2006 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 824 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 43 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 52 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine coolingNov 14, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 07V527000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsOct 25, 2007
CERTAIN TYC HALOGEN TYPE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/N 20-6644-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2005-2006 NISSAN ALTIMA PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PHOTOMETRIC WERE MISALIGNED WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DIMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
GENERA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 25, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT GENERA AT 714-522-6688.
Campaign 07E087000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJun 21, 2006
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.
IF THE OIL IS NOT MAINTAINED AT LEAST AT THE MINIMUM LEVEL, ENGINE DAMAGE CAN OCCUR AND IN EXTREME CASES RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM OR ENGINE COMPUTER). YOUR VEHICLE WILL ALSO BE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS BEEN CONSUMING ENGINE OIL AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL RATE. IN A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF VEHICLES, ENGINE REPLACEMENT WILL BE NEEDED. ON JUNE 9, 2006, NISSAN NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE OIL AT A PROPER LEVEL. FOLLOW-UP LETTER TO OWNERS ADVISING THEM OF THE STATUS OF THE RECALL WAS SENT DURING AUGUST 2006. FOLLOWUP LETTER TO OWNERS WAS SENT ON NOVEMBER 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 06V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearFeb 13, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE REAR SUBFRAME MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRACK IN A BRACKET WHICH HOLDS PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION.
IF THE BRACKET IS CRACKED, THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE AFFECTED UNDER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUBFRAME TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 06V046000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
43 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Mar 11, 2014
2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FAULTY AIR BAG SYSTEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NISSAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WOULD COST $1900, TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG.
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO REMEDY THE DEFECT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V521000(AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Sep 25, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS ALSO TRAVELING 65 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SPINAL INJURIES AND A CHILD PASSENGER THAT WAS SECURED IN A BOOSTER SEAT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Air bags, Sep 15, 2013, crash
SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME TURNING LEFT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY WHERE I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40MPH. I HIT THE BRAKES HARD, BUT STILL HIT HER IN THE SIDE AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE COLLISION SHOP HAS ESTIMATED IT WILL BE TOTALED, THE BUMPER AND FENDERS AND HOOD ALL NEED REPLACED IN ADDITION TO SEVERAL ENGINE/MOTOR PARTS. THE POLICE SAID AN IMPACT CAUSING THAT MUCH DAMAGE SHOULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. FORTUNATELY, MY SEAT BELT HELD AND MY HEAD DID NOT HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE BELT LEFT A GOOD-SIZED BURN ON MY NECK, AND BRUISED MY CHEST AND RIGHT HIP. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 24, 2011, crash
I WAS DRIVING SOUTH BOUND WHEN A CARD SLAMMED INTO MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. MY CAR WAS THEN PUSHED OVER THREE LANES INTO THE CORNER WALL, ELECTRIC BOX, AND 2 FOOT HIGH ROCK. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DASH BOARD. *TR
Air bags, Dec 1, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH SHE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS INCLUDED IN A 4 CAR PILE-UP. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE NOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER RECEIVED ABRASIONS TO THE CHEST AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Nov 1, 2010, crash
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY , AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED, THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. WAS TOLD BY THE FIRE DEPT, AND THE HIGHWAY PATROL THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THERE WAS MAJOR FRONT DAMAGE. *TR
Air bags, Jul 7, 2010
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING INDICATING THE AIR BAG MAY NOT BE WORKING RIGHT. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PAID $115 TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP SAID THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP NOTED ON MY RECEIPT (RECOMMENDED SERVICE: PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANT SENSOR $1,617.26 OTD). I DECLINED TO REPLACE SENSOR DUE TO THE OUTRAGEOUS COST FOR A FAILED SAFETY FEATURE IN A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 7, 2009
