The 2006 Altima is plagued by catastrophic CVT failures and serious engine oil consumption issues on the 2.5L four-cylinder, making it one of Nissan's most problematic mid-size sedans from this era.
CVT Transmission Failure (RE0F10A)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially 15-40 mph, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Hesitation when accelerating from stop, Transmission overheating warning light, Complete loss of forward gears
Fix: CVT replacement is the only real fix once symptoms appear. Transmission fluid changes don't prevent failure on this generation. Expect 8-12 hours labor for R&R. Remanufactured units common due to cost of new.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
QR25DE Engine Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart of oil every 500-1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, misfires on multiple cylinders, Low oil pressure warning at idle when oil level drops, Carbon buildup causing rough idle
Fix: Piston rings are undersized from factory and fail prematurely. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. Many owners run it low and seize the engine. Short block replacement is 18-24 hours, full rebuild 25-30 hours.
Estimated cost: $4,000-7,000
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition, cranks but won't fire, Intermittent stalling while driving, especially when hot, Check engine light with P0335 or P0340 codes, Engine dies and restarts after cooling down
Fix: Sensor itself is cheap but labor-intensive on the 2.5L due to location behind timing cover area. 2.5 hours labor typical. The 3.5L V6 is easier at 1.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front end, Steering pulls to one side, won't hold alignment, Excessive tire wear on inside edge, Steering wheel off-center after hitting bumps
Fix: OEM bushings are weak rubber. Most replace entire control arms instead of pressing bushings due to labor cost. Both sides typically need replacement at same time. 3-4 hours for both sides including alignment.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Catalytic Converter Failure (Pre-Cat)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0420/P0430 codes, Rattling noise from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Loss of power, sluggish acceleration, Failed emissions test, Sulfur smell from exhaust
Fix: Pre-cats in the manifold fail on both engines. Aftermarket manifolds with cats available but quality varies. OEM is exhaust manifold and cat as one unit. 4-6 hours labor for manifold replacement on 2.5L, 5-7 hours on V6.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Transmission Cooler Line Corrosion
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak visible under vehicle, Pink or red fluid dripping from radiator area, Low transmission fluid warning, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after leak develops
Fix: Steel lines corrode where they connect to radiator, especially in salt-belt states. Lines should be replaced not patched. Includes system flush. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Mass Airflow Sensor Contamination
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, Check engine light with P0101 or P0171/P0174 lean codes, Poor fuel economy, Stalling at idle or when coming to stop
Fix: MAF sensors get contaminated from oil vapors and cheap aftermarket air filters. Try cleaning with MAF cleaner first (0.3 hours), but often needs replacement. Easy DIY, 0.5 hours at shop.
Estimated cost: $150-350
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid every oil change—CVT should be pink and not smell burnt; brown fluid means it's already too late
Monitor oil consumption religiously on 2.5L engines starting at 60k miles; catching it early can prevent seized engine
Replace CVT fluid at 60k with Nissan NS-2 fluid ONLY—aftermarket fluids accelerate failure
Budget $500/year for unexpected repairs after 100k miles; these are not reliable long-term vehicles
Get pre-purchase inspection focusing on compression test (QR25DE oil consumption) and CVT operation
Hard pass unless under $3,000 with full service records and confirmed low oil consumption—budget for CVT and engine replacement as when-not-if scenarios.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard engine compartment location
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Every control module on the 2002-2006 Nissan Altima — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Control Unit (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr2002-2003 4-cylinder models only▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with steering column assembly, under lower dash
🔧 CONSULT-II or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Column-mounted electric power steering on early 4-cylinder models. 2004+ and all V6 models use conventional hydraulic power steering without control module. Steering angle sensor calibration required after replacement.
Anti-lock Brake System Control Unit (ABS)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side strut tower, mounted to ABS hydraulic unit
🔧 CONSULT-II or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Integrated with hydraulic unit and brake booster. Brake bleeding and ABS initialization required after replacement. Standard equipment all trims.
📍 Passenger side floor, under carpet near center console
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ RE4F04B (4-cyl) and RE5F22A (V6) transmissions. Adaptive learning reset required after installation; may take 10-20 drive cycles to relearn shift points.
Auto Air Conditioner Control Unit (A/C)1.1 hr R&Rno codingautomatic climate control only
📍 Behind center dash climate control panel
⚠️ Manual HVAC on base 2.5 and 2.5 S trims uses mechanical controls without module. Auto climate control on 3.5 SE and SE-R trims.
Supplemental Restraint System Control Module (SRS)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console, under climate control/radio stack, behind center trim
🔧 CONSULT-II or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Wait 3+ minutes after battery disconnect before servicing. Crash data stored; clearing required after collision repairs. Side airbags and curtains on SE-R and 3.5 SE models.
📍 Engine bay, passenger side firewall, mounted on bulkhead near brake master cylinder
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ QR25DE (4-cyl) and VQ35DE (V6) use different ECMs. NATS immobilizer integrated; key registration required after replacement. 2005-2006 models may support some aftermarket programming tools.
Body Control Module (BCM)0.9 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver side kick panel, behind lower dash trim panel
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ Controls exterior lighting, power windows, door locks, keyless entry receiver, interior lighting. VIN programming required for replacement.
Sonar Control Unit (SONAR)0.8 hr R&Rno codingwith rear parking sensors (3.5 SE option)
📍 Trunk, driver side rear quarter panel area
⚠️ Rear parking assist optional on 3.5 SE trim 2005-2006 model years. Four ultrasonic sensors in rear bumper.
⚠️ Odometer stored in cluster EEPROM. Mileage programming required when replacing; dealer must document per federal odometer disclosure laws. Communicates with ECM and BCM via CAN bus.
Audio Control Unit (AUDIO)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center dash, in radio mounting location
🔧 Radio anti-theft code entry
⚠️ Factory Bose systems have separate amplifier in trunk. Anti-theft code required after battery disconnect or replacement; code on card in owner's manual or retrievable from serial number.
NATS Control Unit (NATS)dealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated within ECM
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS and PIN code
⚠️ Nissan Anti-Theft System standard all models. Key registration requires 4-digit PIN code obtained from Nissan via VIN. Maximum 5 keys can be registered. ECM replacement requires all keys to be re-registered.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 07E087000
2007-10-25
CERTAIN TYC HALOGEN TYPE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/N 20-6644-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2005-2006 NISSAN ALTIMA PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PHOTOMETRIC WERE MISALIGNED WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DIMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: GENERA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 25, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT GENERA AT 714-522-6688.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 06V223000
2006-06-21
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.
Consequence: 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.
SUSPENSION:REAR · 06V046000
2006-02-13
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.
Consequence: IF THE BRACKET IS CRACKED, THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE AFFECTED UNDER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUBFRAME TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
21mpg
Highway
29mpg
Combined
24mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
2002-2006 Altima (L31) generation, sedan body style, no rear wiper
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5L I4 QR25DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.