DecodedCars2006 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /2.5s, 4dr Sedan FWD /3.5 S/3.5 Se, 4dr Sedan FWD /Se-R
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 191.3–192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,038–3,294 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2006 midsize car (20.5 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints347 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 89 for similar models — most often about the structure:body.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,038 lb (4dr Sedan FWD /2.5s).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 17% better than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 347 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Altima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Altima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /2.5s | 191.3 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 110.2 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,038 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /3.5 S/3.5 Se | 191.3 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 110.2 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,230 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Se-R | 192.9 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,294 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +17% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +12% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Nissan Altima under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Nissan Altima (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Nissan Altima.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure › Body — 124 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine — 102 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 32 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 117,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Altima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Altima | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 161 |
| 2019 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 234 |
| 2018 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 226 |
| 2017 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 393 |
| 2016 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 555 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 952 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →