2006 Nissan Altima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2006 Nissan Altima has a complaint index of 70, ranking 7th-worst among 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate complaints (46% share, 375 complaints), with 3 recalls including one for excessive oil consumption from faulty piston rings.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #7 of 21 Altima years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 824
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 43
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 14
- Injuries
- 52
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 52 / 0
Top 2006 Nissan Altima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine375 (46%)
- Structure & Body228 (28%)
- Electrical System79 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain79 (10%)
- Other68 (8%)
- Brakes47 (6%)
- Airbags43 (5%)
- Fuel System32 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires32 (4%)
- Steering15 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report engines catching fire shortly after purchase, sometimes tied to a delayed or unresolved recall notice.
- Some drivers describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking, with the car speeding up despite braking.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in side and rear-passenger crashes, leading to passenger injuries.
- Owners describe a soft brake pedal that could be pressed at the same time as the accelerator.
- Electrical failures include a battery exploding with smoke and brief flames from under the hood.
- Some owners report a sudden loss of steering control at low speed, causing the car to jump curbs.
2006 Nissan Altima recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 07V527000Nov 14, 2007Engine653,910 vehicles
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.
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.
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.
- NHTSA 06V223000Jun 21, 2006Engine85,000 vehicles
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.
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.
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.
- NHTSA 06V046000Feb 13, 2006Suspension, Wheels & Tires759 vehicles
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.
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.
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.
2006 Nissan Altima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Altima has a complaint index of 70 and ranks 7th-worst out of 21 Altima model years, earning a Caution verdict.
- What is the main problem with the 2006 Nissan Altima?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, making up 46% of complaints (375 of 824), with a median failure mileage of 90,000 miles for the vehicle overall.
- Does the 2006 Nissan Altima have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two engine recalls: one for a crankshaft position sensor that can overheat and interrupt its signal, and one for excessive oil consumption caused by faulty piston rings.
- How does the 2006 Altima compare to other years?
- The 2006 model (complaint index 70) is worse than the 2007 (45, Good) and 2011 (30, Good) but better than the 2013 (100, Avoid) and 2009 (95, Avoid).
- Are there other recalls besides the engine ones?
- Yes, a third recall covers a rear subframe that may have been installed incorrectly, which could crack a bracket holding part of the rear suspension.