2006 Nissan Altima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 79about this part
- Share
- 10%of 824 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 79 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Nissan Altima, 10% of the 824 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on cruise control at 70 MPH. The car bucked, but kept going. I exited the highway a few miles later and came to a complete stop. With cruise control now off, I attempted to proceed as normal, and the car lagged in power. I almost got broad sided as the car didn't go as normal. I pulled out with a right on red. The car was stuck in 5th gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10794277, filed 2015-11, 128,869 miles“While stopped at a red light my car engine shut off. After a while it started again, but the transmission wouldn't shift to lower gears and jerked hard in reverse, and service engine light came on. When I took it to the shop the cam sensor had to be replaced. After doing research, I found this was an issue and a recall on some models but not mine. Why only one model was recalled?”
NHTSA complaint #10662466, filed 2014-12, 137,000 miles“Clutch sinks to the floor, and I am unable to get the car in gear. Driving along highway and unable to get the car in gear during a downshift. Lucky to be able to pull over without being hit. Stranded on the side of the road. Nissan could not replicate the problem. No fix. Extremely dangerous situation. I am lucky not to have had a crash. Yet!”
NHTSA complaint #10218086, filed 2008-02, 26,000 miles“Purchased this car used from a dealership 3 weeks ago. Within 1 week the car stalled while driving. Started it back up with no problems. Took car on a 750 mi. Road trip and while driving 75mph on cruise control the car bucked. After reaching our destination and turning the car off we had trouble restarting it. When it finally started the service engine soon light came on. Took it to a mechanic and codes came up for the cam and crank shaft sensors. Replaced these sensors and cleared codes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10894351, filed 2016-08, 63,000 miles“Don't know of any events but I have a 2006 Nissan Altima se-r 6-spd and the clutch pedal has this problem where it sinks to the floor and I have no play what so ever to switch gears or even get out of neutral. I have been on many forums where this seems to be a major problem with alot of 6 spd transmissions for the altimas. I have had the car since jan 2007 and have had this problem a few times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10329480, filed 2010-05, 17,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10192474Nov 20, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the…
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10024689Apr 28, 2008Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement. 2004 to current nissan vehicles.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 17 | 9% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2018 | 24 | 11% |
| 2017 | 133 | 34% |
| 2016 | 235 | 42% |
| 2015 | 161 | 17% |
| 2014 | 209 | 19% |
| 2013 | 506 | 22% |
| 2012 | 149 | 35% |
| 2011 | 68 | 28% |
| 2010 | 73 | 19% |
| 2009 | 95 | 6% |
| 2008 | 80 | 8% |
| 2007 | 62 | 13% |
| 2006 | 79 | 10% |
| 2005 | 115 | 11% |
| 2004 | 17 | 6% |
| 2003 | 34 | 4% |
| 2002 | 39 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 6% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% |
| 1996 | 7 | 8% |
| 1995 | 27 | 15% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2006 Nissan Altima
221 complaintsEngine cooling
189 complaintsEngine
166 complaintsElectrical system
72 complaintsOther or unknown
64 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsElectronic stability control
21 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsSteering
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology