NISSAN ALTIMA · model year

2006 NISSAN ALTIMA

1043 NHTSA complaints, 58 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006NISSANALTIMA carries 1043 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 58 crashes, 18 fires, 70 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 ALTIMA is structure:body with 179 filings, followed by engine (166) and engine and engine cooling (137). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2006 ALTIMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1043
Complaints
58
Crashes
18
Fires
70
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

1043 filings

Crashes Reported

58 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STRUCTURE:BODY179
ENGINE166
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING137
UNKNOWN OR OTHER64
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM62
POWER TRAIN46
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE38
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL37
AIR BAGS34
STRUCTURE25
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM24
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)21
STEERING15
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION15
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS12

Recalls (4)

07E08700025/10/2007

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

06V22300021/06/2006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.

07V52700014/11/2007

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

06V04600013/02/2006

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Recent Complaints

20251104SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the brakes, brake pads, or brake rotors were replaced every year to a year and a half. The contact became aware of the failure while depressing the brake pedal with an abnormal, grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially serviced at a dealer; however, due to the recurring brake failure, the contact suspected that the dealer might have intentionally caused the frequent brake failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic once the failure returned; however, the vehicle experienced the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Mileage: 10,000

20251009FUEL/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 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.

20251009ENGINE

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.

20251009ELECTRICAL 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 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.

20250414VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Cvtc transmission stalls almost got my kids and my pregnant daughter hit I bought the car only 2 months ago

20250414SUSPENSION

Cvtc transmission stalls almost got my kids and my pregnant daughter hit I bought the car only 2 months ago

20250414POWER TRAIN

Cvtc transmission stalls almost got my kids and my pregnant daughter hit I bought the car only 2 months ago

20250305AIR BAGS

Me and my fiancé had just picked the kids up from my mom’s. Got about 2 miles down the road and all of a sudden i heard a loud boom and a flash of light like a shot gun had went off in my ear. When I heard the boom my left side from my face to my hip felt like I had been hit. At the same time it happen with me it happen on the passenger side where my fiancé was sitting. I was able To pull to the side of the rd. I got out call law enforcement and looked around my car and it had not been hit so I open my door to get my kids out and that’s when I seen it was the airbags . They exploded and the reason I didn’t notice them when I got out of the car is because they was not inflated they had exploded. There is a huge hole in the top of each side air bag, it busted the inside of my passenger side door and threw shrapnel over to my driver side dash. He and I both are hurting on the side the airbags went off and he has a artificial hip on the side it hit him so I’m hoping it didn’t

20240610FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel gauge stopped working. Fuel gauge shows full all the time. Error code is P0462. Mechanic replaced fuel pump module assembly and this did not fix the problem. Check engine light is on and will not go off and the code will not clear.

20240305ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 105,000

20231202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I started my vehicle, as usual, and when driving at a very slow speed (neighborhood speed limits) I approached a very busy intersection and the car just stopped. Not only did it stop, it would not steer and a bunch of warning lights came on the dashboard. Tav I believe, oil, check engine light. Even with the key in the acc mode, the power steering was not functioning. Everything just stopped functioning. I know this vehicle was recalled for the same exact thing back in 2008, but obviously it wasn't permanently fixed. Recall #07v-527. If I would have been in the middle of an intersection and this happened I could have been killed.

20231202POWER TRAIN

I started my vehicle, as usual, and when driving at a very slow speed (neighborhood speed limits) I approached a very busy intersection and the car just stopped. Not only did it stop, it would not steer and a bunch of warning lights came on the dashboard. Tav I believe, oil, check engine light. Even with the key in the acc mode, the power steering was not functioning. Everything just stopped functioning. I know this vehicle was recalled for the same exact thing back in 2008, but obviously it wasn't permanently fixed. Recall #07v-527. If I would have been in the middle of an intersection and this happened I could have been killed.

20231202VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I started my vehicle, as usual, and when driving at a very slow speed (neighborhood speed limits) I approached a very busy intersection and the car just stopped. Not only did it stop, it would not steer and a bunch of warning lights came on the dashboard. Tav I believe, oil, check engine light. Even with the key in the acc mode, the power steering was not functioning. Everything just stopped functioning. I know this vehicle was recalled for the same exact thing back in 2008, but obviously it wasn't permanently fixed. Recall #07v-527. If I would have been in the middle of an intersection and this happened I could have been killed.

20230926ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed at approximately 30 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed by the dealer that there was no assistance available. The contact was not made aware of the diagnosis. The contact was informed by the dealer of NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 209,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Mileage: 209,000

20230707CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while exiting the highway, the contact lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree, causing several damages to the front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy, causing several injuries to the contact's right eye, cuts, and bruises to the left side of the contact's body. The contact sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.

Mileage: 210,000

20230425ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 200,000

20230425STEERING

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.

Mileage: 200,000

20230405ENGINE

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

20230405ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20230207ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 217,636

Compare 2006NISSANALTIMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA have?
The 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA has 1043 NHTSA complaints, 58 crashes, 18 fires, 70 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA?
Yes, the 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA?
The most-complained component for the 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA is STRUCTURE:BODY with 179 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Is the 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.