NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
74 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 13, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE RECALL NOTICES AND OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE SHOWED SIGNS OF ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE SECOND YEAR AFTER HE PURCHASED IT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM RECALL, HE WAS INFORMED THE VEHICL…
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2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE RECALL NOTICES AND OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE SHOWED SIGNS OF ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE SECOND YEAR AFTER HE PURCHASED IT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM RECALL, HE WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK, AND THE ENGINE WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AFTER ONLY HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR THREE YEARS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS GAUGE HAS SINCE STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THE ENGINE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS SINCE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, THERE WAS STILL A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE, BUT IT WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10497361
110,000 miles · Feb 4, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM FAILED AND ALLOWED RADIATOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM FAILED AND ALLOWED RADIATOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,500. UPDATED 5/15/13 *CN UPDATED 05/31/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10496284
102,000 miles · Jan 16, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR. THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHUDDER AND WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED OUT DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. HARD TO BELIEVE NISSAN DID PRACTICALLY NOTHING TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE P…
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THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR. THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHUDDER AND WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED OUT DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. HARD TO BELIEVE NISSAN DID PRACTICALLY NOTHING TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT SURE WAS EVIDENT THAT THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS WELL AS A COUPLE OF TRANSMISSION SHOPS I'VE VISITED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493221
1,016,200 miles · Jan 14, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION, AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO ENTER THE RADIATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492858
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
HASN'T HAPPENED YET, BUT FROM ALL THE COMPLAINTS FROM 2005-2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER, XTERRA AND FRONTIER OWNERS CONCERNING MAJOR TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHILE DRIVING DUE TO CROSS CONTAMINATION FROM A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE RUNNING THROUGH THE RADIATOR, IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN KNOWN BY NISSAN FOR YEA…
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HASN'T HAPPENED YET, BUT FROM ALL THE COMPLAINTS FROM 2005-2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER, XTERRA AND FRONTIER OWNERS CONCERNING MAJOR TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHILE DRIVING DUE TO CROSS CONTAMINATION FROM A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE RUNNING THROUGH THE RADIATOR, IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN KNOWN BY NISSAN FOR YEARS AND AS A BAND-AID SOLUTION OFFERED EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THESE SPECIFIC COMPONENTS TO 8 YEARS/80,000 MILES, KNOWING FULL WELL MOST PROBLEMS HAVE A RECORD OF OCCURRING JUST AFTER 100,000 MILES. CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS AGAINST NISSAN FOR THIS DEFECT ARE NOW PENDING IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THIS DEFECT AND NISSAN'S LACK OF CONCERN FOR PREVENTATIVE ACTION PLACED THIS IN THE 2ND WORST PROBLEM ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM TOP VEHICLE PROBLEM TRENDS OF 2012 LIST. AS MORE AND MORE OF THESE MODEL YEARS APPROACH 100,000 MILES, MORE AND MORE CATASTROPHIC FAILURES WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY AND LOSS OF LIFE WILL OCCUR. REPAIR AFTER THE FAILURE IS QUITE EXPENSIVE; ENOUGH TO WARRANT SCRAPPING THE VEHICLE FOR THOSE THAT CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIR BILL. TIME TO HOLD NISSAN ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PROBLEM THEY HAVE CREATED AND ALLOWED THE PUBLIC TO BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR. A RECALL OF ALL AFFECTED MODELS TO INSTALL AN IMPROVED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LINE IN THE OIL COOLER OR REROUTING THE LINE TO A DIFFERENT ADD-ON OIL COOLER IS NEEDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492366
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH FROM HOME, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE AN INSPECTION REVEALED RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION…
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2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH FROM HOME, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE AN INSPECTION REVEALED RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED TOGETHER.
