NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
617 reports131,122 miles · May 11, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT MY VEHICLE I SEEN NOTHING PRETTY MUCH WRONG WITH IT. AFTER A WEEK OF DRIVING WITH IT I START NOTICING PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES, NOT A BIG DEAL. I FIXED THAT, THEN I NOTICE THAT MY VEHICLE STARTS ACTING UP IN CHANGING GEARS, AS WELL AS HEATING UP. SO I CHECK THE RADIATOR, THAT I NOTICE TRANSMISSION FLUID INSIDE …
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WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT MY VEHICLE I SEEN NOTHING PRETTY MUCH WRONG WITH IT. AFTER A WEEK OF DRIVING WITH IT I START NOTICING PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES, NOT A BIG DEAL. I FIXED THAT, THEN I NOTICE THAT MY VEHICLE STARTS ACTING UP IN CHANGING GEARS, AS WELL AS HEATING UP. SO I CHECK THE RADIATOR, THAT I NOTICE TRANSMISSION FLUID INSIDE THE RADIATOR. SO I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AFTER HEARING A RECALL, DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THEY TELL ME THAT I WOULD NEED $3500.00 AS A DEPOSIT, BEFORE THEY DO ANYTHING BECAUSE IT IS POSSIBILITY THAT NOT ONLY THE RADIATOR NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, BUT THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION ALSO IF THEY SEE IT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. ALL THIS IN LESS THAN A MONTH. SO I CHANGE THE RADIATOR MYSELF. NOW A MONTH LATER THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP ON ME. SO I ASK WHAT GOOD IS A RECALL IF I HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. WHAT GOOD IS BUYING A VEHICLE IF THE MANUFACTURES AND DEALERSHIP TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY IN WHAT THEY BUILD OR SALE. I NEVER TRY TO DO THIS TO ANY CUSTOMER IN WHEREVER I WORK, EITHER THE CABLE OR PHONE COMPANY, SO WHAT MAKE NISSAN SPECIAL IN DOING THIS TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. IN LESS THAT 2 MONTH AFTER I GET MY TRUCK FROM THE DEALERSHIP, I HAVE TO FIX MY TIRES, PUT A NEW RADIATOR, AND NOW A TRANSMISSION. WHAT USE IS HAVING A GOVERNMENT OR A FEDERAL SYSTEM, WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS NOT BEING HEARD, AND THE PEOPLE WITH THE MONEY CAN LIE TO THE CUSTOMER AND OUR SYSTEM DOES NOTHING, BUT ALLOW ALL THIS TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA ODI #10715572
112,289 miles · May 4, 2015
Power Train
I ACTUALLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER STALLING WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND FOUND OUT IT WAS BECAUSE OF ECM RELAY SO I CALLED NISSAN DEALER AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE RELAY. MADE A APPOINTMENT TO GET IT FIXED AND HAD THEM SEE WHY I HAD A HESITATION WHEN TAKING OFF. LONG STORY SHORT I SHOW BACK UP T…
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I ACTUALLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER STALLING WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND FOUND OUT IT WAS BECAUSE OF ECM RELAY SO I CALLED NISSAN DEALER AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE RELAY. MADE A APPOINTMENT TO GET IT FIXED AND HAD THEM SEE WHY I HAD A HESITATION WHEN TAKING OFF. LONG STORY SHORT I SHOW BACK UP TO GET MY TRUCK AND SERVICE ADVISOR TELLS ME I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR BECAUSE OF COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID BEING MIXED.THE SERVICE ADVISER WAS VERY SHORT WITH ME AND SURE DIDN'T WANT TO EXPLAIN ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM,HE JUST WANTED ME TO ORDER $5302.87 WORTH PARTS TO FIX IT.I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE REST OF YOU BUT I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY SITTING AROUND TO BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR .THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT NISSAN RECALLS APPARENTLY IT'S A BIG PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10714374
92,000 miles · Apr 21, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE IDLING OR COMING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR CAUSING THE COOLANT TO SEEP IN TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE IDLING OR COMING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR CAUSING THE COOLANT TO SEEP IN TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10711906
126,000 miles · Apr 13, 2015
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury
MY FRIEND AND I WERE TRAVELING ON THE I-40E IN NEW MEXICO. HE WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND FEEL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL. HE WOKE UP AND OVERSTEERED AND CAUSED US TO CRASH MY TRUCK INTO THE RIGHT SIDE HIGHWAY DITCH AT ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR. WE HIT FIRST WITH THE FRONT RIGHT OF MY TRUCK AND THEN TUMBLED 3 TIMES SMASHING ALL SIDES OF THE…
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MY FRIEND AND I WERE TRAVELING ON THE I-40E IN NEW MEXICO. HE WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND FEEL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL. HE WOKE UP AND OVERSTEERED AND CAUSED US TO CRASH MY TRUCK INTO THE RIGHT SIDE HIGHWAY DITCH AT ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR. WE HIT FIRST WITH THE FRONT RIGHT OF MY TRUCK AND THEN TUMBLED 3 TIMES SMASHING ALL SIDES OF THE TRUCK ESPECIALLY THE FRONT. WE HAD OUR SEAT BELTS ON SO WE WEREN'T EJECTED, BUT AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY DOG WAS IN THE BACKSEAT OF THE 4 DOOR TRUCK AND WAS EJECTED AND DIED SHORTLY AFTER. I SUSTAINED SEVERAL INJURIES TO MY FACE, HEAD, ARMS, SHOULDERS, AND BACK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10705366
9,400 miles · Mar 28, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUCK STALLED ON A HILL DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TRUCK BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS INTO TRAFFIC. TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY NISSAN, AND A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702384
