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2006 Nissan Frontier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Frontier years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Nissan Frontier are substantially higher than the model-year median of 64.

About this comparison →
617Owner complaints

Model-year median: 64

4Recall campaigns

View recall details →

2Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
77
200366
2004532
2005617
2006520
2007136
200837
2009
Compare all Frontier years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Power Train
220Fuel System, Gasoline
174Engine
82Engine And Engine Cooling
74Fuel/propulsion System
61
All reported categories
Steering
34Electrical System
31Air Bags
26Fuel System, Other
22Unknown Or Other
19Service Brakes, Hydraulic
16Vehicle Speed Control
14Suspension
9Seat Belts
8Structure
8Service Brakes
5Equipment
4Tires
4Latches/locks/linkages
3Visibility
2Wheels
2Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
1Electronic Stability Control (esc)
1Insert, Padding
1Parking Brake
1Seats
1Service Brakes, Electric
1Trailer Hitches
1Visibility/wiper
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

559 reports with mileage · 58 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 220 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 174 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports2 fire reports10 injury reports

Suspension complaints

9 reports
Clear category filter
120,530 miles · Jun 4, 2015
Power TrainSuspensionVehicle Speed Control

WHEN I GOT OUT OF COLLEGE THE FIRST THING I WANTED TO DO WAS TO BUY MY DREAM CAR. I HAD BEEN LOOKING INTO GETTING A TRUCK AND I WAS DEBATING BETWEEN MY NUMBER ONE CHOICE A NISSAN FRONTIER OR 2ND CHOICE TOYOTA TACOMA. I KNEW THE TACOMA WAS PROBABLY MORE RELIABLE IN TERMS OF MINOR PARTS YET I JUST LOVED THE DESIGN OF THE FRONTIER…

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WHEN I GOT OUT OF COLLEGE THE FIRST THING I WANTED TO DO WAS TO BUY MY DREAM CAR. I HAD BEEN LOOKING INTO GETTING A TRUCK AND I WAS DEBATING BETWEEN MY NUMBER ONE CHOICE A NISSAN FRONTIER OR 2ND CHOICE TOYOTA TACOMA. I KNEW THE TACOMA WAS PROBABLY MORE RELIABLE IN TERMS OF MINOR PARTS YET I JUST LOVED THE DESIGN OF THE FRONTIER AND THEREFORE I BOUGHT ONE IN 2006 BRAND NEW. EVER SINCE IT HAS BEEN MY PREFERRED AND ONLY WAY OF TRANSPORTATION. I KNEW THAT MAINTAINING IT WAS IMPERATIVE THEREFORE WHEN IT CAME TO AN OIL CHANGE, CHANGE OF SUSPENSION TRUSTS, TRANSMISSION SERVICE, CHANGE OF SPARK PLUGS; IT WAS ALL DONE AT THE PROPER TIME. YET MY TRUCK STARTED GIVING ME ISSUES 4 MONTHS AGO WHEN IT WOULD SHAKE OR SHIMMER ON ROAD AND FREEWAY. DID SEVERAL TIRE ROTATIONS, DID SUSPENSION CHANGE, YET THE ISSUE STILL PERSISTED. IT ALL CAME DOWN TO A SCREECHING HALT WHEN I WAS GOING UP TO SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK FOR A HIKE WITH FRIENDS. MY FRONTIER ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED LOOSING POWER AND THEN THE GEARS WOULD JUST NOT CHANGE. EVENTUALLY MY 'ENGINE SERVICE SOON' APPEARED AND WAS FORCED TO STOP OUR TRIP. HAD TO HIRE A TOW TRUCK TO BRING DOWN THE TRUCK AND UPON SCANNING I GOT A P1759 CODE. UPON RESEARCHING I COME TO FIND OUT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH NOT ONLY THIS LINE OF TRUCK BUT ALSO XTERRA AND TITAN BRANDS. YOU CANNOT BELIEVE MY DISAPPOINTMENT. IF IT WERE SOMETHING SIMPLE I WOULDN'T MIND BUT TRANSMISSION?!? REALLY?!? BECAUSE OF SOMEBODIES' MISTAKE WHEN IT CAME TO THE ENGINEERING OF THE TRUCK?!? AND TO FIND OUT NISSAN IS JUST IGNORING THE ISSUE. TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT AND FRUSTRATION! NOW I HAVE TO WAIT FOR OUR SWEET GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ACTION SINCE THIS IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A MAJOR CORPORATION IRRESPONSIBILITY AND ULTIMATELY.... GREED. BE WARNED ALL FRONTIER DRIVERS, YOUR TIME WILL COME.

