DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Nissan Maxima steering problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
4crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Among the 11 model years of Nissan Maxima in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too mu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN: ALTIMA, MAXIMA, QUEST; POWER STEERING HOSE SERVICE PART CHANGE. THE HOSE NOW COMES WITHOUT THE PRESSURE SENSOR. DO NOT DAMAGE THE PRESSURE SENSOR UPON REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION. IF ONLY THE PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, DO NOT REPLACE ANY HOSES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a range of steering system problems, some life-threatening. Steering wheel vibration at 45–70 mph is the most common complaint; it persists even after multiple tire services, balancing, and dealership inspections of struts and mounts. One owner paid out of pocket for a Goodyear tire replacement after dealership and Nissan corporate claimed no known defects, yet vibration continued.
Rack-and-pinion failures appear frequently. Owners report whining, then grinding when turning. Replacement of the rack-and-pinion assembly and high-pressure hose has not permanently stopped the noise or steering difficulty for at least one owner. One shop noted the rack wears quickly on this model and costs around $400.
Most alarming are sudden steering failures at speed. One owner experienced uncontrolled ABS brake lockup and steering that became unresponsive (described as "floating"), causing a rear-end slide into oncoming traffic. Another had a low-speed parking situation where the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably with no steering response, striking a sign post and stone pillar hard enough to deploy all airbags. A third owner reported the vehicle pulling hard to the right at 20 mph, flipping multiple times and causing injury. One owner's wheel stabilizer (ESC) activated without warning on an interstate curve, locking the wheels and causing collisions with concrete and a truck—the airbags did not deploy. Dealership and manufacturer diagnostics have found no computer codes to explain these events.
Same Nissan Maxima steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel vibration at highway speeds
Excessive vibration in the steering wheel at constant speeds between 45–60 mph, sometimes continuing into the right front passenger seat at speeds exceeding 60 mph. Vibration worsens in cold temperatures. Owners report the problem persists after tire replacement, balancing, rotation, and dealership inspection of struts and engine mounts.
When: Between 45–70 mph; one owner reported onset after first tire rotation in April 2006 on a November 2005 purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibration at 45–60 mph; Vibration shifts to right front passenger seat above 60 mph; Worse in cold temperatures; Persists after tire service and balancing
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced tires, had tires rotated and balanced multiple times at dealership. One owner replaced front brakes and rotors. Dealership inspections of struts and engine mounts found nothing. One owner charged for tire replacement (Goodyear) out of pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan Corporation of America (REF# 5602757) advised one owner there were no reported complaints, recalls, or defects recorded. Dealership technician suggested defective tire as cause.
Rack and pinion steering failure (whining, grinding, difficulty steering)
Whining then grinding noise when turning the steering wheel, accompanied by difficulty steering. Owners report replacement of the rack and pinion assembly and high-pressure hose did not fully resolve the issue. One owner noted this is reported as common on 2006 Nissan Maxima, Murano, and Altima models with 3.5L V6 engines.
When: Not specified by mileage; one replacement occurred at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise when turning steering wheel; Grinding noise when turning; Difficulty steering; Grinding and whining persist after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replaced, high-pressure hose replaced. Issues reported as typical repairs for vehicles of this age. Owner states problem continues after both parts replaced.
Steering gear failure (unresponsive wheels)
Steering wheel could be turned but wheels would not respond during low-speed reverse maneuver. Dealership diagnosed steering gear damage but vehicle was not repaired.
When: 101,823 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wheels unresponsive to steering input while reversing at 3 mph; Steering wheel turned but wheels did not move
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed steering gear damage; repair not completed per narrative.
Loss of steering control at highway speed (ABS lockup event)
While driving casually on a damp asphalt road, ABS brakes locked suddenly without warning, throwing the rear end into a slide. Steering wheel became unresponsive (described as floating with no control). Vehicle continued to accelerate instead of braking. Dealership found no computer codes or reason for the incident.
When: Low mileage; vehicle well-maintained and garaged
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden ABS brake lockup without warning; Rear end slid into oncoming traffic lane; Steering wheel lost directional control (floating sensation); Vehicle accelerated instead of braking; Minor exterior damage from curb and sign post impact
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer immediately after incident. No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership road tested and found no computer codes. Nissan had no explanation for the incident.
Loss of steering control during parking maneuver
Vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control when drive was engaged during a low-speed parking maneuver (reversing from parking space with front end stuck on curb). Metallic bang was heard, then vehicle accelerated forward with no steering response. Owner hit multiple obstacles (curb, sign post, stone pillar), all airbags deployed.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden uncontrolled acceleration from parked position; Steering would not respond; Metallic bang sound before acceleration; Vehicle struck multiple objects; All airbags deployed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to police impound. No dealer or manufacturer notification per narrative.
Vehicle pulls hard to one side, causing crash
While driving at 20 mph, vehicle suddenly pulled to the right without driver input. Owner crashed into adjacent vehicle; their vehicle flipped over several times. Owner sustained left arm injury. Owner also noted vehicle would stall while driving at any speed prior to the crash.
When: 38,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden pull to the right at 20 mph; Loss of directional control; Vehicle stalling while driving at any speed (prior symptom)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle being diagnosed by owner's insurance company; no repair documented.
Steering wheel drift/uncentered (steering pulls to one side)
Steering wheel keeps shifting to one side. Wheel alignment shop attributed the issue to rack and pinion wear, noting that the part fails quickly on this model and costs approximately $400.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel keeps shifting to one side
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel alignment shop diagnosed rack and pinion wear, quoted approximately $400 for part.
Electronic stability control malfunction (wheel stabilizer activation without cause)
While driving around a curve on the interstate, the wheel stabilizer system activated without reason. Vehicle wheels locked up and owner lost control. Owner was struck by concrete walls and a diesel truck. No airbags deployed.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Wheel stabilizer activated without driver input; Wheels locked up; Loss of vehicle control; Struck concrete walls and vehicle; Airbags did not deploy
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Nissan Maxima?
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 steering problem on the 2006 Nissan Maxima?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 21,038 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,038; a quarter make it past 97,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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/Maxima.
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.