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2006 Nissan Altima engine problems

352 complaints (43% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
352
of this car's complaints
43%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
5
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Engine
    38
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    5
  • Exhaust system
    4
  • Engine: gasoline
    3
  • Cooling system
    3
  • Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
    1
  • Engine: crank/camshaft position sensor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Altima engine problems in other years

19931995200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Nissan Altima engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 113Check engine light 105Oil consumption 68Engine failure 37Won't start 28Overheating 11Knocking 7Loss of power 7

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported November 14, 2007 · 653,910 vehicles affected
What is 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.
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.
Remedy
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. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 07V527000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported June 21, 2006 · 85,000 vehicles affected
What is 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.
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.
Remedy
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 owners of the possibility of excessive oil consumption and the importance of maintaining the oil at a proper level. Follow-up letter to owners advising them of the status of the recall was sent during august 2006. Followup letter to owners was sent on november 15, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 06V223000 · Recall details

What 2006 Nissan Altima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · LA

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.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Engine · 105,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Sep 26, 2023 · Engine · 209,000 miles · FL

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Apr 25, 2023 · Engine, Steering · 200,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Apr 5, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · AR

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

Filed Feb 7, 2023 · Engine · 217,636 miles · KY

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 07V527000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,636.

Filed Nov 7, 2022 · Engine · 175,000 miles · OR

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 06V223000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed Oct 14, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · SC

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.

Filed Dec 10, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · PA

The car won't start

Filed Aug 31, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · FL · fire

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

Questions about the 2006 Nissan Altima engine

Does the 2006 Nissan Altima have engine problems?

Owners have filed 352 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Nissan Altima, 43% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2006 Nissan Altima engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Nissan Altima engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 07V527000, 06V223000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Altima have bad engine?

The Nissan Altima model years with the most engine complaints are 2002 (682 complaints), 2003 (559 complaints) and 2005 (395 complaints).

Other 2006 Nissan Altima problems

Body 221Transmission 79Electrical 72Airbags 43Acceleration 38Fuel system 32Brakes 26Driver assistance 21Suspension 18Steering 15Lights 9Tires 9Seats 8Wheels 7Visibility 6Seat belts 4Locks 3

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