NHTSA ODI #10723445

52,000 miles · Aug 3, 2012
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE SEAL HAD LEAKED ONTO THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PADS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE SEAL HAD LEAKED ONTO THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PADS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 09/21/12*LJ UPDATED 09/26/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10469124

34,183 miles · Feb 2, 2012
SuspensionWheels

I PURCHASED MY TRUCK FROM THE NISSAN DEALER IN 2006 AND RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE WORN RATHER BADLY. I THOUGHT THIS WAS UNUSUAL SINCE I HAD LESS THAN 35,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO SEARS AND ASKED THEM TO ALIGN THE WHEELS AND ROTATE THE TIRES. SEARS COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THEY WOULD…

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I PURCHASED MY TRUCK FROM THE NISSAN DEALER IN 2006 AND RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE WORN RATHER BADLY. I THOUGHT THIS WAS UNUSUAL SINCE I HAD LESS THAN 35,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO SEARS AND ASKED THEM TO ALIGN THE WHEELS AND ROTATE THE TIRES. SEARS COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER AND INSTALL SOME PARTS THAT WERE NOT ON THE TRUCK AT MANUFACTURING. I CALLED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS NECESSARY AND WAS TOLD THAT FOR CERTAIN MAKE OF VEHICLES THIS WAS TRUE. I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO ALIGN THE WHEELS TO RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS. ACCORDING TO SEARS, SINCE THE CAMBERS AND CASTERS WERE NOT WITHIN RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATION, TIRE WEAR, HANDLING AND SAFETY PROBLEMS MAY RESULT. I FEEL THAT THE NECESSARY PARTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS DUE TO PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. THE NISSAN DEALER SHOULD INSTALL THE NECESSARY PARTS FOR FREE AND NISSAN SHOULD NOTIFY ANY VEHICLE OWNERS AFFECTED BY THIS DEFICIENCY WHICH MIGHT CAUSE HANDLING AND SAFETY PROBLEMS. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10446335

118,386 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Suspension

BOTH FRONT HUB BEARINGS FAILED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10374023

47,000 miles · Aug 26, 2010
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL CRUNCH NOISE. AS THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING A TURN, HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT UNUSUALLY LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL, COUPLINGS, BOLTS AND LOWER CONTRO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL CRUNCH NOISE. AS THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING A TURN, HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT UNUSUALLY LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL, COUPLINGS, BOLTS AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10E019000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM). THE RECALL WAS FOR THE EXACT FAILURE THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,280.

NHTSA ODI #10352171

48,000 miles · Jul 23, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM UNDER CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10E019000. THE NOTICE HE RECEIVED HAD HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON IT; HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE NOTICE WAS SENT IN ERROR. THE CONTACT WAS…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM UNDER CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10E019000. THE NOTICE HE RECEIVED HAD HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON IT; HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE NOTICE WAS SENT IN ERROR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF THE PART FAILING AND WOULD LIKE FOR NISSAN TO HONOR THE NOTICE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 48000.

NHTSA ODI #10344848

56,000 miles · May 14, 2010
StructureSuspension

REFER TO ODI CONFIRMATION NUMBER 103268. THE SUMMARY WAS COMPLETELY ENTERED IN A FALSE MANNER. MY ACTUAL COMPLAINT WAS THAT THERE WERE NO CAMPER ADJUSTMENT DEVICES INSTALLED ON THE ORIGINAL VEHICLE, NOT THAT THEY HAD BECOME DEFECTIVE. THEY WERE NEVER THERE!!! I DO NOT APPRECIATE BEING BLOWN OFF NOR SHOULD I BE MIS-QUOTED, NO…

