2006 Nissan Maxima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 733 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.8 times the median Maxima year — the 2006 model ranks #3 of 42 Maxima years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 54% of all reports (397 of 733), far ahead of engine at 71.

733

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Maxima years?

Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Maxima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Nissan Maxima problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	397	54%	▼ down
Engine	71	10%	▼ down
Brakes	61	8%	▲ up
Electrical System	47	6%	— flat
Speed Control	35	5%	— flat
Body & Structure	20	3%	— flat
Suspension	19	3%	▲ up
Other	19	3%	▼ down
Steering	17	2%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	15	2%	▼ down
Airbags	13	2%	▲ up
Lighting	6	1%	▲ up
Fuel System	6	1%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	3	0%	— flat
Seats	2	0%	▼ down
Seat Belts	1	0%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 2006 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06V046000SuspensionFebruary 13, 2006 · 759 units

Defect

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.

05V512000SeatsNovember 7, 2005 · 102,551 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A PINCHED HARNESS, IN COMBINATION WITH DRIVING VIBRATION, MAY RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE HARNESS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE IN THE SEAT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS AND ROUTE IT CORRECTLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SUDDEN ACCELERATION AFTER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. VEHICLE 1 HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES, MINOR DAMAGE TO THEM AND THEN VEHICLE 1 FLIPPED ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. NISSAN MAXIMA HAS BEEN SERVICED TWICE FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP. THE NISSAN MAXIMA WAS JUDGED TO BE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 19, 2013 · crash

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 4, 2019 · fire

“WHILE CASUALLY DRIVING, HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL, FOOT ON ACCELERATOR, ASPHALT ROAD SLIGHTLY DAMP BUT NOT WET, ON A TWO WAY STREET WITH NO REASON TO EXPECT A SUDDEN CRISIS, THE ABA BRAKES ON MY 2006 MAXIMA SUDDENLY LOCKED THROWING THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE INTO A SLIDE FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 16, 2013 · crash

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 4, 2019 · fire

“MY CAR BEGAN JERKING AND SHIFTING UNEXPECTEDLY. IT ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MY CAR CRASHED INTO MY FRIEND'S HOME. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 24, 2014 · crash

2006 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 2006 Nissan Maxima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 733 complaints put the 2006 model at #3 of 42 Maxima years. It is one of the Maxima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Maxima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (397 complaints), engine (71 complaints), brakes (61 complaints).

Does the 2006 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Maxima years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2016, 1999, 1995, 1987. The cleanest record among Maxima years belongs to 2023.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2006 compare to other Maxima years?

What are the most common 2006 Nissan Maxima problems?

Does the 2006 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2006 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 2006 Nissan Maxima reliable?

What are the most common 2006 Maxima problems?

Does the 2006 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?

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