CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver s
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Nissan Altima body problems
moderate 214 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
214
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 214 body complaints filed for the 2006 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 214 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 16 model years of Nissan Altima in our records for body problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver s
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA; FLOOR PAN Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC926 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC926. ï· Discard all previous versions of NTB22-095.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Expiration Notification - Maxima/Altima Floor Pan ***** Dealer Announcement ***** On October 28, 2022, in connection with the court-approved settlement of class action litigation filed in Missouri, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign (VSC) on 36,858 specific model year 2002-2006 Nissan Altima and 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima vehicles to inspect, and if necessary, repair for front floor pan corrosion. Per the terms of the settlement, the VSC expired on November 1, 2023. This Voluntary Service Campaign and customer reimbursement for these repairs will no longer be available after November 1, 2023. ***** What Dealers Should Do ***** 1. Service Comm will deactivate PC926 on any unrepaired VI
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant issue across these narratives is premature and severe corrosion of the floor pan, particularly under the driver and passenger seat areas. Owners discovered rust holes ranging from small perforations to large gaps (up to 24 inches by 12 inches) that expose the underside of carpet and insulation. The rust occurs between the two sheet metal layers that compose the floor itself, not from interior leaks or external damage.
The problem appears within 5–7 years of ownership and on vehicles with as few as 27,000 miles. Owners report the issue regardless of climate (cold salt states, warm dry states), vehicle storage (garage-kept or regularly driven), or maintenance rigor. Multiple owners describe fastidious care, regular undercarriage washing, and low mileage—yet the floors still corrode symmetrically on both sides.
Repair estimates span $480 to $3,335 depending on the shop and damage extent. Dealers confirm this is a familiar repair on same-year Altimas. Nissan's response is consistent: the company acknowledges the problem when vehicles arrive at dealerships but refuses to cover repairs beyond the 5-year/60,000-mile rust warranty. Representatives attribute rust to environmental factors (road salt) or owner negligence, despite contradicting evidence.
Owners recognize the safety hazard: holes allow exhaust fumes to enter the cabin, road debris to penetrate, and weakened floor structure during a crash. One mechanic (a PA state inspection technician) stated the rust is not from neglect. A secondary complaint involves water intrusion and mold in the rear seat floor, and a handful of narratives describe a trunk lid that swings open and slams shut dangerously due to poor hinge design.
Same Nissan Altima body reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Floor pan rust-through on driver and passenger sides
Severe corrosion and perforation of the floor pan sheet metal directly under the driver and passenger foot wells, occurring prematurely on otherwise well-maintained vehicles. Holes range from small perforations to large gaps (reported sizes up to 24" x 12") that expose the underside of carpeting and insulation to the road/air. Rust originates between the two sheet metal layers that compose the floor, not from external damage or leaks in the interior. The issue occurs on vehicles with low to moderate mileage (27,000–126,000 miles) and regardless of climate or maintenance regimen. Owners in cold/salt states and warm/dry states both report identical failure.
When: Rust noticed between 5–7 years of ownership; in some cases discovered at routine service around 70,000–90,000 miles; onset appears gradual but often undetected until severe perforation occurs.
Symptoms owners cite: Soft or spongy floor sections under driver and/or passenger seats; Visible corrosion and flaking metal when vehicle is lifted; Perforated holes in floor pan, often symmetrical on both sides; Carpet and insulation padding visible or hanging from the underside; Rust hanging or dangling from underneath when vehicle is elevated; Musty, wet smell in cabin after rain; Vehicle fails state safety inspection due to floor holes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repair estimates ranging from $480–$3,335 depending on shop and extent of damage. Full floor pan replacement quoted by dealers; some independent shops perform sectional repairs. One owner paid $480 at an Infiniti dealer body shop; another received a Nissan dealership estimate of $3,334.66. Nissan offered to cover 50% of repair in one case. Dealers confirm familiarity with the repair and have performed it multiple times on same-year vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan initially acknowledges the issue when owners bring it to dealerships but refuses to cover repairs outside the 5-year/60,000-mile rust warranty. Nissan representatives attribute the rust to environmental factors (salt, road conditions) and maintenance, despite owners providing evidence of meticulous care, garage storage, and regular undercarriage washing. No recall has been issued. Some dealers inform customers that rust is "normal for these vehicles" or "due to jack-mount design" (which owners and mechanics dispute). Online chatter and television reports reference class-action lawsuits and a known design flaw in the AC evaporator drainage system. One owner was told TSBs exist but were not provided.
Water intrusion and accumulation in rear seat floor area
Back seat floor, particularly the right side, fills with water during or after rain, leading to mold growth under floor mats. Water source is not a visible interior leak, suggesting it enters through body seams or drainage failures.
When: Not specified with precision; occurs during or after heavy rain events.
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling in back seat floor area after rain; Mold growth under floor mats; Musty odor in cabin; Health concern for vehicle occupants, especially young children breathing mold spores
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $80 diagnostic fee plus $200–$400 repair cost but stated they could not identify the leak source.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner holds extended bumper-to-bumper warranty; dealer initially refused to honor it for this water intrusion issue.
Trunk lid design defect (poor latching/inadequate tension)
Trunk lid fails to remain open on flat surfaces and swings/slams shut on inclines, as if hinges lack proper tension. Lid design causes it to move like a pendulum rather than hold position.
When: Issue present from early ownership; one owner reported addressing it 3/22/2007 after multiple visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk will not stay open on level ground; Trunk lid slams shut unexpectedly on inclines or slopes; Children and adults struck/injured by slamming lid multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan dealership performed repairs after four service visits; technician acknowledged the poor design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged design defect and performed repairs at one location; defect remains unaddressed across the model line. No recall or design improvement notice issued for vehicles without rear spoiler.
Synthesized from 214 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Floor boards rusted totally thru on drivers side and passengers side. Only thing stopping feet from going thru the floor is carpet.seems to be a ongoing problem with the floors on Nissan,I believe this is a very dangerous problem that should be corrected by Nissan as a recall safety issue. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Nissan altima. The contact stated that there had been extensive premature rusting on the floor boards of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that there was corrosion holes through the front driver and passenger side floor boards. The contact mentioned that the holes had to be covered while the vehicle was operated. The vehicle was taken to two different…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Nissan altima. The contact stated that the driver's side floor board had extensive corrosion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the floor board needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
2006 Nissan altima - car has been kept in very good condition - exterior is in flawless condition with no rust visible. Do not be fooled - the floor boards under the drivers side and passengers side are extremely rusted out. Took in car to Nissan dealership for service to replace water pump and was informed about rotted out floor boards. Despite multiple services at same location this was the…
Had body trouble with your 2006 Nissan Altima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2006 Nissan Altima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 214 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 169 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 84,000 and 127,000 miles, with the median around 100,360. A quarter of owners report trouble before 84,000; a quarter make it past 127,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Nissan/Altima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.