PURCHASED IN NOV 06, NISSAN ALTIMA 2006 SPECIAL EDITION. SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON 6/3/09 AND HAS BEEN FLASHING EVER SINCE. HAVE MADE AN APP AT THE NISSAN DEALER TO SEE IF THAT'S COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, May 14, 2009, crash
MY WIFE WAS IN A MVA ON 05/08/09. HER 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS IN A CRASH AT APPROX. 30 MPH. IT HAS $7800.00 PLUS IN DAMAGE. IT WAS A FRONT END CRASH. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD & HAS SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, DOCTORS SAY MAYBE TBA, BRUISED CHEST, ABDOMEN, FACIAL BRUISING, AND MAJOR KNEE INJURIES. HER SEATBELT ALSO DID NOT HOLD. THE CAR HAD NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS. *TR
Air bags, Apr 24, 2008, crash
COMING HOME FROM GRADUATE SCHOOL EARLY EVENING, DOG CAME OUT OF NO WHERE RAN INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR, THE AIR BAG WENT OFF, FRACTURED MY ELBOW- HAD TO HAVE A SPECIALIST DO SURGERY ON THE ELBOW. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 13, 2007, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING WHERE I WORK. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WENT OVER THE CURB, IT ACCELERATED A SECOND TIME AND SPED BETWEEN TWO TREES, THEN BETWEEN A TREE AND BUILDING AND ENDED UP FACING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE PARKING SPOT ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING. THE CAR BASICALLY DID A FULL "U" FROM THE PARKING SPOT TO THE SIDEWALK. MY FEELING IS THAT I HAD THE WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT TO PARK IN THE PARKING SPOT AND DID NOT HAVE TIME TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SO THE CAR CONTINUED TO GO TO THE RIGHT, HENCE THE "U". THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS WENT OFF. I HAD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS EXPERIENCED THE CAR HESITATING WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT. THE CAR WOULD HESITATE AND THEN RESUME AT A NORMAL SPEED. ONCE THE CAR RESUMED SPEED, THE CAR SEEMED FINE. *TR
Air bags, Oct 17, 2007
DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF LIGHT KEEPS INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF, WHILE A ADULT PASSENGER OF SUFFICIENT WEIGHT IS SITTING UP RIGHT, WITH FEET FLAT ON THE FLOOR AND BACK AGAINST THE BACK OF THE SEAT IS IN THE CHAIR. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BOTTOM ONCE BEFORE AND THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THERE IS NO STRAIGHT ANSWER TO HOW MUCH A PERSON HAS TO WEIGH, BUT ALL THREE OF THE ANSWERS HAVE BEEN UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE OCCUPANT. NISSAN NOW SAYS TO GET INTO ANOTHER 2006 ALTIMA, BUT THERE IS NONE AVAILABLE AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHICH THE CAR IS AT RIGHT NOW. CANNOT DRIVE CAR FOR FEAR THAT THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Sep 21, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE REAR SIDE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FIVE YEAR OLD, WHO WAS SEATED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND WEARING A SEAT BELT, STRUCK THE DOOR PANEL AND SUFFERED BROKEN BONES AROUND THE RIGHT EYE. THE REST OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 5, 2006
I PURCHASE 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA FROM EASTERN CAROLINA NISSAN IN MAY 2006. I HAVE BEEN HEARING A RATTLING NOISE 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE. I NOTIFIED NISSAN AND THEY STATED THAT IS WAS SPARK KNOCKING BUT WHEN I CONTACTED THEM TO INQUIRE ON SERVICE REPORT, NOT NOTED. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON/OFF DURING DRIVING. THE DOORS LOCK WHEN KEYS ARE IN AND CAR IS STARTED/OFF. *NM
Air bags, Aug 4, 2006
I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 ALTIMA 4/17/06. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MY 110 LB DAUGHTER IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A NEW MOTOR (IT'S A RECALLED ENGINE OIL PROBLEM CAR) AND TOLD THE DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID THEY TESTED IT AND COULD FIND NO FAULT. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR I SHOWED THEM WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY DAUGHTER IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THEY SAID THEY'D LOOK INTO IT WITH NISSAN. 4 WEEKS LATER THE DEALER CAN ONLY OFFER 'BRING YOUR DAUGHTER IN TO SIT IN ANOTHER NISSAN TO SEE IF WE CAN CREATE THE SAME PROBLEM'. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNTIL I BRING MYSELF, MY CAR AND MY DAUGHTER IN WITH THE CAR, EVEN THOUGH THEY IDENTIFY IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MEANWHILE, MY DAUGHTER IS NOT ALLOWED IN MY CAR UNTIL THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED FULLY. *NM
Air bags, Jul 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. LATER WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSORS. HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR AND ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 21, 2006. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THIS INCIDENT AS A SAFETY PROBLEM THEREFORE A REQUEST WAS MADE FOR A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THE REQUEST FOR A RENTAL CAR WAS DENIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
Air bags, Oct 18, 2005, crash
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 40 MPH, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A LEFT HAND TURN IN FRONT, CAUSING ME TO HAVE A HEAD ON CRASH. DRIVERSIDE AIR BAG OPERATED PREFECT. RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR THE RIGHT SEAT BELT LOCK CAUSING PASSENGER TO HIT FRONT DASH. *JB