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
824 reports, newest first.
Structure, Mar 20, 2017
EXTREME RUST OF FLOORBOARDS. ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE, A 12"X24" AREA OF THE FLOORS ARE COMPLETELY GONE, WITH ONLY THE VEHICLE CARPET REMAINING. THIS IS MAJOR, WIDESPREAD SAFETY HAZARD ACROSS THE NISSAN PRODUCT LINE IN EARLY 2000S MODEL YEAR VEHICLES AND HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ONLINE, IN PRINT, AND ON TV. IT'S A TRAVESTY THAT NHTSA HAS FAILED TO GIVE THIS ISSUE THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES AND FORCE NISSAN TO DO THE RIGHT THING IN ISSUING A RECALL. SO MANY OF THESE VEHICLES ARE STILL ON THE ROAD! THERE IS NO RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON OUR VEHICLE; CLEARLY THIS IS A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN FLAW. WE NOTICED THE RUST FOR THE FIRST TIME SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WHEN WE WERE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE.
Steering, Mar 11, 2017
MY 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA'S ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK MALFUNCTIONED AND MY GIRLFRIEND AND I WERE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW STORM. WE HAD TO CALL TRIPLE A TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AFTER WAITING FOR 2 HOURS IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN IN THE YEARS LEADING UP TO WHEN IT OCCURRED. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. WE THEN PAID $1191.50 TO HAVE THIS FIXED AND ENDED UP MISSING A DAY OF WORK. IN FURTHER READING, I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THERE WAS A PERIOD OF TIME WHERE OWNERS COULD HAVE THIS FIXED. NEITHER THE DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM OR THE DEALER THAT SERVICES THE CAR INFORMED ME OF THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Mar 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SENSORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 05/05/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 10/12/2017*JS
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 18, 2017
THE VEHICLE THREW A CODE FOR THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR HAD THAT REPLACED THEN THE VEHICLE THREW A CODE FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. MIDAS REPLACED TWO OF THEM STILL COULD NOT CLEAR THE CODE. THE VEHICLE WILL START IN DRIVE BUT IT WILL SPUTTER WHILE STOPPED LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL. WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A STOP THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET STARTED AGAIN.
Air bags, Feb 11, 2017, crash
I WAS LEAVING A NAIL SALON PARKING LOT AND A TRUCK RAMMED INTO THE FRONT OF MY CAR POLICE WERE CALLED I GOT HIT PRETTY GOOD NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED I HIT MY FAVE ON THE WHEEL ARE OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM IN ACCIDENTS
Engine, Feb 8, 2017
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ENGINE DAMAGE CAN OCCUR AND IN EXTREME CASES RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE. I HAVE TO REPLACED ENGINE AND I STILL HAVING ISSUES SPED OVER $5000 IN REPAIRS. *TR
Structure, Jan 19, 2017
RUST FLOOR, HOLES.
Structure, Jan 11, 2017
EXTREME RUST AND CORROSION OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR PANEL AND FRAME. RUSTED AREA IS ABOUT 3' X 1'. RUST HAS EXPOSED THE INSULATION UNDER THE CARPET; THERE IS NO METAL REMAINING IN A 4" X 6" AREA. METAL AROUND THIS IS VERY THIN. I AM CONCERNED THAT TOO MUCH PRESSURE FROM MY FOOT WILL CAUSE LARGER AREA TO COLLAPSE. ESTIMATE TO REPAIR AT A BODY SHOP IS ABOUT $1,400. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS LONGER THAN THIS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A FRAME OR UNDERSIDE RUST LIKE THIS. IT IS SURELY A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE IF MY FEET GO THROUGH THE HOLE OR A PIECE OF ROAD DEBRIS PENETRATES THE CARPET.
Engine, Jan 9, 2017
DELAYED ACCELERATION AT FIRST BUT NOW HAS TROUBLE GETTING IN THIRD AND WILL NOT GO INTO FOURTH. CAR SHAKES AND MAKES LOUD NOISES WITH ANY ACCELERATION. RIDES ROUGH AND BURNS OIL. PROBLEM STARTED IN MOTION CROSSING A LARGE BRIDGE.
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.
Structure, Dec 2, 2016
IT HAS RECENTLY COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE FLOOR PANS OF MY CAR HAVE RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT WHERE MY FOOT COULD GO THROUGH THE FLOOR PAN. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO GET A SAFETY INSPECTION IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, MY CAR HAS FAILED INSPECTION AND CANNOT PASS UNTIL THESE HAZARDOUS HOLES ARE FIXED ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE DUE TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED IN REGARDS TO THIS MATTER. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE OF THIS ISSUE. AGAIN, THIS IS A REOCCURRING ISSUE AMONG NISSAN ALTIMAS, SPECIFICALLY THE YEARS 2002-2006. I AM NOW REQUIRED TO PAY AT LEAST $500 TO REPAIR AN ISSUE THAT IS OUT OF MY CONTROL. THERE IS NO WAY THAT I CAN STOP RUST FROM OCCURRING. THESE CARS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE DRIVEN BECAUSE EXHAUST FUMES CAN ENTER THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS A FOOT GOING THROUGH THE HOLES. IT IS UNETHICAL OF NISSAN TO ALLOW THESE VEHICLES TO STILL BE DRIVEN KNOWING THAT THIS IS A REOCCURRING ISSUE.
Air bags, Nov 30, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND VEERING LEFT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
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.
Structure, Nov 22, 2016
THE FLOORBOARDS ARE RUSTED OUT BELOW THE FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER FEET. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE I'LL HAVE TWO LARGE HOLES. SURFACE RUST OR WHEEL ARCH RUST IS ONE THING, BUT STRUCTURAL ROTTING FOR A CAR THAT'S 10 YEARS OLD IS EXCESSIVE.
Power train, Nov 14, 2016
MY 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS STARTED TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION SLIP. IT JERKS VERY HARD WHEN ACCELERATING. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
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.
Engine, Oct 15, 2016
THE MOTOR STARTED MAKING NOISE A WEEK OR SO AGO. THE TIMING CHAIN HAS BECOME LOOSE DUE TO FAULTY PARTS INSTALLED MY NISSAN. THE GUIDES FOR THE CHAIN BREAK WHICH CAUSES THE TENSIONERS TO FAIL AND THEN THE CHAIN GETS LOOSE AND BOUNCES AROUND THE HOUSING. NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND TRIED TO HIDE IT AND SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND FORCED TO REPAIR THEIR FAULTY WORK.
Power train, Oct 12, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: WHILE DRIVING, IT SHUTTERS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR (APROX 20 MPH). SOUNDS AND FEELS AWFUL! PARKED IT, AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT SINCE.
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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 6, 2016
CRANKSHAFT SENSOR IS BAD CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL AT ANY TIME - EVEN AT HIGH SPEEDS. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD AS WELL AS ON AN INTERSTATE CAUSING THE CAR TO BE DIFFICULT TO STEER TO GET OFF THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME AND COMPUTER SAYS THAT ITS THE CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT SENSOR THAT NEEDS REPLACING.
Engine, Sep 26, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PRIOR TO TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS REMEDIED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.