Model year guide

2006 Nissan Maxima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Nissan Maxima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 225 on record.

2006 Nissan Maxima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Nissan Maxima at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints576
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$4,155

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2006 Nissan Maxima recalls 2

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #06V046000 · 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.

Fix: 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.

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #05V512000 · 07/11/2005

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2006 Nissan Maxima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 576 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2006 Nissan Maxima safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2006 Nissan Maxima 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2006 Nissan Maxima MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2006 Nissan Maxima worth?

Low
$2,100
Typical price
$4,155
High
$6,500

From 224 comparable 2006 Nissan Maxima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Nissan Maxima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,600
Total$17,350
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($4,155) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,546), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2006 Nissan Maxima trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5 SE · 3.5 SL
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl

2006 Nissan Maxima vehicles on record

Other Nissan Maxima model years

2006 Nissan Maxima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Nissan Maxima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2006 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 576 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, engine.

What is the 2006 Nissan Maxima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2006 Nissan Maxima crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Nissan Maxima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 Nissan Maxima at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2006 Nissan Maxima worth?

Comparable 2006 Nissan Maxima listings run roughly $2,100–$6,500, typically around $4,155 (from 224 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.