NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
617 reports66,250 miles · Feb 17, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND FUEL GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY. DISTANCE TO EMPTY WAS ERRATIC, HOWEVER SLOWLY RECOVERED. FILLED VEHICLE WITH GAS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONLY ON 1/4 TANK. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON AND FUEL GAUGE REMAINS ON EMPTY. I HAVE SEEN MANY POSTS ONLINE WITH PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. TH…
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SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND FUEL GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY. DISTANCE TO EMPTY WAS ERRATIC, HOWEVER SLOWLY RECOVERED. FILLED VEHICLE WITH GAS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONLY ON 1/4 TANK. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON AND FUEL GAUGE REMAINS ON EMPTY. I HAVE SEEN MANY POSTS ONLINE WITH PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. THIS IS AN ISSUE NISSAN SHOULD REMEDY DUE TO SO MANY HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564624
30,000 miles · Feb 14, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY NISSAN FRONTIER BEGAN MAKING A SLIGHT ENGINE NOISE AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES ( I AM HEARING IMPAIRED). THE NOISE BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN ACCELERATING. AT ABOUT 39,000 MILES SOMEONE ELSE HEARD THE NOISE AND TOLD ME MY TIMING CHAINS WERE ABOUT TO BREAK DUE TO A COMMON NISSAN DEFECT AND NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AS THE ENGINE COULD…
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MY NISSAN FRONTIER BEGAN MAKING A SLIGHT ENGINE NOISE AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES ( I AM HEARING IMPAIRED). THE NOISE BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN ACCELERATING. AT ABOUT 39,000 MILES SOMEONE ELSE HEARD THE NOISE AND TOLD ME MY TIMING CHAINS WERE ABOUT TO BREAK DUE TO A COMMON NISSAN DEFECT AND NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AS THE ENGINE COULD LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN BY NISSAN IN 2007 AND 2009 (NTB09-128) I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DANGER OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I FEEL THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONING SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE ON THESE VEHICLES AND IS DANGEROUS TO THE PUBLIC. IF THE SYSTEM FAILS THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO ACCELERATE OR MAINTAIN THEIR SPEED AND EXPOSE THEM TO THE RISK OF BEING REAR ENDED IF THEIR VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLS. I WOULD NOT HAVE EXPECTED AN ENGINE WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES TO FAIL. HAD THEY NOTIFIED ME IN 2007 OR 2009 OF THE PROBLEM I COULD HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THIS COMMON AND DANGEROUS DEFECT REPAIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564416
115,382 miles · Feb 12, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,382. UPDATED 4/22/14*CN UPDATED 04/25/2014 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10564057
98,004 miles · Feb 11, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY. FOUND OUT THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK DOSE NOT WORK SOMETIME .WHEN WE FILL THE FUEL TANK THE FUEL GAUGE WILL DROP TO EMPTY AN SHOWS THAT WE DON'T HAVE FUEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10563820
81,000 miles · Feb 8, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
NISSAN HAS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FAULTY FUEL SENSOR SENDING UNIT ON FRONTIER AND XTERRA TRUCKS. THIS CAUSES THE GAS GAUGE TO STOP WORKING AND RECORD INACCURATE FUEL LEVEL. THE FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW EMPTY WHEN TANK IS FULL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS VEHICLE OWNER DOES NOT KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK AND COULD RUN OU…
