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.
Engine, Apr 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A DEALER FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY REFILL THE VEHICLE WITH ENGINE OIL. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AIR FUEL SENSOR, AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Structure, Mar 30, 2016
DISCOVERED ROTTED FLOOR BOARDS. NISSAN HAS RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE AND RESEARCHED HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE.
Structure, Mar 23, 2016
VEHICLE EXHIBITS SERIOUS RUSTING OF FLOORBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT. THE VEHICLE IS IN GREAT CONDITION OTHERWISE (NO VISIBLE RUST ON BODY PANELS) AND THE REST OF THE UNDERBODY IS IN GREAT CONDITION (MINIMAL CORROSION, AS EXPECTED FOR VEHICLE OF ITS AGE). PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD IS NOTICEABLY SOFT ,AND RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FLOOR PAN IN ONE SPOT (YOU CAN PUT A FINGER THROUGH IT IF CARPET IS REMOVED). THIS IS UNEXPECTED AS THE FLOOR PAN IS COATED WITH A RUBBERIZED UNDERBODY PROTECTANT IN THIS AREA. THE FLOOR PAN MUST BE REPLACED IN THIS AREA, BUT NISSAN ONLY SELLS THE ENTIRE FLOOR PAN FOR THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS QUITE COSTLY. I AM DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I HAVE NO EVIDENCE WHICH INDICATES THIS ISSUE IS CAUSED BY ANY DAMAGE OR NEGLECT, IT SEEMS AS IF THIS IS DUE TO A COATING FAILURE OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Structure, Mar 22, 2016
I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA AND MY PASSAGER FLOORBOARDS ARE RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. ITS SEEMS THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THAT SAME ISSUE.
Engine, Mar 15, 2016
THE ENGINE GOES OFF SUDDENLY IN THE MID OF THE TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTION, DURING TAKING CURVES. THE CAR GOES OUT OF POWER, BRAKES AND STEERING LOSE COMPLETE POWER. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS ANY ONE CAN BACK END, HIT THE CAR, OR CAR CAN GO BACK ON RAMP OR CAN FALL OFF THE ROAD. IT CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME, NO ENGINE WARNING NO DIAGNOSTIC.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 15, 2016
WHEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE CAR SPEED SUDDENLY DROP TO BELOW 10 MILES PER HOUR. THIS HAPPENED TWICE: ONE WAS ON 03/14/2016, ANOTHER WAS TWO YEARS AGO. BOTH CASES HAPPENED ON LOCAL ROADS WITH SPEED LIMIT BELOW 50 MILES PER HOUR. I TURNED ON EMERGENCY LIGHT AND TRIED TO STOP THE CAR. TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND RESTARTED IT. THE CAR SPEED WAS BACK TO NORMAL.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 15, 2016
2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE ISSUES AND CRANKSHAFT SENSORS RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, WHILE DRIVING BELOW 30 MPH. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR HER MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. HOWEVER, SHE WAS INFORMED THE RECALL COVERED SPECIFIC VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS AND HERS WAS NOT INCLUDED/ *JB
Engine, Mar 12, 2016
TAKATA CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS. HAD BOTH OF THEM FAIL ON OUR ALTIMA IN PAST 2 YEARS AT THE COST OF $800. WHICH THE DEALER HAS MADE US PAY FOR. THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY LEAVE YOU STRANDED AND WILL NOT START AT ALL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON TOO. CALLED FOR TOWING BUT THEN CAR "MIRACULOUSLY STARTED" AFTER STRANDED FOR 1 HOUR IN DANGEROUS LOCATION. DROVE DIRECTLY TO DEALER. WHO RAN TESTS AND DECLARED SENSOR FAULTY. DEALER CLAIMS THE VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL... WELL I THINK SOMEONE NEEDS TO CHECK THE DETAILS ON THIS. OBVIOUSLY THEY MISSED ALL OF THE OTHER VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THESE FAULTY SENSORS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THE SAME TIME. VERY UNHAPPY CUSTOMER
Engine, Feb 24, 2016
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK IT IN FOR COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS & IT SHOWED CAM SHAFT SENSOR ALIGNMENT. I WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME THE LIGHT CAME ON.
Engine, Feb 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE A DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VIN WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,786.
Structure, Feb 3, 2016
THE FRONT FLOOR PANS HAVE RUSTTED AWAY AND PART OF THE FLOOR IS MISSING DUE TO RUSTING. NISSAN IS VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND OFFERED TO INSTALL A FLOOR FIX AT A COST OF $700.
