CarModelProblems.com

2006 Nissan Maxima Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 8.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
576Complaints
2Recalls
21Crashes
4Fires
12Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (46.2% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Power Train complaints here are 8.0× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train266 · 46.2%not available
Power Train:automatic Transmission127 · 22%not available
Engine47 · 8.2%not available
Vehicle Speed Control34 · 5.9%not available
Service Brakes, Hydraulic31 · 5.4%not available
Electrical System24 · 4.2%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN266 · 46.2%
ENGINE47 · 8.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM24 · 4.2%
Unspecified / other18 · 3.1%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING18 · 3.1%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)17 · 3%
STRUCTURE:BODY17 · 3%

Percentages are the share of the 576 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 06V046000 · 2006 · reported 02/13/2006

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

NHTSA campaign 05V512000 · 2005 · reported 11/07/2005

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“MY 06 MAXIMA TRANSMISSION STARTS SLIPPING AROUND 62,000. WHEN ITS GOING UP SHIFT AROUND 20-30 MPH IT STARTS TO JERK REALLY HARD. AND ALSO WHEN…”NHTSA complaint 10367989 — filed 11/27/2010 · POWER TRAIN
“TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH 2006 NISSAN MAXIMA. TRANSMISSION SLIPPING.”NHTSA complaint 10341894 — filed 07/07/2010 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

1820099814220118798201387452015562620171292019622021432024

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Maxima?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 266 of 576 NHTSA complaints (46.2%), followed by power train:automatic transmission (127), engine (47), vehicle speed control (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2006 Nissan Maxima have?

576 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 21 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2006 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 06V046000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2006 Nissan Maxima's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.