Owners have filed 1,043 complaints
about the 2006 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 2005 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 85
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 60
11.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 33
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
17966.3%
Engine
3814.1%
Manual Transmission
155.6%
Underbody Shields
124.4%
Automatic Transmission
93.3%
Rear
62.2%
Frame AND Members
62.2%
Catalytic Convertor
51.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
506.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
506.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
293.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
597.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
11414.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
16320.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
24530.6%
150,000+ miles
9011.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2005peak 45Nov 2025
Recalls on the 2006 Nissan Altima
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07V527000
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.
07E087000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DIMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06V223000
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.
06V046000
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200736440,666 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crank angle sensor can malfunction causing the engine to stall. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to prevent stalling.
Recall 20061557,850 units in Canada
Engine
Certain vehicles equipped with a four cylinder 2.5L engine may exhibit excessive oil consumption as a result of improper piston rings. If the oil level is not maintained engine damage can occur and could result in an engine fire. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) and, if required, replace the engine.
Recall 200604032 units in Canada
Suspension
The die used for stamping the rear suspension subframe was out of specification during three days of production. As a result, the thickness of the attachment bracket for the rear lower link may be less than the minimum specification. This could result in a crack forming in the attachment bracket. If a crack propagates through the bracket, the rear lower link may separate from the bracket. Under certain severe driving conditions, stability of the vehicle may be compromised, leading to a loss of vehicle control. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the rear suspension subframe.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cahoun, GA2 injured
AIR BAGS
Me and my fiancé had just picked the kids up from my mom’s. Got about 2 miles down the road and all of a sudden i heard a loud boom and a flash of light like a shot gun had went off in my ear. When I heard the boom my left side from my face to my hip felt like I had been hit. At the same time it happen with me it happen on the passenger side where my fiancé was sitting. I was able To pull to the side of the rd. I got out call law enforcement and looked around my car and it had not been hit so I open my door to get my kids out and that’s when I seen it was the airbags . They exploded and the reason I didn’t notice them when I got out of the car is because they was not inflated they had exploded. There is a huge hole in the top of each side air bag, it busted the inside of my passenger side door and threw shrapnel over to my driver side dash. He and I both are hurting on the side the airbags went off and he has a artificial hip on the side it hit him so I’m hoping it didn’t do anything to his hip
NHTSA complaint #11646414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesIrvine, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while exiting the highway, the contact lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree, causing several damages to the front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy, causing several injuries to the contact's right eye, cuts, and bruises to the left side of the contact's body. The contact sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesParma, OHCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator after coming to a complete stop. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights appeared during the failure. The contact was able to pull the vehicle off the road and into the entrance of a parking lot. She then stated that the vehicle independently lurched forward through a fence and rolled down a hill and into a five-lane road. The air bags did not deploy during the incident. A police report was not filed and the contact was injured. With the assistance of a fellow motorist, the contact was able to move the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic. The mechanic attempted to jumpstart the vehicle but the vehicle failed to start up. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was given a case number. The contact also spoke with three dealers (Dealers unknown) and they each offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000
NHTSA complaint #11436044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Chesterfield, VACrash
AIR BAGS
Hydroplaned while entering a toll Plaza on 9/22/2021. Crashed into the cement jersey wall and guardrail. Car was totaled with front end, driver's side, and driver's side rear-end damage. Airbags did not deploy. The vehicle is being housed at a tow lot and will be available for inspection until I receive a duplicate copy of my title from DMV. My safety was put at risk due to the fact the airbags did not deploy upon front-end impact. The vehicle was towed directly to the tow lot from the crash scene and the issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. The vehicle has only been inspected on scene by highway patrol, police, and tow company representatives. There were no prior warnings, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The only warning lamp illuminated at the time of incident was the service engine soon light.