Power train, Feb 1, 2016
I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR USED. FELT VIBRATION IN ENGINE WAS TOLD IT WAS A MOTOR MOUNT. CHECKED ON LINE BECAUSE CAR SHIFTING HARD 3 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE TO FIND OUT IT HAS TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT CAUSE MOTOR MOUNT WEAR AND TEAR AND REPLACEMENT AND MAY NEED TRANSMISSION REPLACED. NISSAN NEEDS TO FIX THIS ISSUE
Structure, Jan 25, 2016
NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, A LARGE RUST HOLE UNDERNEATH PASSENGER SIDE FLOORMAT. PLASTIC LINER TORN AND CARPET VISIBLE FROM UNDERNEATH CAR. AFFECTED AREA IS BETWEEN 14-20". PASSENGER FOOT COULD POTENTIALLY FALL THROUGH FLOOR OF THE CAR WHILE IN MOTION.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2016
CRANKSHIFT SENSOR FAILURE CAUSES CAR TO JERK AND THEN SHUT DOWN WITHOUT ANY NOTICE AN WARNING. SEVERAL 100S OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND 2006 MODELS HAD RECALLS BUT SPECIAL EDITIONS WERE NOT INCLUDED. IT IS SO UNSAFE AND VARIOUS PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN CLOSE TO HORRIBLE ACCIDENTS DUE TO IT. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE!
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2016
MELTING DASHBOARD. IT HINDERING ME TO SEE THE ROAD CLEARLY
Wheels, Jan 13, 2016
WE PURCHASED AFFINITY TOURING FROM FIRESTONE IN GREENWOOD SC- 135805 P215/55R17 93T 70,000 MILE TIRES ON 7/19/14 WE HAD THEM ROTATED EVERY 6000-7000 MILES AND THE TIRES HAVE ONLY GOTTEN 25000 MILES ON THEM AND THEY HAVE NO TREAD HARDLY AT ALL ON ALL FOUR OF THEM AND THEY HAVE A VERY HARD BUMP AND ROAR GOING LESS THAN 35MPH, THE TIRES ROAD WELL FOR THE FIRST WEEK OR TWO THEN BECAME ROUGH RIDING TIRES CAUSING THE CAR TO BOUNCE REALLY HARD ABOVE 45MPH
Engine, Jan 7, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE THAT WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, BLACK SMOKE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NO FLAMES WERE VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PISTON HAD FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V223000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.
Structure, Jan 7, 2016
I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE I WAS SMELLING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF EXHAUST IN THE CAR CABIN WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED. THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED A RUST HOLE IN MY EXHAUST JUST PAST THE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER, BUT MORE TROUBLING WAS TWO HUGE HOLES IN THE FLOOR BOARDS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. EACH RUST HOLE IS APPROXIMATELY 12 INCHES LONG X 4 INCHES WIDE AND THE PADDING AN CARPET CAN CLEARLY BE SEEN FROM UNDERNEATH. EVEN AFTER EXHAUST IS FIXED I AM STILL AT GREAT RISK OF ROAD DEBRIS AND MOISTURE ENTERING THE CABIN FROM BENEATH THE CAR. THIS CAR IS JUST 10 YEARS OLD AND THE REST OF THE BODY IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH LITTLE TO NO RUST. I LIVE IN A SALT BELT STATE BUT OTHER CARS OF THE SAME AGE DON'T SEEM TO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. I'VE LEARNED THROUGH MEDIA AND WEB THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 - 2006 NISSAN ALTIMAS. I CONSIDER THESE HOLES TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN AND MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN.
Structure, Jan 6, 2016
I HAVE EXPERIENCED MANY RUST ISSUES WITH MY 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. BY FAR THE WORST IS THE RISK OF MY FEET GOING THROUGH THE FLOORMAT DUE TO RUST OF THE FLOORBOARDS. IT IS EXPERIENCED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, AS WELL AS A SLIGHT RUST OF THE PASSENGERS SIDE. I FEAR THAT I AM IN HARM AND CAN NOT AFFORD THE REPAIR TO MAKE SURE I AM SAFE IN MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN USING MY CAR LIGHTLY FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS
Power train, Jan 6, 2016
VEHICLE IS VIOLENTLY SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR. TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO FAIL. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 91,000 MILES.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" I NEED TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST NISSAN FOR THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS, FIRST IS THE PAINT IN MY CAR. I JUST PURCHASED MY CAR 2 YEARS AGO AT A DEALER AND THE CARS PAINT AND CLEAR IS FADING AND MY CAR LOOKS UGLY, I HAVE QUOTED AT A PAINT BODY SHOP AND THEY TRYING TO CHARGE $800 OR MORE. I AM STILL PAYING THIS CAR AND DON'T APPRECIATE THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS A DEFECT FROM THE COMPANY. THE HEADLIGHT ARE AWFUL AND I CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT OR SPECIALLY IN THE RAIN AND AFRAID TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.
Structure, Dec 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN EXTENSIVE PREMATURE RUSTING ON THE FLOOR BOARDS OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION HOLES THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HOLES HAD TO BE COVERED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS. THE DIAGNOSIS AND IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Structure, Dec 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD HAD EXTENSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOOR BOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Dec 14, 2015
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT FLOOR BOARDS ARE RUSTED THROUGH. CAR ONLY HAS 105,000 MILES.
Structure, Dec 11, 2015
I WAS TOLD WHILE HAVING SERVICE AT NISSAN THAT BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR BOARDS WERE ROTTING AWAY, AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT MY OIL PAN WAS RUSTING OUT. THIS SHOULD OF BEEN A RECALL!!!!!!