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: other or unspecified
64 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2021
WHEN I LIFT MY CAR (NISSAN ALTIMA 2006 ) AT THE MECHANIC TO DO REPAIR JOB , I DISCOVERED A HUGE RUST HOLE AT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SITE AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR , I SHOCKED , IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN , FOR ME AND FOR MY FAMILY . THE RUST IS DEEP , WIDE AND PENETRATING , MY MECHANIC ADVICE ME TO SELL IT OF ANY PRICE BUT I DONT WANT TO SELL IT FOR ANY ONE , BECAUSE I HAVE A FAITHFUL CONSCIOUS , AND MORALS , I BEILEVE IN KARMA , I WOULD NOT DO IT FOR ANY BODY , EVEN THE CAR HAS ONLY 71,600 MILES , I DONT DRIVE IT ALOT , BUT FROM NOW ON , I AM NOT WILLING TO DRIVE IT AT ALL , OR LET MT DAUGHTERS GET IN THIS CAR FOR A VERY SERIOUS SAFTY CONCERNS , A HUGE RUST IN THE FLOOR .
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2020
ON APRIL 27, 2020, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY @ABOUT 70MPH AND MY CAR JUST SHUT IT SELF OFF, I TRIED TO CRANK IT OVER AND OVER AND WOULDNT STARTBACK UP BEFORE I HAD TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD NO WARNING OR NOTHING. IT WOULDNT START BACK UP UNTIL HOURS LATER AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. WHEN I SAY HRS I'M MEANING ATLEAST 6HRS. ON APRIL 28TH 2020 I WENT TO START MY CAR AGAIN THIS MORNING AND IT WOULDNT START AGAIN. I HAVENT TRIED IT SINCE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT CAN BE THE CRANKSENOR I DID A TOTAL RECALL ON MY CAR AND IT SAIDS THERE IS A RECALL ON IT BUT NOT FOR MY CAR.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2019
BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON 9/19/2018. PRIOR TO COMPLETING THE SERVICE THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS RUSTING UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE. I COULDN'T PICTURE WHAT THEY WERE DESCRIBING SO I ASKED TO SEE AND I TOOK A PICTURE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I WAS INFORMED BY SOMEONE ELSE (NOT NISSAN) THAT THIS HAS BEEN A LONG STANDING ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL & YEAR (2006). IT POTENTIALLY COULD AFFECT MY SUSPENSION/STEERING AND ALSO CAUSE A PASSENGER TO FALL THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. I FOUND OUT THAT THEY EVEN SENT OUT A 13 PAGE ILLUSTRATED BULLETIN TITLED "FLOOR PANEL REPAIR" ON 7/6/2015 TO THE DEALERS ABOUT A KIT THEY DEVELOPED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM; YET, THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL. JUST TODAY, 12/11/19, I INCIDENTALLY FOUND OUT MY PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP HAS HAD NUMEROUS CASES FOR THE NISSAN PATHFINDER. UNSURE OF WHAT YEAR(S) BUT IT WAS A HUGE ISSUE AND THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A RECALL IN THOSE INSTANCES. THERE IS A HISTORY OF THIS WITH ALTIMAS 2002-2006 & MAXIMAS 2004-2008. I'VE ATTACHED A COPY OF THE BULLETIN. BUT WHAT MADE MATTERS WORSE WAS BETWEEN 1/9/19-3/20/19 THERE WERE A NUMBER OF SEVERE POTHOLES ON NJ 95 SOUTH OF WHICH KNOCKED MY SUSPENSION/STEERING OFF. (55-60MPH). IT FELT LIKE ALL OF THE WHEELS WERE COMING OFF. THIS ADDS TO THE RISK THE ERRODING PANEL LEADING TO THE AXLES, OTHER SUSPENSION, ETC. POSES & COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2019
I TOOK MY 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA TO THE SHOP TO PURCHASE TIRES AND UPON PUTTING THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT, THE MECHANIC CALLED ME BACK TO SHOW ME A GAPING HOLE ON BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE CARPET WERE LIFTED, YOU COULD SEE THROUGH TO THE ROAD ON BOTH SIDES. BOTH FLOORBOARD PANELS WERE RUSTED INCREDIBLY BADLY. AT ANY TIME MY DOG OR GRANDCHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I AM UNAWARE OF HOW LONG THE HOLES HAVE BEEN THERE BUT JUDGING FROM THE SEVERITY OF THE RUST, I WOULD SAY IT HAS BEEN 5+ YEARS SINCE THEY STARTED RUSTING. IT WAS HUGE GAPING HOLES, SO MUCH SO THAT I BOUGHT A NEW CAR.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 23, 2019
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY ENGINE TWICE, MY EMERGENCY BREAKS STOPPED WORKING AND THE I THINK IT'S CALLED THE TRANSMISSION BUT ANYWAYS MY CAR TENDS TO JERK AND HESITATES TO CRANK SOMETIMES. I HAVE HAD MY STARTER LOOKED AT AND REPLACED AND ALSO BATTERY BUT IT STILL HAPPENS. I HAVE HAD THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS LOOK INTO IT AND THE COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2019
NISSAN NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP FOR THEIR HORRIBLE VCT TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE AN ALTIMA AND TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT ON ME. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND THERE IS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH TYE SAME ISSUE!!! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON CVT TRANSMISSIONS AS THEY ARENT MENT TO BE PUT ON CARS AND NISSAN KNOWS THIS! NOW IM BEING TOLD IT COST THOUSANDS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. FOR WHAT FOR ANOTHER CRAPPY TRANSMISSION WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS. RECALL NOW!!!