NHTSA complaint #11434256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FLFire
STEERING
Last year i had the same issues with my 2003 nissan sentra gxe that i am now facing with my 2006 nissan altima. The serpentine belt comes off because of the harmonic balance and this ones ac clutch locked up and is wobbling plus my transmission acts irratic snd the starter csused the cwr to stall and catch fire! Th3 stress and agony of dpending all my savings fixing the car to end up stuck anyways and this is ongoing problems that keep reoccuring in all piece of sh** nissans and they want more money id like to file a lawsuit ! #BOYCOTT NISSAN
NHTSA complaint #11431146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Last year i had the same issues with my 2003 nissan sentra gxe that i am now facing with my 2006 nissan altima. The serpentine belt comes off because of the harmonic balance and this ones ac clutch locked up and is wobbling plus my transmission acts irratic snd the starter csused the cwr to stall and catch fire! Th3 stress and agony of dpending all my savings fixing the car to end up stuck anyways and this is ongoing problems that keep reoccuring in all piece of sh** nissans and they want more money id like to file a lawsuit ! #BOYCOTT NISSAN
NHTSA complaint #11431146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 10,000 milesAuburn, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the brakes, brake pads, or brake rotors were replaced every year to a year and a half. The contact became aware of the failure while depressing the brake pedal with an abnormal, grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially serviced at a dealer; however, due to the recurring brake failure, the contact suspected that the dealer might have intentionally caused the frequent brake failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic once the failure returned; however, the vehicle experienced the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11697384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have replaced the water pump, the belt, the thermostats, the rotors, the brakes, the fuel pump, the evap vent valve solenoid, the spark plugs, and fuel injectors and my car is STILL throwing the codes P-0462 and P-447. I've checked the wires and they are good. My car keeps misfiring and stalling now and my fuel pump doesn't have a fuel level sensor. The float bar is brand new as well as the fuel pump. And my dashboard speedometer is 10 miles off. I've tried everything and it's still throwing the same codes.
NHTSA complaint #11692456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
ENGINE
I have replaced the water pump, the belt, the thermostats, the rotors, the brakes, the fuel pump, the evap vent valve solenoid, the spark plugs, and fuel injectors and my car is STILL throwing the codes P-0462 and P-447. I've checked the wires and they are good. My car keeps misfiring and stalling now and my fuel pump doesn't have a fuel level sensor. The float bar is brand new as well as the fuel pump. And my dashboard speedometer is 10 miles off. I've tried everything and it's still throwing the same codes.
NHTSA complaint #11692456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have replaced the water pump, the belt, the thermostats, the rotors, the brakes, the fuel pump, the evap vent valve solenoid, the spark plugs, and fuel injectors and my car is STILL throwing the codes P-0462 and P-447. I've checked the wires and they are good. My car keeps misfiring and stalling now and my fuel pump doesn't have a fuel level sensor. The float bar is brand new as well as the fuel pump. And my dashboard speedometer is 10 miles off. I've tried everything and it's still throwing the same codes.
NHTSA complaint #11692456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coal Hill, AR
POWER TRAIN
Cvtc transmission stalls almost got my kids and my pregnant daughter hit I bought the car only 2 months ago
NHTSA complaint #11654471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coal Hill, AR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Cvtc transmission stalls almost got my kids and my pregnant daughter hit I bought the car only 2 months ago
NHTSA complaint #11654471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coal Hill, AR
SUSPENSION
Cvtc transmission stalls almost got my kids and my pregnant daughter hit I bought the car only 2 months ago
NHTSA complaint #11654471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cahoun, GA2 injured
AIR BAGS
Me and my fiancé had just picked the kids up from my mom’s. Got about 2 miles down the road and all of a sudden i heard a loud boom and a flash of light like a shot gun had went off in my ear. When I heard the boom my left side from my face to my hip felt like I had been hit. At the same time it happen with me it happen on the passenger side where my fiancé was sitting. I was able To pull to the side of the rd. I got out call law enforcement and looked around my car and it had not been hit so I open my door to get my kids out and that’s when I seen it was the airbags . They exploded and the reason I didn’t notice them when I got out of the car is because they was not inflated they had exploded. There is a huge hole in the top of each side air bag, it busted the inside of my passenger side door and threw shrapnel over to my driver side dash. He and I both are hurting on the side the airbags went off and he has a artificial hip on the side it hit him so I’m hoping it didn’t do anything to his hip
NHTSA complaint #11646414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Skokie, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel gauge stopped working. Fuel gauge shows full all the time. Error code is P0462. Mechanic replaced fuel pump module assembly and this did not fix the problem. Check engine light is on and will not go off and the code will not clear.
