing to fix the issue so they can keep their customers coming back to continue buying their vehicles in the future. GM replaced an axle on my 2004 Chevy I owned that was 10k miles out of warranty, pulled a dent out of the front fender for free. Then washed, waxed, and vacuumed it before I picked it up.

I wish Nissan would go out of there way to do those kind of things for me on a known issue with my truck. This one I am keeping till it is totaled or craps out from high mileage. Who knows what I will buy then.
 
#23 ·
A ton of people have had there ABS/VDC/Brake Warning/Slip light come on while driving. There is a Nissan Technical Bulletin (NTB06-040) that has been out since 2006. You have to take it into the dealership to have them run diagnostics on it, they should get a code (C1179). Usually it only requires the ABS module to be reprogrammed. If it reoccurs after that, they replace a sensor. My truck has been doing it since I got it, be taking it in to do the reprogramming of the ABS module here soon. My dealer is charging me $89 for diagnostics, and another $89 for the reprogramming. Plenty of information on here about the issue and the fix's that it took to get it right.
 
#24 ·
If that's all you can afford, then go for it. You might get lucky and maybe some of the stuff has been fixed. Mine is a 2004 and I've had all of the major problems fixed already...

-New front differential
-New rear differential
-New rotors and pads
-New manifolds
-New power window switches all the way around.
-All door latch / locking systems replaced twice (would always freeze in winter)
-Fuel guage sending unit replaced 3 times
-Updated evap control valve so it quits spitting gas back out.

The engine and tranny have been awesome. It's all the stuff around it that have been problematic.

The only problem I have right now is the rear differential pinion bearings are howling like a wolf going down the highway. The only option is a $2500 replacement for a new one (That's all Nissan dealer will do) or buy new bearings etc. and pay ~$600 and hopefully someone locally knows how to tear down and rebuild the rear differential and hope that it's done right. For now I just put up with it and am hoping a recall gets issued and I don't have to pay a dime for a new rear diff.
 
#22 ·
I have an 05 with 124K on it. Had all of the typical problems you have with trucks in general. However, most if not all were fixed under warranty. The manifolds are one of the most expensive and you can still get those fixed under the federal warranty if there's a problem before 80K miles.

The good thing for you is if this truck is actually at a Nissan dealership. I hate to say that..... hahahaha You can get some "agreements" out of them prior to buying. Make a list of all things you want checked/verified based on this site, AND make sure ALL recalls have been completed. Get it all in writing and drive it away. Any problems with those common items and take it back in with the paperwork. You will at a minimm get some money off the fix if not the fix for free.

BTW, yes, in this day and age all vehicles should last a long time. However, everyone drives differently and it's still a bunch of moving parts out in all types of climates. I'm surprised folks ***** as much as they do. All cars/trucks are pretty amazing pieces of equipment for what they do. Try using any other piece of equipment every day and leave it out in the elements and let me know how it performs with no issues......
 
#26 ·
My experience with the 05 Titan is perfect "10" on cool/bad azz truck and a perfect "0" on reliability. Cracked exhaust manifold, rear end failure and the latest cracked radiator last month is why I give it a ZERO. I've had many other small issues in the last 7 yrs but no vehicle is perfect and they all have their small problems. The wife has an 05 Pilot and I rate it a perfect "0" on cool factor and a perfect "10" on reliability. Both vehicles have been driven the same way with the same miles by the same people. One has never seen the shop other than routine maintenance and one has lived there. Still rather have the Titan....
 
#28 ·
ive had my 05 for a yr now. Got it for a good deal but it had alot of miles. Bought it with 100k and now it has 117k but so far so good no serious issues. The only thing is the Slip light comes on but dont care much for taking it to the dealership. Its not acting up on me so no worries yet. IMO its one of the best trucks ive owned and probably upgrading to a 4x4 in the next yr or two
 
#29 ·
ive had my 05 since 08. bought it with 18k miles on it and it now has 84k on it. the only time it has ever been in the shop for is recalls.
 
#30 ·
I have a 2005, only big issues I've had are the manifolds and front brakes. Both were fixed under warrenty. She's runs better then ever and i have been running it more between Cincinnati and Baltimore where I have been working temporarilly.