2006 Nissan Altima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2006 Nissan Altima
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Altima Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2006 highlighted. 1993: 125 complaints 1993 1994: 113 complaints 1995: 180 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1997: 108 complaints 1998: 123 complaints 1998 1999: 87 complaints 2000: 160 complaints 2001: 159 complaints 2002: 1047 complaints 2003: 883 complaints 2003 2004: 276 complaints 2005: 1091 complaints 2006: 824 complaints 2006 2007: 471 complaints 2008: 1028 complaints 2008 2009: 1547 complaints 2010: 380 complaints 2011: 241 complaints 2012: 425 complaints 2013: 2308 complaints 2013 2014: 1113 complaints 2015: 947 complaints 2016: 552 complaints 2017: 390 complaints 2018: 225 complaints 2018 2019: 228 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 69 complaints 2022: 30 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 6 complaints 2025
2006: 824 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1993125
1994113
1995180
199692
1997108
1998123
199987
2000160
2001159
20021047
2003883
2004276
20051091
2006824
2007471
20081028
20091547
2010380
2011241
2012425
20132308
20141113
2015947
2016552
2017390
2018225
2019228
2020178
202169
202230
202329
202441
20256

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STRUCTURE 27%

27% of complaints: structure — 224 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23%

23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 192 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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

ENGINE 20%

20% of complaints: engine — 166 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 80 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 72 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASH FIRE
Show 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

2006 — complaint volume: 824
R 20060227 — suspension

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

R 20060609 — 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.

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

R 20071025 — exterior lighting

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

R 20071231 — 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.

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

▲ 2022 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2009 ■ 2014

See all years ranked →

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.