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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

Tires complaints

4 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineTires

2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER GETTING GAS. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE EN…

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2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER GETTING GAS. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WAS ON THE RECALL LIST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. *JB UPDATED 03/01/11

NHTSA ODI #10383825

47,000 miles · Jan 21, 2011
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainTires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER (10V075000-FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILIARY TANK). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE ALSO S…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER (10V075000-FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILIARY TANK). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR GAUGE HAD MALFUNCTIONED SINCE THE DAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED WHEN THE VEHICLE STALED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO GET IT RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.

NHTSA ODI #10378162

79,117 miles · Aug 27, 2009
Tires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE DOMINATOR ALL SEASON, TIRE SIZE 235\75\15. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITONS; THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE DOMINATOR ALL SEASON, TIRE SIZE 235\75\15. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITONS; THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE EXHIBITED COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION AND THE STEEL BELT WAS EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP. THE DEFECTIVE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW TIRE AND THE TIRES WERE ROTATED. THERE WAS A SEPARATE OCCASION WITH FAILURE OF THE FRONT DRIVER DEFECTIVE TIRE WHICH EXHIBITED COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION; AND A SIDEWALL BLOW OUT OCCURRED. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,117. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,350.

NHTSA ODI #10281993

36,000 miles · Jul 9, 2009
Tires

WE PURCHASED A USED 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH NISMO PACKAGE THAT HAD 32,000 MILES ON IT. BY THE TIME IT HAD 36,000 MILES, THE TRUCK SEIZED ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAD IT LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD ALL OF THE OIL HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE TRANSFER CASE AND THE BEARINGS/SEALS WERE BROKEN. ALSO, THAT SEVERAL OF THE TRANSFER CASE BOLTS WERE MISS…

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WE PURCHASED A USED 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH NISMO PACKAGE THAT HAD 32,000 MILES ON IT. BY THE TIME IT HAD 36,000 MILES, THE TRUCK SEIZED ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAD IT LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD ALL OF THE OIL HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE TRANSFER CASE AND THE BEARINGS/SEALS WERE BROKEN. ALSO, THAT SEVERAL OF THE TRANSFER CASE BOLTS WERE MISSING BEFORE IT WAS TAKEN APART FOR INSPECTION. AFTER WAITING 3 WEEKS FOR THE PARTS TO COME IN, WE PURCHASED NEW TIRES. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT DID NOT RESET ON THE DASH BOARD AND STILL TELLS US THE AIR PRESSURE NEEDS TO BE CHECKED EVEN THOUGH WE PAID FOR NITROGEN THAT SUPPOSEDLY KEEPS THE AIR PRESSURE CONSTANT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10276217

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.