KnownCarProblems2006 Nissan Altima Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 824 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Nissan Altima, most often about the engine (43% of complaints, typically around 84,000 miles). It is 9th of 27 Altima model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2006 Nissan Altima problems
Engine
352 complaints · 43%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
: the contact stated a NHTSA recall letter #06v223000, regarding the engine and engine cooling system was received. The dealer was contacted for an appointment, and informed that the repairs would take all day. The contact was refused a loaner vehicle by both the dealer and the manufacturer. The recall letter…
Tl contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. While idling in traffic, the engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. Several days later, the battery warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled again. The dealer stated that the crank shaft position sensor overheated.…
Body and structure
221 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 100,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
So after my husband replaced a faulty brake caliper on the left rear of my Altima he proceeded to rotate the tires. It was then he discovered my driver side floor pan completely rusted out. We had been noticing a "wet car" smell on occasion, but I would never have imagined this. I am so disgusted. To beat it all…
2006 Nissan Altima - car has been kept in very good condition - exterior is in flawless condition with no rust visible. Do not be fooled - the floor boards under the drivers side and passengers side are extremely rusted out. Took in car to Nissan dealership for service to replace water pump and was informed about…
Transmission
79 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 55,500 miles. Parts named most often: manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch assembly, driveline.
2006 Nissan Altima ser. When driving the clutch sinks. Several pumps will get it back in order. Also at times on a cold start it doesn't feel like the clutch disengages completely.
Attempted to shift and clutch pedal sank to floor and would not return, clutch did not disengage. Made it very difficult to get car out of gear, and impossible to reengage gear. Luckily was able to coast to a stop without accident. Dealer reported failed clutch line / master cylinder LED to loss of fluid & inability…
Electrical
72 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, instrument cluster/panel, 12v/24v/48v battery.
I have had the car for 9 years and have been locked out the vehicle, the alternator had to be replaced because the car shut down 1 month ago. The car has been shutting down for 4 yrs when the weather changes. I just discovered a whole in the bottom of the driver side ground. Due to rust there is a whole in the bottom…
While driving at low speed such as in a traffic jam or approaching a corner/light the vehicle shuts off, restarts but progressively gets harder over time. Called Nissan.com was told to take to Nissan dealer who updated computer, still happens called again and told to take again however this time they charged me almost…
Other or unspecified
64 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 102,000 miles.
The floor board on the drivers side is rusted out. About the size of 12"x12".I have checked on line and this seems to be a problem with 2002-2006 Nissan Altima. This is a unsafe issue. Why has Nissan not corrected this problem?this was a issue years ago with cars. The metal must be of very poor quality.
While driving my 2006 Altima on 6/8/15 for a few minutes after starting it when it had been parked for more than 12 hours, the car stalled. It restarted and I continued to drive. The following day, this occurred again exactly the same. Then the next day, the car stalled again after the car had been sitting only a few…
Air bags
43 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 93,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
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…
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the front passenger seat occupant sensor failed to detect when there was a passenger occupying the seat and the air bag indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer advised that the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The…
Speed control
38 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control.
I was driving on the freeway in texas going 70 miles an hour on cruise control then two unexpected jerks in the engine happened and loss of speed and the service engine soon light came on.
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…
Fuel system
32 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage.
While driving on the i95 the car shut off and would not restart at 55mph. Thank god, I did not get into an accident and was able to coast over to the guardrail. I had to have my car towed to my mechanic that informed me it appeared to be the crankshaft sensor and said since it was a recall item I should have it…
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred 4,000 miles later. The vehicle…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 Nissan Altima recalls
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 1-8
Full defect summary
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines may experience excessive engine oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings.
Suspension: rear
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2006 Nissan Altima
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Altima?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (352 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles); body and structure (221 complaints, typically around 100,500 miles); transmission (79 complaints, typically around 55,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Altima have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 14, 2007 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the Nissan Altima?
- It is 9th of 27 Altima model years by number of complaints, with 824 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.