YearToAvoid

2006 Nissan Altima Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

70/100

#7 most-complained of 21 Altima years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2006 Nissan Altima has 824 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 70 out of 100 — #7 highest of 21 Altima model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (375 complaints, 46% of the total). Complaints report 43 crashes, 14 fires, and 52 injuries.

Complaints
824
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
43 / 14
Injuries / deaths
52 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
21
19 city / 27 hwy

Top 2006 Nissan Altima problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine375 (46%)
  2. Structure & Body228 (28%)
  3. Electrical System79 (10%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain79 (10%)
  5. Other68 (8%)
  6. Brakes47 (6%)
  7. Airbags43 (5%)
  8. Fuel System32 (4%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires32 (4%)
  10. Steering15 (2%)
2006 Nissan Altima complaints: complaints filed per quarter772005 Q42008 Q22010 Q42013 Q22015 Q42018 Q22020 Q42024 Q2
1008 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2005 Q4 to 2025 Q4; peak 2015 Q2 (77).

2006 Nissan Altima recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Avoid751,091121
2006Caution70824321
2007Good45471324
2008Avoid851,028424

All Nissan Altima years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Nissan Altima ranks #7 of 21 among Altima model years (Complaint Index 70/100, verdict: Caution). It has 824 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Altima?
The most reported problem areas are engine (375 complaints), structure & body (228 complaints), and electrical system (79 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 90,000 miles.
Does the 2006 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2006 Nissan Altima, most recently reported 2007, covering engine and suspension, wheels & tires.
What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Nissan Altima?
EPA rates the 2006 Nissan Altima at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.