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2006 Nissan Xterra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Xterra years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Nissan Xterra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.

About this comparison →
780Owner complaints

Model-year median: 78

3Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
72
200384
2004845
2005780
2006557
2007119
200819
2009
Compare all Xterra years →

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

What owners reported most

Power Train
268Fuel System, Gasoline
237Engine And Engine Cooling
106Engine
104Fuel/propulsion System
94
All reported categories
Electrical System
41Fuel System, Other
40Unknown Or Other
26Steering
22Air Bags
20Vehicle Speed Control
14Suspension
12Tires
7Service Brakes
6Seat Belts
5Structure
5Equipment
4Service Brakes, Hydraulic
3Wheels
3Exterior Lighting
2Latches/locks/linkages
1Visibility
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

720 reports with mileage · 60 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 268 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 237 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports

Power Train complaints

268 reports
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23,000 miles · Jan 4, 2010
Power Train

I OWN A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND THE CLUTCH FAILED AT 23,000 MILES. I RECENTLY HAD IT REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE SINCE IT IS CONSIDERED A WEARABLE PART AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE OLD CLUTCH IS IN MY POSSESSION. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME BELIEVING THIS PART FAILED DUE TO MY DRIVING BEHAVIOR. I TRAVEL MOSTLY OVER FLAT LANDS, DO N…

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I OWN A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND THE CLUTCH FAILED AT 23,000 MILES. I RECENTLY HAD IT REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE SINCE IT IS CONSIDERED A WEARABLE PART AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE OLD CLUTCH IS IN MY POSSESSION. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME BELIEVING THIS PART FAILED DUE TO MY DRIVING BEHAVIOR. I TRAVEL MOSTLY OVER FLAT LANDS, DO NOT DOWN SHIFT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE, DO NOT HAUL LOADS. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED.....NONETHELESS I'VE DRIVEN 2 DIFFERENT MAKES ALSO MANUAL TRANSMISSION FOR A TOTAL OF 15 YEARS BEFORE THE NISSAN AND NEVER HAD A CLUTCH FAILURE. SOUNDS SHOCKINGLY SIMILAR TO OTHER EXPERIENCES LOGGED ON THIS REPUTABLE FORUM. HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F17E7ED/0 THERE IS A TREND HERE THAT NISSAN MUST ADDRESS. I AM NOT CONVINCED THE CLUTCH IS REPAIRED AND WILL NOT FAIL AGAIN. I HAVE LOGGED COMPLAINTS WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WRITTEN LETTERS TO BBB, NISSAN'S VICE PRESIDENT BUT NO RESOLUTIONS. THIS CAN BE A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO A MOTORIST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10298201

58,600 miles · Dec 17, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

I PURCHASED THIS XTERRA IN MAY OF 2006. IN THE PAST 8 WEEKS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY 06 NISSAN XTERRA TOWED TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE OF NOT STARTING. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD I WAS OUT OF GAS. SINCE THEN, I'VE BEEN TOLD THE SECURITY MODULE HAD GONE BAD, I HAD CORROSION ON THE BATTERY TERMINAL CAUSING IT TO GO …

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I PURCHASED THIS XTERRA IN MAY OF 2006. IN THE PAST 8 WEEKS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY 06 NISSAN XTERRA TOWED TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE OF NOT STARTING. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD I WAS OUT OF GAS. SINCE THEN, I'VE BEEN TOLD THE SECURITY MODULE HAD GONE BAD, I HAD CORROSION ON THE BATTERY TERMINAL CAUSING IT TO GO IN TO STOLEN MODE, THE FUEL PUMP HAD GONE BAD (REPLACED TWICE), AND THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE FUEL PUMP HAD A SHORT IN IT (REPLACED TWICE). THE DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND WANT TO GIVE ME MY CAR BACK WITHOUT ACTUALLY FINDING OUT THE REAL ISSUE. THIS IS MY FAMILY VEHICLE AND I DO NOT DO ANY TOWING OR OFF-ROAD WITH IT. PRIOR TO THESE ISSUES, MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 11K MILES AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF AN INTERSTATE FOR OVER 3 HOURS WHILE I WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK, AND HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252143

