2006 Nissan Altima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Nissan Altima: 3 recalls, 824 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #06V046000 · 2006 · 759 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #06V223000 · 2006 · 85,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines May experience excessive engine oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #07V527000 · 2007 · 653,910 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #07E087000 · 2007 · 4,654 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Misalignment of the lights diminishes frontal illumination which could result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 14 mention a fire, 52 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (221): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (201), door / lock issues (5).
- Engine & cooling (189): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (57), warning light on (42), excess oil use (33).
- Engine (166): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (65), warning light on (60).
- Transmission & drivetrain (79): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (37), stalls / loses power (15), warning light on (9).
The 2006 Nissan Altima has 824 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 34 Altima model years for complaints (1.8× the average Altima year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (126 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 90,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (1091 complaints, 1 recalls), 2007 (471 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Nissan Altima.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2006 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Nissan Altima, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners have filed 824 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (221), engine & cooling (189), engine (166).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Nissan Altima get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Nissan Altima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.