The Lemon Index2006 Nissan Altima.
The 2006 Nissan Altima is about average by owner complaints: 177 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 108, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 21 to 24 mpg combined. The best Nissan Altima year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 824 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Nissan Altima year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 52K to 120K miles on the car (647 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 80K–127K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 6K–84K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 20K–107K miles
Recalls 4
- engine 2007
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.
- lights 2007
CERTAIN TYC HALOGEN TYPE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/N 20-6644-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2005-2006 NISSAN ALTIMA PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- engine 2006
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.
Show all 4 recalls
- suspension 2006
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 79 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Buzzing/whining noise from timing chain area
- SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2700–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
2006 Nissan Altima. Consumer is seeking reimbursement for an extended warranty she purchased. Contacts vehicle was included in a recall for engine fire in which Nissan provided an extended warranty for precautionary measures.
2006 Nissan Altima owner · NHTSA complaint 10187902
More owner reports
Excessive oil in crankshaft position sensor causing engine to stop running without warning. It almost caused an accident.
NHTSA complaint 10260506
2006 Nissan Altima with a engine recall. Consumer would like reimbursement for the recall repair work. Consumer states that there has been work done to fix the engine and would like reimbursement due to the recall.
NHTSA complaint 10226211
Quick answers
Is the 2006 Nissan Altima reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 108; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Altima year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2006 Nissan Altima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (60%), transmission & drivetrain (12%) and electrical (7%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Altima have?
4 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Nissan Altima get?
21 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2006 Nissan Altima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 52,000 and 120,000 miles. The middle report was at 90,000 miles, from 647 complaints.
Does the 2006 Nissan Altima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2006 Nissan Altima cost in fuel a year?
About $2700 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Nissan Altima have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Altima year is better than the 2006?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works