15,000 miles · Sep 24, 2008
Power Train

I OWN AN 06 XTERRA WITH A SIX SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 24000 KM I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I PULLED OUT TO PASS A TRANSPORT THE CLUTCH FAILED RESULTING IN NO THROTTLE AND I ALMOST GOT CRUSHED BY THE TRANSPORT I HAD JUST PASSED. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THE C…

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I OWN AN 06 XTERRA WITH A SIX SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 24000 KM I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I PULLED OUT TO PASS A TRANSPORT THE CLUTCH FAILED RESULTING IN NO THROTTLE AND I ALMOST GOT CRUSHED BY THE TRANSPORT I HAD JUST PASSED. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THE CLUTCH HAD SHATTERED IN EIGHT PIECES AND THAT IT WAS MY FAULT CAUSE I MUST TOW ALOT. I DON'T EVEN HAVE A TOW HITCH. THEN I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE I DO A LOT OF 4X4 OFFROAD DRIVING. ITS BEEN OFFROAD ONCE. THEY DID NOT WANT TO WARRANTY THE PART I ARGUED WITH THEM. THEY CHANGED THEIR STORY YET AGAIN NOW THE CLUTCH WAS WORN OUT NOT SHATTERED. SO I ASKED FOR MY WORN OUT CLUTCH THEY HAD TOLD ME IT HAD BEEN THROWN IN THE GARBAGE. FOUR DAYS LATER THEY MIRACULOUSLY FOUND IT. IT COST ME $2,000 DOLLARS TO FIX MY TRUCK AND GUESS WHAT ITS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 49,000 KM COINCIDENCE I THINK NOT. ITS TIME TO FIGHT NISSAN BECAUSE U DON'T BUY A NEW VEHICLE TO PUT $2000 OF YOUR OWN MONEY INTO IT EVERY 13 MONTHS AND ALMOST DIE IN THE PROCESS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10243359

13,135 miles · May 28, 2008
Power TrainInjury

FAILURE OF FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WHILE UTILIZING 4-WHEEL DRIVE. ONCE 4X4 WAS DISENGAGED, FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WOULD BIND UP VIOLENTLY, RANDOMLY, WHILE DRIVING. END RESULT: DESTROYED SPIDER GEARS, REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229055

27,000 miles · May 27, 2008
Power Train

COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL UNDER NON-ABUSE CONDITIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228934

24,006 miles · Apr 17, 2008
Power Train

REAR AXLE SEALS LEAKING; REPLACED LEFT SIDE ON 7/19/07 AT 24006 MILES; REPLACED RIGHT SIDE ON 8/25/07 AT 27278 MILES; REPLACED RIGHT SIDE AGAIN ON 4/15/08 AT 48274 MILES. GEAR OIL LEAKS PASS SEAL ONTO BRAKES, ROTORS, AND TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224857

17,243 miles · Apr 16, 2008
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

FAILURE OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE POWER TRAIN DUE TO FAILURE OF ABS SENSOR. THIS A DEDICATED OFF ROAD VEHICLE WITH OFF ROAD PACKAGE INSTALLED BY FACTORY. THE ABS SYSTEM SHOULD NOT TRUMP THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND CAUSE IT TO NOT ENGAGE. IF I WAS FAR OFF ROAD AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM FAILED, I COULD BE SUBJECT TO SERIOUS INJURY OR POSSIBLY DEA…

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FAILURE OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE POWER TRAIN DUE TO FAILURE OF ABS SENSOR. THIS A DEDICATED OFF ROAD VEHICLE WITH OFF ROAD PACKAGE INSTALLED BY FACTORY. THE ABS SYSTEM SHOULD NOT TRUMP THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND CAUSE IT TO NOT ENGAGE. IF I WAS FAR OFF ROAD AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM FAILED, I COULD BE SUBJECT TO SERIOUS INJURY OR POSSIBLY DEATH DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AS I WOULD HAVE TO WALK AND GET HELP IN PREVAILING WEATHER CONDITIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224660

900 miles · May 4, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH DOWN A SLOPED DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DESCENDING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, BUT THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED BACK …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH DOWN A SLOPED DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DESCENDING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, BUT THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED BACK TO DRIVE. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED BUT THERE WAS NO TENSION. THE VEHICLE ROLLED TO A STOP. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10156784

Official recalls

3

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.

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

1

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.