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: structure
221 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Wheels, Nov 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE WHEELS WAS POINTED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED, CORRODED, AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V046000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Structure, Nov 3, 2016
THE FLOOR BOARDS UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE PREMATURELY ROTTING. EACH SIDE HAS A HUGE HOLE APPROXIMATELY 5 INCHES ACROSS AND 8-12 INCHES LONG AND THE HOLES CONTINUES TO ENLARGE. THIS PARTICULAR COMPLAINT HAS BEEN MADE BY HUNDREDS OF TIMES BY OTHERS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NISSAN SHOULD DO SOMETHING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLES! DATE LISTED BELOW IS WHEN I FIRST DISCOVERED IT AFTER A MECHANIC BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION WHILE THE CAR WAS UP ON A LIFT.
Structure, Nov 1, 2016
DURING A RECENT OIL CHANGE, MY MECHANIC BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE FRONT SEAT FLOOR BOARDS WERE RUSTING ON BOTH THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE RUSTING AREAS LOOK ALMOST IDENTICAL. I RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002-2006 NISSAN ALTIMAS. THERE APPARENTLY HAVE BEEN A FEW CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS FILED AND SEVERAL TELEVISION REPORTS ON THE MATTER. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN; HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT A DEFECT. I DISCUSSED WITH A NEIGHBOR RECENTLY WHO ALSO OWNS A NISSAN ALTIMA BUILT IN THAT TIMEFRAME AND FOUND OUT THAT HE TOO RECENTLY DISCOVERED THE RUSTING FLOOR BOARD ISSUE. NISSAN TOLD ME THAT I LIVED IN A SALT STATE AND DID NOT KNOW HOW I MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE; HOWEVER, GIVEN THE HUNDREDS AND PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FILED, IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE TO BE DUE TO OWNER NEGLIGENCE. MY HOPE WAS THAT MY 15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THIS CAR ONCE SHE GETS HER LICENSE, BUT NOW I'M FACED WITH SPENDING THOUSANDS TO EITHER FIX THE ISSUE (WHICH MAY NOT BE FIXABLE GIVEN THAT RUST AREAS GROW) OR TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE IS CURRENTLY A HOLE THROUGH MY FLOOR BOARD AND IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN TO ME, ESPECIALLY IF MY DAUGHTER IS BEHIND THE WHEEL.
Structure, Oct 20, 2016
BOTH FLOOR PANELS RUSTED OUT. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. COST MORE TO FIX THAN WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH. I STILL OWE $4000 ON THE CAR AND IT'S NOW WORTH NOTHING. NISSAN DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT.
Structure, Oct 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE UNDER HIS FEET AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD WAS RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Structure, Engine, Oct 10, 2016
FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR RUSTED THROUGH, MAKING A BIG HOLE APPROXIMATELY 9IN WIDE BY 22IN LONG. ALSO ENGINE SHAKES WHILE STARTING VEHICLE AND SITTING IN IDLE IN BOTH GEAR AND NEUTRAL.
Structure, Sep 24, 2016
RUSTED FLOOR BOARD WITHIN 4 YEARS OF LIFE OF VEHICLE.
Structure, Sep 13, 2016
THE FLOORBOARDS HAVE RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH TO THE OUTSIDE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WITH NORMAL WEAR. WE HAVE JUST BEEN ALERTED TO THIS BY THE MECHANIC AND IT IS SO ADVANCED HE ADVISES WE DON'T USE THE CAR! REPAIRING IT IS PROBABLY MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH!
Structure, Sep 13, 2016
I HAVE OWNED A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA FOR THE LAST 6 YEARS THAT HAS 126,000 MILES ON IT. DURING A RECENT INSPECTION THE MECHANIC FOUND SEVERE RUSTING AND A SIGNIFICANT HOLE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR PAN; YOU COULD SEE THE INTERIOR CARPET FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE THE FLOOR HAS BEEN ERODING FOR QUITE SOME TIME. AFTER SEARCHING FOR THIS ISSUE ONLINE, I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN ALTIMAS FROM 2002 TO 2006 RELATING TO A FAULTY DESIGN IN A DRAIN (THOSE WERE A NISSAN REPS OWN WORDS). I'M FRUSTRATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING THIS KNOWN ISSUE. I'D HOPE THAT NISSAN CAN BE COMPELLED TO BE TRANSPARENT AND FORTHCOMING WITH KNOWN ISSUES WHICH MAY BE A RISK TO CUSTOMERS' SAFETY.