138,000 miles · Mar 17, 2015
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN SUDDENLY MY TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED WITH NO WARNING. THANKFULLY IT COMPLETELY DISENGAGED AND DID NOT DAMAGE ANY OTHER SYSTEMS. WHEN TAKING IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION FLUID AND COOLANT MIXED TOGETHER, TH…
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I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN SUDDENLY MY TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED WITH NO WARNING. THANKFULLY IT COMPLETELY DISENGAGED AND DID NOT DAMAGE ANY OTHER SYSTEMS. WHEN TAKING IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION FLUID AND COOLANT MIXED TOGETHER, THUS RUINING THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I LEARNED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THAT NISSAN DID VERY LITTLE IN THE WAY OF RECALLS/INFORMING THEIR CUSTOMERS OF THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10694764
130,000 miles · Feb 21, 2015
Air BagsEngineStructureCrashInjury
WEATHER TURNED FROM RAIN TO ICY. SOUTH BOUND ON STREET THAT OVERPASS INTERSTATE. TRUCK SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES FIRST IN SOUTH BOUND LANE HITTING GUARD RAIL ON WEST SIDE, WENT OVER THE CURB AND MEDIAN INTO NORTH BOUND LANE SPIN AGAIN BEFORE COMING TO REST AGAINST 4FT HIGH CONCRETE DIVIDER ON BRIDGE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IS …
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WEATHER TURNED FROM RAIN TO ICY. SOUTH BOUND ON STREET THAT OVERPASS INTERSTATE. TRUCK SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES FIRST IN SOUTH BOUND LANE HITTING GUARD RAIL ON WEST SIDE, WENT OVER THE CURB AND MEDIAN INTO NORTH BOUND LANE SPIN AGAIN BEFORE COMING TO REST AGAINST 4FT HIGH CONCRETE DIVIDER ON BRIDGE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IS THE ONLY ONE THAT DEPLOYED. MY WIFE WAS IN PASSENGER SEAT. NO OTHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THIS TRUCK HAD DUAL STAGE SUPPLEMENTAL FRONT AIR BAGS AND NISSAN AABS.. THANKFULLY OUR SEAT BELTS WERE PROBABLY WHAT PROTECTED US FROM BEING THROWN FROM THE TRUCK. AS I STATED ONLY THE AIR BAG IN STEERING WHEEL DEPLOYED. THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO WITH ALL THE RECALLS GOING ON. I HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I WENT TO EMERGENCY ROOM THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY TO GET XRAY OF CHEST BECAUSE OF PAIN. MY WIFE WENT TO HER DR ALSO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10689728
122,000 miles · Jan 30, 2015
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, AND THEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE RPMS WENT UP AND I HAD NO CONTROL WITH THE GAS PEDAL, LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER PUT IT IN PARK, PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE AND IT STARTED TO GO AGAIN, AS SOON AS I HIT 4TH GEAR IT DID IT AGAIN. TOOK IT TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THE TOLD ME IT W…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, AND THEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE RPMS WENT UP AND I HAD NO CONTROL WITH THE GAS PEDAL, LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER PUT IT IN PARK, PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE AND IT STARTED TO GO AGAIN, AS SOON AS I HIT 4TH GEAR IT DID IT AGAIN. TOOK IT TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THE TOLD ME IT WAS THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF A CRACKED LINE. SEE THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FREQUENTLY WITH THIS MODEL, WHY NO WARNING OR RECALL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10680000
126,000 miles · Jan 13, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V517000 (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, AFTER THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE AP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V517000 (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, AFTER THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA ODI #10672058
125,502 miles · Jan 12, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR NOISE THAT APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION WITH A SLIGHT ROWING SOUND WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTED BETWEEN 40 MPH AND 45 MPH. SHOP MANAGER INFORMED ME TRUCK NEEDED A NEW TIMING CHAIN AND FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT. AFTER MAKING REPAIRS TO THE TIMING CHAIN WHICH THE SHOP MANAGER SPECIF…
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TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR NOISE THAT APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION WITH A SLIGHT ROWING SOUND WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTED BETWEEN 40 MPH AND 45 MPH. SHOP MANAGER INFORMED ME TRUCK NEEDED A NEW TIMING CHAIN AND FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT. AFTER MAKING REPAIRS TO THE TIMING CHAIN WHICH THE SHOP MANAGER SPECIFICALLY INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TIMING CHAIN, MY TRUCK STILL HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THESE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT MY EXPENSE. NOW THE DEALERSHIP WANT ME TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS THAT MAY NOT BE THE PROBLEM WHEN THEY SPECIFICALLY ASSURED ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WAS THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THE REAL PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE IS THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION, WHICH IS A NATION-WIDE PROBLEM WITH NISSAN FRONTIER TRUCK TRANSMISSION AND OTHER NISSAN VEHICLES. NISSAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A RE-CALL ON THESE VEHICLE. (WILL SEEK NISSAN CORP. & BBB ASSIST TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10672018
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.