NissanAltima2006Overview/nissan/altima/2006/base/

2006 Nissan Altima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2006 Altima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

Classified as a standard passenger car, the 2006 Nissan Altima relies on a powertrain maintained by 4.4 quarts of 5W-30 API oil, yet its ownership record reveals a more complicated structural story. Amassing 824 total owner complaints alongside four recalls, the vehicle's primary issues consistently stem from its structure rather than its mechanical operation. When placed within the Altima's 1993-2025 complaint history, this model year falls well below the problematic 2013 peak of 2,304 complaints but remains significantly higher than the historical low of just six complaints in 2025, indicating a middling tier of historical reliability that warrants careful evaluation by researchers.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182006

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.4 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Note the factory battery is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-60R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rimN inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E alt 152089E01A
Engine air filter165460Z000
Spark plug224015M014 alt 224015M015
Battery244109B900 discontinued
Front wiper blades28890ZD80A alt 288903Z600
Serpentine belt119508J100 alt 119208J110
Thermostat212306N20A alt 21200EA000
Cabin air filter27277VP01A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length191.3 in
Overall width70.5 in
Overall height57.9 in
Wheelbase110.2 in
Curb weight3038 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)62/38

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Altima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.20 sec — 2006 SE-R V6
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2006SE-R V6 3.5L V66.20 sec14.70 sec260 hpFWD
2005SE-R V6 3.5L V66.10 sec14.80 sec260 hpFWD
20073.5 SE 3.5L V65.90 sec14.50 sec270 hpFWD
20073.5 SE 3.5L V65.90 sec14.60 sec270 hpFWD
20073.5 SE 3.5L V66.60 sec15.00 sec270 hpFWD
2007Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec7.10 sec15.40 sec198 hpFWD
20072.5 2.5L I-47.20 sec15.70 sec175 hpFWD
20073.5 SE 3.5L V67.30 sec15.60 sec270 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0-26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidNissan Matic-D
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.7
Automatic Transmission FluidNissan Matic-K
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.7
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.4 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts65 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13-15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts29-32 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts21-24 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub202 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)AT: 675, MT: 675 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)AT: 50, MT: 100 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Gap0.039-0.043 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.04-1.16 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.03 oz
Standard BCI Group Number24F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number24F

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)51.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)51.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance11.6-14.9 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11.1-14.5 ohms
Engine Compression154-181 psi. 14 maximum variation psi.
Engine Oil Pressure43 psi @ 2000 rpm, 57 psi @ 57 rpm psi
Engine Oil Pressure43 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM2000 rpm

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH CLZ25VE / WITH CLZ25VD
Torque Caliper to Bracket17-22 ft-lbs / 16-23 ft-lbs / 28-35 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle101
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.039 in
Brake ApplicationWITH CLZ25VE / WITH CLZ25VD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0028 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.102 in / 0.945 in / 0.35 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114-15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9514–15 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
128-34 ft. lbs., step 2: 60-6628–34 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
132 ft. lbs., step 2: 84-9032 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
172 ft. lbs.72 ft. lbs
2loosen all bolts in reverse order.
329 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
172 ft. lbs.72 ft. lbs
2loosen all bolts
326-32 ft. lbs.26–32 ft. lbs
490-95 degrees90–95 degrees
590-95 degrees90–95 degrees
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
14-7 ft. lbs., step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., step 3: 20-234–7 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1029 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
124-28 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9524–28 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 3,750 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 3,750 mi. The big-interval services (every 3,750 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 3,750 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Axle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Headlamp (inspect alignment)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miRadiator Hose (replace)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2006 Altima sits near the end of the fourth generation (2002–2006), a period marked by elevated complaint and recall activity. With 824 complaints and 4 recalls, 2006 is the third-highest complaint year in that generation, behind 2002 (1,063) and 2005 (1,091), and it has the fewest TSBs (79) of any generation year. The top complaint areas—Structure (200), Engine & Engine Cooling (148), and Engine (108)—along with 43 crash and 14 fire complaints, indicate persistent issues, though the data does not specify root causes. Compared to the following generation, which saw even higher complaint peaks (e.g., 1,547 in 2009), 2006 is still a high-risk model year. Given the above-average complaint volume and multiple recall actions, the 2006 Altima is not a recommended buy for a used-car shopper.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
79
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
824
Owner complaints
43 involved a crash · 14 a fire

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 824 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Structure200
Engine & Engine Cooling148
Engine108
Power Train55
Unknown Or Other33
Air Bags31
Electrical System18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

06V046000Suspension:RearReported 13/02/2006

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. 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…

06V223000Engine And Engine CoolingReported 21/06/2006

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS. 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 79 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB10-066C2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Altima. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2006 Altima take?

4.4 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2006 Altima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.