Structure, Sep 10, 2016
IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH OLDER ALTIMAS. APPARENTLY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FORMS A RUST PROBLEM WHICH CAN CAUSE ONE TO FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THE CAR. THE IMAGE I ATTACHED SHOWS THE FLOORBOARD NOT ONLY RUSTING BUT COMING OFF, AND I CAN PUSH ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CARPET FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR. NISSAN KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2008 AND HAS NOT OFFERED ANY OBVIOUS STATEMENTS NOR RECALLS. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR (FOR BOTH SIDE FLOORBOARD REPLACEMENT, IT CAN COST 3000)
Structure, Sep 10, 2016
EXCESSIVE RUSTING OF THE FLOORBOARDS. A GAPING HOLE IS IN THE FLOOR GOING THROUGH TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS IS FRUSTRATING BECAUSE THIS CAR HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AT HOME AND AT WORK.
Structure, Aug 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO SEVERE FRAME CORROSION. THE INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,980.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2016
FLOORBOARD RUSTING/ DRIVER SIDE FLOORBOARD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT HOLE HOLE APPROXIMATE SIZE 24 INCH WIDTH X 36 INCH LENGTH
Structure, Aug 11, 2016
FLOOR BOARD HAS RUSTED OUT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE.
Structure, Aug 9, 2016
I LOOKED UNDER MY CAR THIS EVENING AND FOUND A LARGE RUSTED OUT HOLE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD ALSO SEEMS TO BE RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
Structure, Aug 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE CORROSION ON THE FLOORBOARDS ACROSS THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE CORROSION, HOLES COULD BE SEEN THROUGH THE FLOORBOARDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED USING A PATCH KIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 10/07/16*LJ *TR
Structure, Jul 8, 2016
FLOOR PANS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I CAN PUSH MY HAND TROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND MOVE THE CARPET INSIDE. I KNOW THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. JUST ADDING MY CAR TO THE LIST.
Structure, Jun 25, 2016
MY FLOOR BOARDS ARE RUSTING OUT.
Structure, Jun 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE CHANGING THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CORROSION WAS ALSO APPARENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Structure, Jun 10, 2016
FLOORBOARD IS RUSTED THROUGH. NOTICED SOFT SPOT IN FLOOR ON DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE. LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND SAW A RUSTED HOLE APPROXIMATELY 8" X 16" IN SIZE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FLOORBOARD, AND SIGNS OF RUST STARTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD TOO. I DO NOT EXPECT THIS OF A NINE YEAR OLD VEHICLE, AND SUSPECT THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A WHILE. I CONTACTED NISSAN SUPPORT, I WAS ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO A NISSAN DEALER AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. THE DEALER ESTIMATED THE COST OF REPAIR TO BE AROUND $2150. I RECEIVED A FOLLOW UP CALL FROM NISSAN AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIR.
Structure, Jun 3, 2016
PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR RUSTED AWAY - ABOUT 16" X 8" DAMAGED AREA. MUST HAVE STARTED LONG AGO, BUT I ONLY CAUGHT IT RECENTLY AND TODAY I BEGAN TO TRY TO REPAIR IT, BUT THE DAMAGE IS MUCH WORSE THAN WHAT I COULD INITIALLY SEE. THIS IS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW WITH ALTIMAS IN THIS AGE RANGE, BUT NISSAN IS IGNORING.
Structure, May 12, 2016
THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE CARPET IS THE ONLY THING SEPARATING THE PASSENGER'S FEET FROM THE GROUND. THE HOLE IS 16 INCHES IN LENGTH. I SAW SOME SORT OF PLASTIC HANGING FROM THE AREA AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR, THE FLOORBOARD IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. WHEN I EXAMINED THE AREA WITH MY HAND, I FELT THE CARPET AND AM ABLE TO PUSH IT UP INTO THE FLOOR OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND DEFECT IN THE CAR. THIS HAS OBVIOUSLY BEEN RUSTING FOR SOME TIME NOW AND I DID NOT KNOW MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING OVER A GAPING WHOLE IN THE FLOOR AND IN DANGER FROM HER FEET FALLING THROUGH THE FLOOR OR SOMETHING POTENTIALLY PIERCING THROUGH AND INJURING HER.
Structure, May 11, 2016
WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE/TIRE ROTATION AND MECHANIC SAID THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS WERE ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH. CONTACTED NISSAN DEALER I PURCHASED CAR FROM, THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT THAT NISSAN HAS ISSUED A "SERVICE BULLETIN" ON HOW TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. COST OF REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR WAS IN EXCESS OF $3,000. DO NOT FEEL THAT A TEN YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD BE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. CAR HAS 170K MILES BUT OTHERWISE IS IN FLAWLESS CONDITION.
Structure, Apr 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE DETERIORATION AND CORROSION ON THE FLOORBOARDS. THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS HAD HOLES AND EXPOSED AREAS DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Apr 18, 2016
A HOLE HAS RUSTED THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD. JUST NOTICED IT TODAY 4/18/16.