CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Nissan Altima has a trend of engine & transmission problems.

Excessive oil consumption is the main problem reported by owners. Nissan did a recall back in 2006 for oil consumption due to bad piston rings, but many owners report to us that the recall didn't fix the problem. The dealer only had to check the oil consumption rate. Typically 1 qt per 1,000 miles is "acceptable" per OEM standards ... that's a lot of oil!

The 2006 Altima also has a defect trend of CVT transmission failure showing up around the 100,000 mile mark.

It's an expensive repair at over $2,000 average repair cost. For more information see Nissan Altima CVT defect info on NissanProblems.com.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,221 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Nissan Altima electrical problems

electrical problem

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2006 Nissan Altima Owner Comments (Page 3 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #20

Jul 172013

Altima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Handling of the Nissan Altima crank shaft sensor recall is completely unacceptable. No notice of the recall was ever sent, which meant we found out the hard way: When the car stalled out in the middle of a major highway, without warning (exactly as described in the recall that wasn't sent) I only found the recall after a local non-Nissan mechanic told me about it, and then when I brought it into the dealer, they didn't understand the nature of the recall. Please help!

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #19

Jul 012013

Altima 4-cyl

  • 158,000 miles
Vehicle stalled while driving in heavy traffic while on my way home. After several minutes, vehicle started and I was able to drive home. Sel came on and error code said "crankshaft position sensor". took it to my local garage and was told this was a very common problem on Nissan Altima. Contacted dealership and was told there was no issue with this car or sensor but they could reprogram the ECM to fix it. Went online and I see numerous issues with this sensor. Nissan mechanic admitted the sensor was faulty and that the replacement part was redesigned to correct the error and includes a cam shaft position sensor as well since they go out frequently as well. If Nissan is aware of issue and has redesigned the replacement part, why no recall. I am out $150 which is no big deal, but a vehicle stalling on a highway when Nissan knows the part is faulty is extremely concerning to me.

- Carlisle, PA, USA

problem #18

May 182013

Altima 4-cyl

  • 113,000 miles
While traveling on the interstate we stopped at a rest area. When trying to leave the rest area the car would not start. After a few tries it finally started and the check engine light came on. Continue to have problems starting the car. I took the car to my mechanic and he ran a diagnostic test on it. He called and said it was a sensor. After looking up the diagnostic code he told me my car had a recall for the problem and to contact the dealership. I called the dealership and they told me my car did not have a recall on it. My husband went to the dealership and they told him the same thing and that only some of the 2006 Altima's were in the recall and mine was not one of them. The check engine light is still on, it is still hard to start and I have had it stall out on me once when I was slowing down in traffic. All the problems that I am having were listed in the recall but the dealership still insists it is not on a recall list.

- Bridgewater, PA, USA

problem #17

Jun 082013

Altima

  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

6/08 - car lurched and tried to stall on interstate and check engine light came on. Was able to drive to mechanic's shop. Issue was determined to be the crankshaft position sensor by mechanic, and part was replaced with an oem part but this did not resolve the problem so the sensor was removed and replaced with the sensor that was pulled out. Was able to drive to dealership from mechanic's shop on 6/15 (yes, he had the car for a week). Issue was determined to be crankshaft position sensor, which was replaced. One day and 20 miles later the problem has manifested itself...check engine came on and car does not want to start. This sensor was part of a previous recall for 2006 Altima but I was told my car (when checking VIN) was not part of the recall. I have to take the car back to the Nissan dealership.

- Simpsonville, KY, USA

problem #16

May 132013

Altima 4-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
I was driving at approx 25 mph when all of a sudden the engine cutoff with no warning. Was able to coast the car to the side of the road, restart, and drove to dealership immediately. Dealership diagnosis error code P0335 camshaft and crankshaft sensor failures and needed to be replaced for $570 (plus the $110 diagnosis fee). A recall exists for same make and model, but car VIN is excluded. This problem seems to be very common and widespread after doing some online research. The dealership's parts manager also stated this was a very common problem. I find it very disturbing that Nissan would knowingly risk passenger safety by not recalling and covering the cost of repair for a well maintained car that is having the same issue as others in the same make and model year.

- Medford, MA, USA

problem #15

Dec 252012

Altima 4-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
'service engine soon' lite came on. Dealer scanned for trouble codes P0725, P0335. Was told the "crankshaft position sensor" needs replacing, and was charged $130. The dealer wants to charge me $425 to replace 'cps'. was told that there was no recall for this situation. Found out later thru the internet that there were 600 incidents concerning 'cps'. the dealer should fix this with no charge. NHTSA #07V527000 recall explains the problem. Also see recall id #67654 from Nissan.

