2006 Nissan Maxima Problems
- Complaints
- 576filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 83,500miles, 510 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe automatic transmission problems — harsh or delayed shifting, slipping, jerking and occasionally going into a reduced-power mode — usually appearing in city driving somewhere around the 60,000-110,000 mile range. A smaller but recurring group of complaints covers the anti-lock brake system activating on dry pavement, and engine/starting issues such as stalling or a no-start condition.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh, jerky or slipping automatic transmission
- 321 complaints (56%)
- median 86,000 mi at 6.4 yrs old (291 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 44 quotes)
- filed 2008–2020
Complaints describe the automatic transmission shifting hard or banging between gears, hesitating before engaging when put into drive or reverse, and revving up without the car moving before it lurches into gear. Many owners say it happens most in stop-and-go city driving and is intermittent, and that dealers or independent shops often told them the transmission needed to be replaced rather than repaired. Some report fluid changes or a valve body replacement that did not resolve the symptom. Most sample reports fall between roughly 60,000 and 110,000 miles, often after the vehicle has been driven a while.
What to check: Drive the car cold and warm in stop-and-go traffic and feel for hesitation or a hard clunk going into drive or reverse. Ask for transmission service records and whether the fluid has been changed on schedule.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Once the car has been driven for 30 minutes or more, after a stop for a red light or stop sign the transmission will jump as it shifts to the next higher gear usually when just at. 20 -30 miles an hour. My car has mileage of 106,000 and has been doing this for approx. 6 months off & on. Its seldom that I drive it any significant distance & that's when it is noticed.”
NHTSA complaint #10850239, filed 2016-03, 105,000 miles“2006 Nissan Maxima started jerking and slipping while driving. It occurs quite often daily but then some days not at all. I called the dealership and was told that it is out of warranty. It started around 80,000 miles. I was also told that changing the fluid would just damage it worse I just need to replace the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10384232, filed 2011-02, 80,000 miles - Brakes
ABS activates on dry pavement
- 54 complaints (9%)
- median 71,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (49 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,097 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2008–2023
Owners describe the anti-lock brakes engaging during ordinary braking on dry roads, with a humming or grinding noise from the ABS unit and sometimes a pulsing pedal. Several complaints mention wheel speed sensors, a rear hub assembly or the ABS actuator/controller being replaced, and that the symptom returned later. Some report warning lights for ABS, traction and stability coming on alongside the noise. Sample reports range widely, from about 25,000 to 130,000 miles, with many in the 55,000-105,000 mile range.
What to check: Brake firmly from low speed on a dry surface and listen for ABS chatter; check that no ABS, traction or stability warning lights stay on, and ask whether wheel speed sensors or the ABS module have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Just driving along, my boyfriend as the driver, and I as the passenger, and as he applied the brakes, there was a loud clanging/rapping sound out of the blue, whereas it scared me so, that I thought I was going to have a heart attack. It would then happen again and again. Then I started to notice a low hum (ABS controller), just prior to this happening. So I researched this on the internet, and suspected the ABS. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379213, filed 2011-01, 40,350 miles“I have had recurring issues with the antilock brakes. The first incident was april 2008 when I needed the ABS sensors replaced. April 9 2009, Nissan replaced the rear hub assembly. October 2009 Nissan removed the ABS sensor and clean the contacts. Then in may 2011, I brought my car in because the ABS was activating but they said nothing was wrong. In february 2012 Nissan replaced the ABS sensor and actuator at a cost of 3k. …”
NHTSA complaint #10448262, filed 2012-02, 25,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission stuck in a gear or losing drive
- 72 complaints (13%)
- median 93,500 mi at 7.4 yrs old (66 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 14 quotes)
- filed 2009–2019
Some owners report the transmission holding one gear — often fifth — until the ignition is cycled, or the car refusing to accelerate and rolling backwards on an incline. Complaints describe the fault progressing from occasional rough shifts to the vehicle becoming undrivable, with shops concluding the transmission had failed. Others mention the car entering a reduced-speed mode after a hard shift. Mostly reported above 100,000 miles, with some cases as low as 75,000-80,000 miles.
What to check: Test at highway and stop-and-go speeds and note whether it upshifts normally through all gears; ask if the transmission has ever been replaced or rebuilt and request the invoices.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“***faulty transmission*** my 2006 Nissan Maxima jerks, takes time to accelerate in traffic, and it barely wants to move once stopping for a red light. The gear spontaneously gets stuck in either 1st or 5th and I have to pull over and turn the car off and then back on so that I can get to my destination. This is so dangerous. My car has been properly maintained throughout the years and upon my research, I have found that others (have had/and are still having) the same problems that I am experiencing right now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489525, filed 2012-12, 96,000 miles“Pulling away from a stoplight, the transmission jerked violently from 1st to 2nd gear of the automatic transmission. The vehicle went into limp mode only going to 20 miles per hour on a very busy street with no turn off. Car was towed, and new transmission needed. Nissan will not take responsibility for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10714395, filed 2015-05, 78,000 miles - Electrical system
Engine stalling or failing to start
- 57 complaints (10%)
- median 87,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (52 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,100 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2009–2024
Complaints describe the engine cutting out while driving or refusing to start, sometimes with the security or anti-theft indicator involved, and in other cases the engine stalling without warning at speed. Owners report that diagnosis was inconclusive, with some dealers unable to reproduce or repair the fault. A few mention battery and starting system checks as a first step. Mileage varies widely across the sample, from under 60,000 to over 190,000 miles.