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NISSAN HAS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FAULTY FUEL SENSOR SENDING UNIT ON FRONTIER AND XTERRA TRUCKS. THIS CAUSES THE GAS GAUGE TO STOP WORKING AND RECORD INACCURATE FUEL LEVEL. THE FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW EMPTY WHEN TANK IS FULL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS VEHICLE OWNER DOES NOT KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK AND COULD RUN OUT OF GAS ON AN INTERSTATE/HIGHWAY OR MOVING THROUGH INTERSECTION, GOING ONTO HIGHWAY EXCHANGES ETC. THIS PUTS DRIVER AND OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD AT RISK. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THIS PART EVEN THOUGH IT IS DEFECTIVE. I EVEN WENT AS FAR TO ASK THEM IF I PAID FOR THE PART (~$100) WOULD THEY COVER THE LABOR (THE FUEL TANK NEEDS TO BE DROPPED TO CHANGE THE DEFECTIVE SENSOR). THEY SAID NO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10563504
70,000 miles · Feb 5, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME I NEED TIMING CHAIN GUIDES AND IT WOULD COST ME $1600.00, THEN I GO ON LINE AND NISSAN NEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2009. THEY SAID IF I HAD 60,000 MILES THEY WOULD HAVE COVERED THIS, THEY NEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AND DID NOT TELL ME. THIS IS FRAUD AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS.THIS PROBLEM IS…
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MY NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME I NEED TIMING CHAIN GUIDES AND IT WOULD COST ME $1600.00, THEN I GO ON LINE AND NISSAN NEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2009. THEY SAID IF I HAD 60,000 MILES THEY WOULD HAVE COVERED THIS, THEY NEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AND DID NOT TELL ME. THIS IS FRAUD AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS.THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ON THESE VEHICLES. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10563028
81,000 miles · Jan 11, 2014
EnginePower Train
DRIVING GOING 50 TRUNK SHUT OFF,LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY.IT HAPPENED AROUND 10 MORE TIMES OVER A MONTH BEFORE IT JUST QUIT.NOT HAVING HIGH MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK NOW OR AT THE TIME OF RECEIVING A WARRANTY NOTIFICATION BACK IN 2012 NEVER THOUGHT OF IT.SO WE HAD IT TOWED TO PUT ON A FUEL PUMP THAT IT DID NOT NEED $4…
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DRIVING GOING 50 TRUNK SHUT OFF,LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY.IT HAPPENED AROUND 10 MORE TIMES OVER A MONTH BEFORE IT JUST QUIT.NOT HAVING HIGH MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK NOW OR AT THE TIME OF RECEIVING A WARRANTY NOTIFICATION BACK IN 2012 NEVER THOUGHT OF IT.SO WE HAD IT TOWED TO PUT ON A FUEL PUMP THAT IT DID NOT NEED $400.00 STILL WILL NOT START .I STARTED LOOKING UP REVIEWS ON NISSAN TO FIND OUT THAT NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS IN 2007 .I STILL OWE $3600.00 ON THIS TRUCK ,BOUGHT IT NEW WITH 24 MILES ON A LEASE... LOVED IT...SO AFTER MY LEASE WAS UP I REFINANCED 2010 WITH 41501 MILES BOUGHT A 3 YR EXTENDED WARRANTY,NEVER USED IT .NOW AFTER LEARNING ABOUT A CO - PAY FOR A TRUCK REALLY NISSAN ...MY TRUCK HAS 81000 MILES ..I DON'T HAVE 2500.00 TO PUT IN IT .TIME FOR NISSAN TO RECALL IT,AND FACE IT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM NISSAN .PLEASE I NEED HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10559453
127,000 miles · Jan 7, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH CROSS CONTAMINATION OF RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE DEALER STATES THE KNOWN DEFECT IS BEYOND THE 100,000 MILE CUTOFF FOR THE EXTEND MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY THAT DEALS WITH THIS COMMON AND WELL KNOWN DEFECT. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS 4800.00 WITH THE FULL BURDEN RESTING ON M…
