IllustrationTRANSMISSION SHUDDERS WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO OVERDRIVE. AROUND 40-45MPH SHUDDER CAN BE FELT FROM TRANSMISSION VIBRATION. HAD THE DRIVESHAFT REPLACED ($1400) BUT THE SHUDDER IS STILL PRESENT.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Frontier years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
320–25K
11025–50K
10750–75K
12075–100K
150100–150K
40150K+
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
What owners actually said
617 reportsWHILE DRIVING TRUCK ON HIGHWAY IT OCCASIONALLY FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS.
THE EVIDENCE OF ENGINE AND POWER TRANSFER EVIDENTLY PROGRESSED OVER OF DAYS AND REGRESSED WITHIN A MATTER OF HOURS, THEN MINUTES TO THE POINT WHERE ENGINE WOULD BARELY START AND OBVIOUSLY BARELY PROPEL THE TRUCK OVER 10 MPH W/ENGINE DYING OUT REGARDLESS OF THROTTLE OR AUTOMATIC SHIFT POSITION. I LIMPED THE VEHICLE TO THE NEARES…
Read full complaint
THE EVIDENCE OF ENGINE AND POWER TRANSFER EVIDENTLY PROGRESSED OVER OF DAYS AND REGRESSED WITHIN A MATTER OF HOURS, THEN MINUTES TO THE POINT WHERE ENGINE WOULD BARELY START AND OBVIOUSLY BARELY PROPEL THE TRUCK OVER 10 MPH W/ENGINE DYING OUT REGARDLESS OF THROTTLE OR AUTOMATIC SHIFT POSITION. I LIMPED THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST RESPECTED AND QUALIFIED TECH BOB WELLS -TOTAL CAR CARE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME NISSAN'S LACK OF "DUE DILIGENCE" LEFT CUSTOMER DOWN, ALL WITHIN A YEAR OR SO. A FRUSTRATING,TIME CONSUMING,AND COSTLY EXPERIENCE.
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY TRUCK WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AND I HIT A MEDIAN GUARDRAIL AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR. MY AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. IT NEVER HIT ME AND ONLY INFLATED PARTIALLY AND BURNED MY LEFT ARM. MY SEATBELT SAVED MY LIFE.
HAVING MAJOR ISSUES. NOTICED A RECALL BUT IT WAS ALREADY SETTLED. WHAT CAN I DO? RADIATOR AFFECTING THE TRANSMISSION.
I HAVE A APPARENTLY COMMON PROBLEM WHICH IS RADIATOR TRANSMISSION CROSS CONTAMINATION APPARENTLY WITH NISSAN FRONTIERS AND XTERRAS FROM ABOUT 05-2010 AND THE PROBLEM IS THEY USED A RADIATOR WITH A BUILT IN TRANSMISSION COOLER BUT THERE'S A SEAL OR AREA WHERE IT FAILS AND THE TWO FLUIDS MIX RESULTING IN A STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE AP…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A APPARENTLY COMMON PROBLEM WHICH IS RADIATOR TRANSMISSION CROSS CONTAMINATION APPARENTLY WITH NISSAN FRONTIERS AND XTERRAS FROM ABOUT 05-2010 AND THE PROBLEM IS THEY USED A RADIATOR WITH A BUILT IN TRANSMISSION COOLER BUT THERE'S A SEAL OR AREA WHERE IT FAILS AND THE TWO FLUIDS MIX RESULTING IN A STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE APPEARANCE AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE TRANSMISSION WILL LIKELY FAIL AT ANY POINT I'VE PERSONALLY HAD PROBLEMS THAT WERE INTERMITTENT OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS WITH TROUBLE SHIFTING AND A SHUDDERING/RUMBLING WHICH OCCURS WHILE DRIVING IN ALL WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS PLUS IS VERY NOTICEABLE WHILE GOING FROM A STOP TO START MOVING TURNS OUT TO BE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION MY TRUCK HAS 99,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS JUST NOW WHICH ACCORDING TO OTHER ACCOUNTS ON MULTIPLE FORUMS ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IS A LITTLE LATER THAN MOST BUT I HAVE A SHORT COMMUTE TO WORK AND HAVE ANOTHER CAR I USE. SO PERHAPS IT WAS THAT. BUT THE ISSUES ARE GETTING WORSE AND IT'S A SHAME THAT THE COMPANY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM AND DID NOTHING TO REMEDY IT. ESPECIALLY AS IT AFFECTS MANY YEARS AND MODELS OF CARS
TRANS. WENT OUT DUE TO RADATIOR LEAKING INTO IT, WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO RATTLE AND SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER (REED NISSAN, 3776 W COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32808) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED T…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO RATTLE AND SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER (REED NISSAN, 3776 W COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32808) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000.
FUEL GAUGE RECALL. NISSAN HAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL GAUGE FOR THE 2006 FRONTIER BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. MY FUEL GAUGE HAS EXACTLY THE ISSUES IN THE RECALL. MY VIN IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
LETTING MY FRONTIER MAJOR PROBLEM LAST WEEK 100MILES AWAY FROM HOME FOR WORK. MY FRONTIER WON'T ACCELERATE CUTTING OF SPEED. HAS WEIRD SMELL TO IT. TRUCK WAS TOWED NISSAN HERE DIAGNOSED WITH FUEL PUMP PROBLEM, TRAMISSION AND RADIATOR HV TO BE REPLACED COSTING $7000.00 06 FRIONTIER CREW CAB, 96000MILES THINKING WHEN NISSAN …
Read full complaint
LETTING MY FRONTIER MAJOR PROBLEM LAST WEEK 100MILES AWAY FROM HOME FOR WORK. MY FRONTIER WON'T ACCELERATE CUTTING OF SPEED. HAS WEIRD SMELL TO IT. TRUCK WAS TOWED NISSAN HERE DIAGNOSED WITH FUEL PUMP PROBLEM, TRAMISSION AND RADIATOR HV TO BE REPLACED COSTING $7000.00 06 FRIONTIER CREW CAB, 96000MILES THINKING WHEN NISSAN KNEW ALL THIS ABOUT WHY NOT THEY FIXING IT. I DON'T HAVE THESE MONEY, LAST YEAR HAD PROBLEM WITH NISSAN I WENT BOUGHT NEW RAV4 START TELLING MY FRIEND NOW STAY OUT OF NISSAN
Official recalls
410V517000 · 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
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.