Problems · by component

2006 Nissan Altima engine problems

166 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2006 Nissan Altima cite engine, 20% of all 824 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
166
20% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11692456
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 5, 2024EngineODI 11575612
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 25, 2023Steering, EngineODI 11518959
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 7, 2023Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11506071
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2022Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11489231
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2021Steering, Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11431146

Showing 6 of 166 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.