2006 Nissan Altima
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 125 |
| 1994 | 113 |
| 1995 | 180 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 160 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 1047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1028 |
| 2009 | 1547 |
| 2010 | 380 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 425 |
| 2013 | 2308 |
| 2014 | 1113 |
| 2015 | 947 |
| 2016 | 552 |
| 2017 | 390 |
| 2018 | 225 |
| 2019 | 228 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: structure — 224 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
CRASH INJURY23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 192 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230926
20% of complaints: engine — 166 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN MY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MILES FROM MY HIGHWAY EXIT AND LESS THAN 4 MILES FROM MY APARTMENT. A MINUTE OR TWO LATER I HEARD A LOUD THUD FROM MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140804
10% of complaints: power train — 80 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: electrical system — 72 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231202
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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 1-800-647-726
Campaign 06V046000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.
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
Campaign 06V223000 — check if this car was fixed
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 FE
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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 REPRO
Campaign 07V527000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (224 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (192 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (166 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V046000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V223000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E087000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V527000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Nissan Altima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Nissan Altima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Altima?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Altima have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.