NHTSA complaint #11593405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPontiac, IL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle began emitting white smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool off and added oil to the engine and the smoke subsided. The contact became aware of oil around the bumper of the vehicle. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, oil had to be added often for the vehicle to operate as intended. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The dealer confirmed there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11575612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saratoga Springs, UT
POWER TRAIN
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. Not only did it stop, it would not steer and a bunch of warning lights came on the dashboard. Tav I believe, oil, check engine light. Even with the key in the acc mode, the power steering was not functioning. Everything just stopped functioning. I know this vehicle was recalled for the same exact thing back in 2008, but obviously it wasn't permanently fixed. Recall #07v-527. If I would have been in the middle of an intersection and this happened I could have been killed.
NHTSA complaint #11558113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saratoga Springs, UT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. Not only did it stop, it would not steer and a bunch of warning lights came on the dashboard. Tav I believe, oil, check engine light. Even with the key in the acc mode, the power steering was not functioning. Everything just stopped functioning. I know this vehicle was recalled for the same exact thing back in 2008, but obviously it wasn't permanently fixed. Recall #07v-527. If I would have been in the middle of an intersection and this happened I could have been killed.
NHTSA complaint #11558113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saratoga Springs, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. Not only did it stop, it would not steer and a bunch of warning lights came on the dashboard. Tav I believe, oil, check engine light. Even with the key in the acc mode, the power steering was not functioning. Everything just stopped functioning. I know this vehicle was recalled for the same exact thing back in 2008, but obviously it wasn't permanently fixed. Recall #07v-527. If I would have been in the middle of an intersection and this happened I could have been killed.
NHTSA complaint #11558113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,000 milesBlountstown, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
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. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed by the dealer that there was no assistance available. The contact was not made aware of the diagnosis. The contact was informed by the dealer of NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 209,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11546668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesIrvine, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while exiting the highway, the contact lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree, causing several damages to the front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy, causing several injuries to the contact's right eye, cuts, and bruises to the left side of the contact's body. The contact sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesRalls, TX
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's sister turned off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling, multiple attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that an oil change was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11518959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesRalls, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's sister turned off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling, multiple attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that an oil change was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11518959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocahontas, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The crankshaft or camshaft sensor has went out which causes it to stall or immediately die, which is a safety hazard yes the check engine light was on
NHTSA complaint #11515684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocahontas, AR
ENGINE
The crankshaft or camshaft sensor has went out which causes it to stall or immediately die, which is a safety hazard yes the check engine light was on
NHTSA complaint #11515684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 217,636 milesBowling Green, KY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence of the contact's friend. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact there was no record that the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,636.
NHTSA complaint #11506071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 217,636 milesBowling Green, KY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence of the contact's friend. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact there was no record that the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,636.
NHTSA complaint #11506071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesAumsville, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, abnormal amounts of smoke was coming from the exhaust tip. The contact stated that she had to add more oil to the vehicle every week. The contact stated that she had not noticed any oil spots on the driveway. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V223000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, SC
STEERING
Vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption. I had to replace rack and pinion steering and vehicle is using excessive amounts of power steering fluid. I purchased both headlight assemblies due to not being able to align properly.
NHTSA complaint #11489231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, SC
ENGINE
Vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption. I had to replace rack and pinion steering and vehicle is using excessive amounts of power steering fluid. I purchased both headlight assemblies due to not being able to align properly.
NHTSA complaint #11489231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption. I had to replace rack and pinion steering and vehicle is using excessive amounts of power steering fluid. I purchased both headlight assemblies due to not being able to align properly.
NHTSA complaint #11489231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.