- Timonium, MD, USA

problem #14

Sep 082012

Altima 4-cyl

  • 114,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on the I95 the car shut off and would not restart at 55mph. Thank god, I did not get into an accident and was able to coast over to the guardrail. I had to have my car towed to my mechanic that informed me it appeared to be the crankshaft sensor and said since it was a recall item I should have it brought to my local Nissan dealer. I had the car towed to miller Nissan in fairfield ct and informed them of my mechanics findings. They checked the car and told me it was the fuel pump and replaced it even with me expressing that my current mechanic already checked that. After replacing the fuel pump they called me back and said it still wasn't working. It ended up being the ECM along with another sensor!! I expressed how upset I was that this sensor failed why I was driving at a high speed on the highway! I am currently working with Nissan corporate recall department because everything I'm reading is still indicating that the crankshaft sensor could cause malfunctions in other sensors in the car!! I'm not happy that Nissan is charging me for the new fuel pump they installed along with the sensors totaling $1,943,00!!

- Trumbull , CT, USA

problem #13

Oct 232006

Altima

  • 300 miles
The vehicle was purchased new in 2006. Two weeks later the car would not crank and the engine had to be replaced. Shortly after, I noticed that the heating system did not work in the vehicle. When I placed my foot on the brake, the heat blew out cold air. I knew there was something wrong, therefore I called the dealership to report this problem and was told "that is the way new models are made". this problem was not fixed. In the winter when the car is not moving (such as at a red light) cold air blows in the car, not heat. I have experienced rattling noises with my car. It can be heard when the car is driven as if something is loose. I took the car to the dealership in 2011 to have it checked. I got the car fixed by an independent mechanic and the noise continued. Each year I have gotten my rotors and brake pads replaced in the front and rear. I do not think this is normal. I have had my car 5.5 years with 79K miles. Problems have occurred with the electrical part of the car. The lights have become deemed when I drove on 2 occasions, the passenger door will not lock, the seat does not adjust all the way down, and sometimes when I press the alarm button on my key, my windows have went down automatically.

- Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

problem #12

May 082012

Altima 6-cyl

  • miles
While I was driving the "service engine soon" light came on & stayed on then my car became sluggish & I pulled to the side of the road & it cut off, it wouldn't start after trying to restart it 4 or 5 times, then it started back up & I began to drive & the car jerked then became sluggish once again & cut off, "service engine soon" light remained on.

- Canton, MI, USA

problem #11

Oct 262011

Altima

  • 49,000 miles
This 2006 nisaan Altima is experiencing the exact same malfunctions as in previous recalls. The crank sensor is causing the car to abruptly stop running if driven at low speed. Incident almost occurred on pa turnpike during am rush hour traffic and finally stopped at a traffic light in a residential area in mid-day. I had to put caution lights on immediately and hope that I didn't cause an accident. Please re investigate this matter. It is such a major concern and needs immediate attention once again I see. Thanks so much!

- Horsham , PA, USA

problem #10

Feb 202011

Altima

  • 64,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle would turn over but would not start. This has happened twice. Once at around 60,000 miles and the next time at 64,000 miles. Both times it ended up being the camshaft sensor. Both camshaft sensors were replaced as recommended by the shop.

- Sanford, NC, USA

problem #9

Sep 142010

Altima 4-cyl

  • miles
While driving on interstate 580 in emeryville California in evening rush hour traffic my car began to jerk rapidly and then stopped while in traffic, the service engine light came on, after 5 attempts the car started. This happened numerous times while traveling to work on highway 50 and also while driving on surface streets. This makes me nervous and fearful when driving this vehicle and finally after the stopping multiple times on the interstate and at red lights, I took the car in for a diagnostic test and was advised my crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced and there was a recall per Nissan America for this known issue. I took the car in and was advised my VIN# was part of the recall but the damaged crankshaft sensor would not be replaced, only a reset of the ECM. I was advised that the ECM would not be reset due to the service engine light is on due to the faulty crankshaft sensor. I was also charged for a diagnostic test which basically confirmed the problem that service department was already aware of per the VIN#. there are thousands of complaints regarding the 2006 Nissan Altima and a the faulty crankshaft sensor which can cause the vehicle to stop. I am scared to drive on the interstate due to fear that the car will stop and cause a pileup and or even death. I have contacted Nissan America @1 800 647 7261 and they are not cooperative. They are aware of this issue however will not replace the defective crankshaft sensor. Since this is a known issue then I strongly feel that Nissan should take responsibility and replace the defective part. Customers should not fear for their lives when driving and should not have to pay to repair a known defect. I am considering taking legal action against Nissan since they failed to take responsibility and resolve my issue.

- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

problem #8

Nov 302010

Altima

  • miles
I noticed that my 2006 Nissan Altima has a design defect. When you start up the engine the speedometer cluster lights up automatically, even if the driving lights are turned off. At night time, this can lead the driver to believe that his driving lights are on as well, since most other cars require for the lights to be turned on, in order to turn on the illumination on the speedometer cluster. I have seen other Nissan Altima driven at night (including a 2010 Nissan Altima hybrid), which led me to believe that this is common design flaw for these cars.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #7

Jul 132010

Altima

  • 62,814 miles
2006 Nissan Altima S/sl.

- Oakland, TN, USA

problem #6

Jul 012010

Altima

  • 69,000 miles
I purchased a 2006 Nissan Altima (brand new) 2 months after I purchased it, a recall required a "new" engine be installed. Since then it has been in and out of the shop for recalls. My problem now is the check engine light is on, and my car shut off on me in the middle of the road. I popped into auto zone to check it out and it is the crankshaft sensor. There is a recall for this on the 2006 Altima's but mine is not included. So I am supposed to pay $397 to have this fixed! I don't think so. I feel I was sold a lemon. And I should not have to pay for this repair!! I can not drive my car because it shuts of or almost shuts off at different speeds ranging from 45 to 60. Nissan should recall all 2006 Nissan Altima's for this problem!

- Mount Pleasant , SC, USA

problem #5

Oct 092009

Altima

  • 51,000 miles
I have a 2006 Nissan Altima, last year in October my wife was driving this car to go to grocery store, just as she about to park the car, the vehicle driver side power seat suddenly lunge forward, it cause my wife to lose control and hit another car that is park next to where she was about to park. I take the car to the dealership for repair, the driver seat where at a invert 60 degree angle, the dealership notice the power supply is burn, so they replace the power supply, but refuse to repair the damage to my car and the other car my wife hit. I am registering a complain against the Nissan car company about this issue, please assist me and find if there is a defect with the product that should have been recall.

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #4

Jan 272010

Altima

  • 85,000 miles
My 2006 Nissan Altima turned off on me coming to an intersection twice. I found out about the recall on the sensor so I take it in to the dealer to get it fix. What I am being told by the dealer ship is that my Altima is shutting off because there's oil on my cam and crank sensor which they are charging me $370. I am hearing that they are getting alot of cars with this oil on the sensor. He said that the sensors had alot of oil on it. I asked then how come I never saw any oil spots where I parked" oil on the sensors sounds like this should be the recall. Can you help to see if the dealer is getting away with this? can you help?"

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #3

May 012008

Altima

  • 60,000 miles
Subject crank position sensor. Subject car 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5. recall was received about the same time the car started dying while driving. When traveling at low speeds the engine will die causing a very dangerous situation when the car looses power and power steering stalling in the middle of the road. When traveling at freeway speeds the engine shuts off, the car looses power for approximately 3 seconds then violently jerks regaining power. Nissan dealer has stated that this is an ECM problem and that a reprogram will fix this problem. I took the car into the dealer and the reprogram of the ECM was completed. Now the car dies more frequently and now it takes considerable cranking to start the car when warm. Approximately 2 min. To restart. Nissan has tried to "band aid" a faulty crank position sensor with an ECM reprogram that is not working. The car abruptly dying is a very dangerous situation and can easily lead to uncalled for injuries and deaths stemming from this faulty sensor. I agree that the upgraded ECM program should read both the cam position sensor and crank position sensor in tandem as a redundant feature but if the problem is with a leaky sensor or a bad solder joint in the sensor, the sensor should be replaced under a recall.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #2

Jan 222007

Altima

  • miles
2006 Altima 2.5 S that is a lemon customer wants to have the car replaced under the lemon law* the consumer stated the vehicle has no start problem. The vehicle would start up when she began her day, but at unpredictable times. There is a grinding noise under the gas pedal while accelerating as well as when coming to a stop. The dealer stated the vibration/grinding noise was coming from the tires. All the windows and doors will lock and the remote keyless entry does not seem to work. The cd player and radio are not playing properly. The radio has a lot of static. The cd player makes the cd's sound like they are scratched.

- Moreno Valley, CA, USA

problem #1

Jan 102007

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 250 miles
We purchased a 2006 Nissan Altima (new, never owned) on January 10, 2007. The vehicle has defects and has been bought to the dealer (Nissan of garden city in hempstead, New York) on four occasions;1/25/07, 2/1/02, 2/5/07, and 2/14/07. We filed a complaint with Nissan North America on 1/17/07. File number 5593141. The service representative is slow in providing response and other service representatives refuse to provide name or contact information of managerial staff. Their single means of communication is through E-mail. Their actual policy is to wait 24 hours before returning phone calls. I was advised this by one of their service representatives at their "800" number.

- Fresh Meadows, NY, USA

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