← New search

2006 Nissan Altima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Altima years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Nissan Altima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

652 reports with mileage · 172 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 221 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 189 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 166 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

43 crash reports14 fire reports34 injury reports

Engine complaints

166 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I have replaced the water pump, the belt, the thermostats, the rotors, the brakes, the fuel pump, the evap vent valve solenoid, the spark plugs, and fuel injectors and my car is STILL throwing the codes P-0462 and P-447. I've checked the wires and they are good. My car keeps misfiring and stalling now and my fuel pump doesn't ha…

Read full complaint

I have replaced the water pump, the belt, the thermostats, the rotors, the brakes, the fuel pump, the evap vent valve solenoid, the spark plugs, and fuel injectors and my car is STILL throwing the codes P-0462 and P-447. I've checked the wires and they are good. My car keeps misfiring and stalling now and my fuel pump doesn't have a fuel level sensor. The float bar is brand new as well as the fuel pump. And my dashboard speedometer is 10 miles off. I've tried everything and it's still throwing the same codes.

NHTSA ODI #11692456

105,000 miles · Mar 5, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle began emitting white smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool off and added oil to the engine and the smoke subsided. The contact bec…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle began emitting white smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool off and added oil to the engine and the smoke subsided. The contact became aware of oil around the bumper of the vehicle. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, oil had to be added often for the vehicle to operate as intended. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The dealer confirmed there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #11575612

200,000 miles · Apr 25, 2023
EngineSteering

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's sister turned off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling, multiple attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. Th…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's sister turned off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling, multiple attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that an oil change was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #11518959

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

The crankshaft or camshaft sensor has went out which causes it to stall or immediately die, which is a safety hazard yes the check engine light was on

NHTSA ODI #11515684

217,636 miles · Feb 7, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence of the contact's friend. The dealer was notified of …

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence of the contact's friend. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact there was no record that the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,636.

NHTSA ODI #11506071

Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

Vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption. I had to replace rack and pinion steering and vehicle is using excessive amounts of power steering fluid. I purchased both headlight assemblies due to not being able to align properly.

NHTSA ODI #11489231

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

The car won't start

NHTSA ODI #11443410

Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineSteeringFire

Last year i had the same issues with my 2003 nissan sentra gxe that i am now facing with my 2006 nissan altima. The serpentine belt comes off because of the harmonic balance and this ones ac clutch locked up and is wobbling plus my transmission acts irratic snd the starter csused the cwr to stall and catch fire! Th3 stress and a…

Read full complaint

Last year i had the same issues with my 2003 nissan sentra gxe that i am now facing with my 2006 nissan altima. The serpentine belt comes off because of the harmonic balance and this ones ac clutch locked up and is wobbling plus my transmission acts irratic snd the starter csused the cwr to stall and catch fire! Th3 stress and agony of dpending all my savings fixing the car to end up stuck anyways and this is ongoing problems that keep reoccuring in all piece of sh** nissans and they want more money id like to file a lawsuit ! #BOYCOTT NISSAN

NHTSA ODI #11431146

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineSuspension

THE REAR SUSPENSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING THE WHEEL WILL SCRAPE AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. YOU CAN'T FIT MORE THE TWO PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THE TWO FRONT EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS DON'T PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO EVEN SEE THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. ITS EXTREMELY LOW/DENSE LIGHTING EVEN AFTER CHANGIN…

Read full complaint

THE REAR SUSPENSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING THE WHEEL WILL SCRAPE AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. YOU CAN'T FIT MORE THE TWO PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THE TWO FRONT EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS DON'T PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO EVEN SEE THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. ITS EXTREMELY LOW/DENSE LIGHTING EVEN AFTER CHANGING OUT THE BULBS. THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM. I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY, WAIT, TURN IT AGAIN, WAIT FOR THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS TO COME ON, THEN FINALLY THE CAR WILL START. THE POWER TRAIN GEAR CONTROL IS ANOTHER WAITING GAME. TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, I FIRST HAVE TO SLOWLY SHIFT THOUGH EACH GEAR BEFORE FINALLY PUTTING INTO DRIVE. ONCE I DO PUT IT INTO DRIVE THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY JOLT FORWARD BEFORE I'M ABLE TO START DRIVING THE CAR. I RECENTLY HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED CAUSE IT JUST STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION AND STRUGGLED TO START UP AGAIN. IT FINALLY DID, BUT IT COULDN'T DRIVE OVER 1ST GEAR. I HAD TO TOW THE CAR HOME. ALSO, FEW YRS BACK I HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED CAUSE THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT WOULD ALSO NOT START UP AGAIN IF I HAD JUST TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. IT NEEDED TIME TO COOL OFF BEFORE RESTARTING FOR ME. AND AS OF THIS MOMENT, THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN. THIS TIME IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. WHILE IT'S IDLING, IT'S MAKING A VERY LOUD CLUNKING SOUND. IT'S JUST NEVER ENDING WITH THIS CAR. I KNOW THERE WERE MANY RECALLS ON THE ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND REAR SUSPENSION BUT I NEVER GOT THE NOTICES.

NHTSA ODI #11361576

150,000 miles · Jun 17, 2020
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CLUTCH CEASED DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CLUTCH CEASED DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, A YEAR AND A HALF LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #11329417

Official recalls

3

07V527000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

06V223000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

06V046000 · Suspension:rear

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Nissan Altima problems