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I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH CROSS CONTAMINATION OF RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE DEALER STATES THE KNOWN DEFECT IS BEYOND THE 100,000 MILE CUTOFF FOR THE EXTEND MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY THAT DEALS WITH THIS COMMON AND WELL KNOWN DEFECT. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS 4800.00 WITH THE FULL BURDEN RESTING ON ME FOR A COMMON AND WELL KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD NISSAN RECALLED THE VEHICLES AND MADE THE REPAIRS AS SOON AS THEY WERE AWARE. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BUT AGAIN MY VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF THE PARAMETERS OF THE LAWSUIT. I DON'T QUITE KNOW WHAT TO DO AS I LIKE MOST EVERYONE DON'T HAVE $5000.00 SITTING AROUND AND UNFORTUNATELY MY CREDIT IS IN HORRIBLE SHAPE SO I CAN'T GET A LOAN TO PAY FOR IT NOR CAN I QUALIFY FOR A LOAN TO TRADE IT IN. HOW IN THE WORLD CAN I EVER JUSTIFY BUYING ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT KNOWING THEY DON'T PRODUCE A SAFE, QUALITY PRODUCT AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO FIX DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558788
1,000 miles · Jan 6, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WAS PARKED AT STORE WITH TRUCK RUNNING WHEN IT RAN HOT. WITH FURTHER LOOK IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION OIL MIXING WITH THE COOLANT. REPLACED RADIATOR. NOW TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND NOW NOT PULLING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558594
139,600 miles · Jan 6, 2014
Power Train
THE TRUCK WOULD GET A SHUDDER/VIBRATION THAT SHOOK THE WHOLE TRUCK AT AROUND 45 AND 60 MILES PER HOUR AND WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. A NISSAN DEALER VERIFIED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN CROSS CONTAMINATED WITH COOLANT FLUID. I WAS LIVID TO LEARN THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE 2007 BUT DID NOT TELL ME ABOUT THE DEFECT …
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THE TRUCK WOULD GET A SHUDDER/VIBRATION THAT SHOOK THE WHOLE TRUCK AT AROUND 45 AND 60 MILES PER HOUR AND WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. A NISSAN DEALER VERIFIED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN CROSS CONTAMINATED WITH COOLANT FLUID. I WAS LIVID TO LEARN THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE 2007 BUT DID NOT TELL ME ABOUT THE DEFECT WHEN I TOOK THE TRUCK FOR MAINTENANCE (A TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE) IN 2010 WHEN I HAD 68,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. I WAS ROBBER OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ACTION EVEN AT MY OWN COST THAT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. NISSAN REFUSES TO PAY ANYTHING TOWARDS THE COST CITING THE SETTLEMENT IN THE CLASS ACTION. I WAS TOLD THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT WOULD NOT ALLOW NISSAN TO COVER ANYTHING AFTER 100,000 MILES. I REFUSED TO ALLOW THE DEALER TO FIX IT BECAUSE THEY DID NOT GIVE ME A WARNING WHEN I WAS HAVING THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE DONE ON THE TRANI AND BECAUSE NISSAN WILL NEVER GET ANOTHER PENNY FROM ME. THE SERVICE TECH AT THE NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME NOT TO BUY AN AFTER MARKET RADIATOR BECAUSE IT WOULD BE BASED ON THE OLD RADIATOR DESIGN SO I COULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OF CROSS CONTAMINATION AGAIN. HE SAID NISSAN HAD A NEW RADIATOR. CLEARLY SOUNDS LIKE A MANUFACTURER DESIGN DEFECT. ALSO, I READ THAT IT IS FOR 2005-2010 NISSANS BUT I SPOKE WITH THE OWNER OF A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER WHO TOLD ME HE HAD THE CROSS CONTAMINATION BUT BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, NISSAN HAD TO PAY TO FIX EVERYTHING. THE FACT THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT THIS BUT IS NOT BEING PROACTIVE IN LETTING CUSTOMERS KNOW THAT THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM IS IRRESPONSIBLE. I HAD TO PAY $5200 TO FIX THE TRANI AND RADIATOR, $110 FOR THE DEALER TO CONFIRM CROSS CONTAMINATION, $104 FOR TOWING AND $330 FOR A RENTAL CAR. THIS IS 180 DEGREES FROM HOW HONDA IS TREATING THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED COOLING FLUID LEAK THEY HAVE. HONDA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY 10 YEARS WITH UNLIMITED MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558577
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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