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REFER TO ODI CONFIRMATION NUMBER 103268. THE SUMMARY WAS COMPLETELY ENTERED IN A FALSE MANNER. MY ACTUAL COMPLAINT WAS THAT THERE WERE NO CAMPER ADJUSTMENT DEVICES INSTALLED ON THE ORIGINAL VEHICLE, NOT THAT THEY HAD BECOME DEFECTIVE. THEY WERE NEVER THERE!!! I DO NOT APPRECIATE BEING BLOWN OFF NOR SHOULD I BE MIS-QUOTED, NO THAT IS NOT HARSH ENOUGH, MY COMPLAINT WAS COMPLETELY FABRICATED. I TRIED TO CONTACT THE ODI OFFICE USING THE PHONE NUMBER PROVIDED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE "CONTACT ODI (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800) 424-9153" BUT THIS NUMBER TOLD THEY COULD CONTACT THE ODI OFFICE OR GIVE ME A PHONE NUMBER, SO HERE I SIT TYPING DUE TO YOUR ORIGINAL [XXX] IN ENTERING THIS COMPLAINT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10330491

56,000 miles · Apr 21, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WITH THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENT BOLTS AND CAMS. THEY HAVE TO BE PURCHASED AT THE DEALER. THE OWNER FEELS THESE PARTS SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE V…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WITH THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENT BOLTS AND CAMS. THEY HAVE TO BE PURCHASED AT THE DEALER. THE OWNER FEELS THESE PARTS SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE TIRES TO WEAR UNEVENLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. *FB UPDATED10/28/10 *BF UPDATED 11/01/10

NHTSA ODI #10326884

36,100 miles · Oct 9, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

I OWN A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER, IT WAS DELIVERED WITH ONLY HALF THE KEYS PROGRAMMED FOR THE VEHICLE, A STRANGE RATTLING OF PLASTIC SHROUDING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND AS I FOUND OUT A FAST SET OF TIRES LATER, THE FRONT END OUT OF ALIGNMENT [ TOO MUCH TOE IN ]. WHEN I READ THE MANUAL I FOUND OUT THAT MY 4WD VEHICLE WAS "NOT I…

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I OWN A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER, IT WAS DELIVERED WITH ONLY HALF THE KEYS PROGRAMMED FOR THE VEHICLE, A STRANGE RATTLING OF PLASTIC SHROUDING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND AS I FOUND OUT A FAST SET OF TIRES LATER, THE FRONT END OUT OF ALIGNMENT [ TOO MUCH TOE IN ]. WHEN I READ THE MANUAL I FOUND OUT THAT MY 4WD VEHICLE WAS "NOT INTENDED TO BE USED OFF OF THE ROAD", THIS WAS NOT IN ANY OF THE PRESALES LITERATURE AND THE REASON I BUY 4WD IS SO I CAN USE IT OFF ROAD. AT 100 MILES AFTER WARRANTY I HAD TO TAKE IT IN BECAUSE THE FUEL SENDING UNIT HAD FAILED, ABOUT A $600 REPAIR ON A PART THAT SHOULD LAST 200,000 MILES. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THEIR DEALERSHIP IS REPLACING ABOUT ONE OF THESE A WEEK ON A COUPLE OF MODELS. WHEN I PICKED IT UP I GOT THE TROUBLE LIGHT ON THE WAY HOME, I SCANNED IT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS [CODE PO448 ]. I TOOK IT BACK. THE FIRST CANISTER THEY ORDERED SHOWED UP BROKEN [ KIND OF FRAGILE FOR SOMETHING MOUNTED ON THE BOTTOM OF A 4WD ]. PARTS REPLACED UNDER THE EMISSIONS WARRANTY WERE 14953ZP50C FILTER-CANISTER, 14950-EA20A CANISTER ASSY. E, AND 14935-AM60B VALVE ASSY.-CO. THE SERVICE ORDER SAYS " ...INSPECTED/FOUND NO FLOW VERY RUSTY....". AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT THIS DOES NOT BODE WELL FOR THE FUTURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244918

Official recalls

4

10V517000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Oct 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.

10V075000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:auxillary Tank

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.

08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal

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.

06V092000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

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

2

DP26003 · 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.