What to check: Start the car several times and check that the key is recognised reliably, and ask whether any no-start or communication-code repairs have been done; have the battery and charging system tested.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought this 2006 Nissan Maxima sl with 137,806 miles. I drove it home. The next day, it would not start, I went and bought a battery, on the way the service engine soon light came on., then the tcs and slip light came on. Took it to a mechanic shop, he keep it almost 4 weeks, and then told me it was not worth fixing/repairing it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360137, filed 2020-09, 137,820 miles“Car will not completely start, (and the start is fine) alarm states its stole etc. Anti-thief... Been in shop for weeks and they can't figure out what is how to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10606374, filed 2014-06, 60,000 miles - Engine
Oil loss, engine noise and shutdown
- 98 complaints (17%)
- median 84,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (83 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,850 (median of 18 quotes)
- filed 2006–2024
A few owners describe the oil pressure warning appearing while driving, followed quickly by loud engine noise and the engine stopping, with a shop pointing to the oil pump. Others report the engine quitting while driving and being slow to build power after a restart. Complaints also mention check-engine lights and hesitation under acceleration. Reports cluster around 70,000-115,000 miles, with some at higher mileage.
What to check: Check the oil level and condition before and after a test drive and look for leaks or a low-oil light on the dash; ask for oil change records and whether the timing chain area has had any service.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased a 2006 Nissan Maxima in 2009 the vehicle with approx. 67,000 as fine for the first 2 months. Here is where my problems started to occur, when turning towards the highway I accelerated to speed the car hesitated and was putting then the check engine light went on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10374852, filed 2011-01, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 20 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate and began to roll backwards down a slight incline. After restarting the engine, the vehicle would not drive forward. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11271043, filed 2019-10, 200,000 miles
Buying note. Because transmission complaints dominate this model year, a thorough test drive in city traffic and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent transmission shop are worth the cost. Also verify recent brake, battery and oil service records, since ABS sensor faults and stalling complaints come up repeatedly.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 576 consumer complaints for the 2006 Nissan Maxima. 510 of the complaints include a mileage, and 13% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 83,500 miles. Of all complaints, 21 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 79 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain393 68%
- Brakes59 10%
- Engine47 8.2%
- Vehicle speed control35 6.1%
- Electrical system26 4.5%
- Engine cooling24 4.2%
- Other or unknown21 3.6%
- Body and structure20 3.5%
- Suspension19 3.3%
- Electronic stability control17 2.9%
Also reported: Steering (17), Air bags (13), Tires (11), Exterior lighting (6), Fuel system (6), Wheels (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Seats (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “I had my valve body replaced due to hard shifting and a delay in transmission engagement when shifting from park to drive. Vehicle is start to exhibit same symptoms and I was informed the transmission would need to be replaced at the cost of $2,500 vehicle had 148,000 miles on it. Nissan should be held responsible for its inferior quality and workmanship.”
NHTSA complaint #10693553, filed 2015-03, 128,000 milesBrakes: “Purchased this car in 2006 brand new! 90k miles the ABS went.........at 120k miles the AC went and you have to keep putting freon all summer long! Now at 130k miles the car jerks sporadically when driving it switches gears and takes about 5-8 seconds to switch gears. Truly a dissatisfied customer. I paid for a transmission flush, which had I known at the time would not have done it because the problem remains!”
NHTSA complaint #10455686, filed 2012-04, 90,000 milesEngine: “My car caught fire due to electrical in the engine the whole front of my car is burned me and my family was asleep the neighbor came and knocked on the window and said my car was on fire I called the fire department they put the fire out and I asked how was the fire started the firemen told me the fire started from the engine”
NHTSA complaint #11205771, filed 2019-05, 111,320 milesVehicle speed control: “I was a proud owner of a 2006 Maxima but now I am very disappointed. About two months ago, my car started jerking when switching gears, accelerating, parking, and slowing down. I went to Nissan and they told me that my transmission had internal failures and needed to be replaced at $4200.00!!! My car only has 73,000 miles should not need a new transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10556842, filed 2013-12, 72,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
13% of the 510 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 68,000 and 102,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Nissan Maxima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Nissan Maxima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V046000Feb 13, 2006Suspension › RearCovers: Nissan Maxima 2006, Altima 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.
- 05V512000Nov 7, 2005Seats › Front assembly › Power adjustCovers: Nissan Maxima 2004–2006
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with the driver preferred package, the wire harness from the driver's seat power lumbar support switch may be routed incorrectly and could be pinched under the driver seat.
Recall details for the 2006 Nissan Maxima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 79 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10246452Nov 1, 2023Body and structure. Expiration Notification - Maxima/Altima Floor Pan ***** Dealer Announcement ***** On October 28, 2022, in connection with the court-approved settlement of class action litigation filed in Missouri…
- 10246436Nov 1, 2023Body and structure. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA; FLOOR PAN Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC926 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date…
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 22 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 18 | 12,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2018 | 36 | 36,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 106 | 27,908 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 142 | 40,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 96 | 50,400 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 22 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 339 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 79 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 129 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 948 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 206 | 86,600 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 64,200 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 172 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 360 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 165 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 113 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 102 | 85,696 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 96 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 152 | 129,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 89 | 114,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 78 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 110 | 134,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 76 | 173,922 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 106 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 146,945 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 60 | — | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 176 | 152,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 60 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 54 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 30 | — | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Maxima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of this model year most often describe automatic transmission problems — harsh or delayed shifting, slipping, jerking and occasionally going into a reduced-power mode — usually appearing in city driving somewhere around the 60,000-110,000 mile range. The issues reported most often: Harsh, jerky or slipping automatic transmission; ABS activates on dry pavement; Automatic transmission stuck in a gear or losing drive.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 576 consumer complaints for the 2006 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 393 complaints (68% of the total), followed by brakes with 59.
Has the 2006 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 510 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 83,500 miles and the middle half falls between 68,000 and 102,000 miles; 13% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.