Engine and engine cooling
Free remedy
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.
Research · Midsize Cars
2006 Nissan AltimaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 824 owner complaints for the 2006 Nissan Altima. Most complaints involve structure (221) and engine and engine cooling (189). The EPA rates it 21–24 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21–24mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Nov 2007
Owner complaints
824
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Exterior lighting: headlights
Free remedy
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.
Engine and engine cooling
Free remedy
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
824 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2005 – Nov 2025
- Structure221
- Engine and engine cooling189
- Engine166
- Power train79
- Electrical system72
- Air bags43
- Vehicle speed control38
- Fuel/propulsion system24
- Electronic stability control (esc)21
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Altima model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 125 |
| 1999 | 96 |
| 2000 | 176 |
| 2001 | 168 |
| 2002 | 1,062 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1,091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 498 |
| 2008 | 1,031 |
| 2009 | 1,547 |
| 2010 | 381 |
| 2011 | 242 |
| 2012 | 426 |
| 2013 | 2,315 |
| 2014 | 1,113 |
| 2015 | 955 |
| 2016 | 555 |
| 2017 | 393 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 234 |
| 2020 | 182 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
- Crashes reported
- 43
- Fires reported
- 14
- Injuries reported
- 52
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
221 reports2 crashes
“WHEN I LIFT MY CAR (NISSAN ALTIMA 2006 ) AT THE MECHANIC TO DO REPAIR JOB , I DISCOVERED A HUGE RUST HOLE AT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SITE AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR , I SHOCKED , IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN , FOR ME AND FOR MY FAMILY . THE RUST IS DEEP , WIDE AND PENETRATING , MY MECHANIC ADVICE ME TO SELL IT OF ANY PRICE BUT I DONT WANT TO SELL IT FOR ANY ONE , BECAUSE I HAVE A FAITHFUL CONSCIOUS , AND MORALS , I BEILEVE IN KARMA , I WOULD NOT DO IT FOR ANY BODY , EVEN THE CAR HAS ONLY 71,600 MILES , I DONT DRIVE IT ALOT , BUT FROM NOW ON , I AM NOT WILLING TO DRIVE IT AT ALL , OR LET MT DAUGHTERS GET IN THIS CAR FOR A VERY SERIOUS SAFTY CONCERNS , A HUGE RUST IN THE FLOOR .”
Engine and engine cooling
189 reports2 crashes5 fires
“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.”
Engine
166 reports3 crashes6 fires
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
5 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd · Automatic (S5) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Altima Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Altima Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Altima Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Altima Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Nissan Altima as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 1770
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2006 Altima questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Altima have?
4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2006 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners filed 824 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (221), engine and engine cooling (189), engine (166). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2006 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Nissan Altima at 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026