NHTSA ODI #10491303
92,000 miles · Sep 6, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY NISSAN WAS HAVING ISSUES SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. HE INFORMED ME THAT NISSAN WAS HAVING AN ISSUE WITH A PART THAT WORE OUT AND LEAKED COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE RADIATOR. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF IT WAS RECALLED. THEY INFORMED ME I WAS A FEW THOUSAND MILES OVER MY WARRANTY A…
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MY NISSAN WAS HAVING ISSUES SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. HE INFORMED ME THAT NISSAN WAS HAVING AN ISSUE WITH A PART THAT WORE OUT AND LEAKED COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE RADIATOR. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF IT WAS RECALLED. THEY INFORMED ME I WAS A FEW THOUSAND MILES OVER MY WARRANTY AND THEY COULD DO NOTHING. I THEN SAW THE MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID NISSAN PAID FOR SOME VEHICLES OUT OF WARRANTY. THAT ALONE PROVES THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I PAID FOR A NEW RADIATOR ($600) AND HOPED FOR THE BEST WITH MY TRANSMISSION. I AM IN THE NAVY SO I CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. NOW MY LUCK HAS RUN OUT AND I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I HAVE A 3 MONTH OLD AT HOME AND NEED TO HAVE TWO CARS FOR MY WIFE. THIS IS AN ISSUE NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT AND IT IS DUE TO A FAULTY PART THEY INSTALLED. IT COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED AHEAD OF TIME AND SOLVED A LOT OF ISSUES. WHEN IS THERE GOING TO BE A RECALL? PEOPLE ARE GETTING STRANDED AND NISSAN AND THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE FOR YOU TO NOTICE AND ACT? IT WOULD SEEM THAT PEOPLE BEING STRANDED AND SPENDING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS NOT ENOUGH. I NEED TO KNOW IF I HAVE TO GO TRY TO BUY ANOTHER CAR OR WAIT AND HOPE MY GOVERNMENT PROTECTS US. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10474156
92,000 miles · Aug 16, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER'S RADIATOR COOLER TANK RUPTURED FORCING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES CAUSING "CATASTROPHIC FAILURE" AT 92000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER (12000 MILES OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE FAULTY RADIATOR). THIS IS APPARENTLY AN "UNCOMMON", BUT KNOWN PROBLE…
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MY 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER'S RADIATOR COOLER TANK RUPTURED FORCING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES CAUSING "CATASTROPHIC FAILURE" AT 92000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER (12000 MILES OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE FAULTY RADIATOR). THIS IS APPARENTLY AN "UNCOMMON", BUT KNOWN PROBLEM WITH NISSAN TRUCK AND SUV MODELS. I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 70 NEAR FREDERICK, MARYLAND WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURRED. I LOST ALL FORWARD MOMENTUM BUT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE TRUCK TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD IT CHECKED BY AN INDEPENDENT SHOP IN MOUNT AIRY, MARYLAND AND THEY QUOTED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION AT $4350. AFTER MAKING INQUIRES WITH THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2006, THEIR INITIAL ESTIMATE WAS BETWEEN ROUGHLY $6000 - $10000 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION! THEY WERE ABLE TO NEGOTIATE DOWN WITH NISSAN CORPORATE AND THE FINAL COST OF REPLACEMENT OF THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WAS $3000. MY TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT ANY SIGN OR WARNING AT 65 MPH ON A 3 LANE INTERSTATE - THE FINANCIAL BURDEN TO FIX THE PROBLEM HURTS, BUT IT COULD HAVE GONE MUCH WORSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10470860
92,000 miles · Apr 23, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME INOPERABLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TEST RESULTS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME INOPERABLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TEST RESULTS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/21/12*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10456145
119,376 miles · Mar 13, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,376 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,379.
NHTSA ODI #10451368
Official recalls
4Oct 28, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES. THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) RELAY THAT HAS A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE DIODE MOLDING WHICH CAUSES SILICON OXIDE TO DEVELOP ON THE ECM RELAY CONTACT DUE TO ARCING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECM RELAY INSIDE THE IPDM ASSEMBLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Mar 3, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Dec 29, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Mar 30, 2006
ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CAP TETHER PIN ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP26003 · Fuel Smell And Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Mar 30, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Fuel System, Gasoline
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
Fuel System, Gasoline
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
DP12004 · Transmission Failures
Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
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