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2019
TAKATA RECALL THE CAR USES EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL AND GETS POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE CAR ALSO HAS SLIPPING TRANSMISSION AT TIMES WHEN EXCELERATING. SUSPENSION IS ALSO AN ISSUE.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2017, crash
ALL INCIDENTS IN PARKING LOTS DURING MANUVERING INTO OR OUT OF PARKING SPACES. THROTTLE GOES WIDEOPEN, CAR LURCHES FORWARD OR BACKWARD, COMPLETELY OUT OF DRIVER CONTROL FOR APPROX. 10 TO 15 SECONDS.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2017
TOOK MY CAR FOR INSPECTION WAS INFORMED THE FLOORBOARDS ARE ROTTED AND CANNOT PASS INSPECTION UNTIL THEY ARE REPLACED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2017
SEVERE OIL SEAL LEAKAGE, LEAVES A HUGE PUDDLE ON GROUND AFTER DRIVING, OR PARKED.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 17, 2017
2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE FIRE AFTER ENGINE REPAIRS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH ANY REPAIRS. ALONG WITH THE ENGINE, THE HORN ALSO FAILED. UPDATED 08/17/2017*JS
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2017
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR / CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS ...I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE AND ESPECIALLY ON A HIGHWAYS... MANUFACTURER FAILURE...
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 13, 2017
TAKATA RECALL MY CAR GIVES ME A HEADACHE WHEN IM DRIVING ITS SMELLS WIERD.AND THE AIR DOES NOT STAY COLD MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WONT STAT OFF PLEASE HELP MY BRAKES FEEL WIERD WHEN I RIDE THEY FEEL LIKE THEY DONT WANT TO STOP AND ITS LED IN THIS CAR ITS UNSAFE FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN AND MY SON BLEEDS OUT HIS NOSE WHEN HE RIDES IN THE CAR
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2017
WAS TOLD NEED TO REPLACE CRANK AND CAM SENSOR. FOUND ARTICLE ON WEBSITE OF A RECALL. WHY IS IT ONLY CERTAIN CARS. WHY IS MY CAR NOT ELIGIBLE? NISSAN DEALER SAID WOULD COST $825.00 PLUS TAX THAT'S INSANE. PLEASE HELP ME!
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2017
DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR RUSTING OUT~YOU CAN SEE UNDERNEATH THE CAR THRU THE GAS LATCH AREA. I JUST NOTICED IT WHEN I GOT IN AND THE FLOOR FELT FLEXIBLE, WHEN I LOOKED, THE FLOOR'S GONE NEAR THE LEFT REAR SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S AREA.
Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2017
WHEN DRIVING MY CAR CLOSE 65 MILES THERE IS LIKE A SMALL CUT OF OF POWER THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON , I PUT THE OBD SCANNER AND FOUND THAT THE EMC, ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE NEEDS REPROGRAMED, AND THE CPS CRANSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY... I READ THAT SOME NISSAN WHERE UNDER RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT DEALER DO NOT WANT TO TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID IS NOT UNDER RECALL.I READ THAT THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR CAN TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 30, 2017
NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 07V-527 SUMMARY THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2017
THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FOR SOME 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA'S. MY CAR HAS CONTINUALLY NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS LIST BUT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS EQUIPMENT. 2 YEARS AGO I REPLACED THAT SENSOR AND RESET THE CRANKSHAFT POS AND REPROGRAMED THE ECM. NOW AGAIN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT IS THE SAME SENSOR THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND YET I AM STILL NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THIS DEFECT. I AM SURE THAT OTHER INDIVIDUALS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. MY CAR ALSO CONSUMES OIL AT AN IRREGULAR PACE, WHICH IS ANOTHER RECALL, YET MY CAR IS NOT ON THAT RECALL EITHER.
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2016
I HAVE AN 6" WIDE X 15" LONG HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR. (IN THE FLOOR BOARD) MY FRIEND ALMOST PUT HER FOOT THROUGH IT. I AM A WIDOW AND THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED IT WHEN DOING AN OIL CHANGE. TRADE IN VALUE BAD AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. DEALER SENT ME TO NISSAN AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE #, BUT QUESTIONING WHY THERE WASN'T A RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2016
DRIVER AND PASSENGER FLOOR PANELS RUSTED OUT. SAFETY ISSUE. CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. RESEARCH INDICATES THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM...WELL KNOWN TO NISSAN. NISSAN MANAGEMENT UNRESPONSIVE AND UNCOOPERATIVE.
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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2016
JUST LIKE WITH OTHER NISSAN RECALLS. MY CAN SHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS BAD AND IS CAUSING MY CAR TO DIE/QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING IT
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2016
AT AROUND 65K MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL EVEN THOUGH I HAD REPLACED THE FLUID TWICE BY THAT MILEAGE AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER I HAD AND EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THE DEALER SAID IS WAS A BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT BUT IT WAS NOT TO TOO SOON AFTER THAT MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO BANG ALOT AND KEEP READING ONLINE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION AND NOW AROUND 90K THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY FAILED.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 9, 2016, fire
"TAKING RECALL"I GOT A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA WHEN I LOOK UNDER THE COVER I SAW THE CONNECTORS THAT GOES TO SPARK PLUG MELTED BY OVER HEAT (SMALL FIRE)MY ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IT READ SENSOR ONE TIME CRANKSHAFT NEXT TIME UP AND DOWN STREAM SENSOR LOT OF DIFFERENT READINGS WHICH IS NOT SAFE FOR ROAD WHICH MAY LEAD TO ACCIDENT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2016
THE FLOORBOARDS ARE RUSTING. PIECES HAVE BEEN FALLING FROM BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE.