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Nissan FrontierModel year report

2006 Nissan Frontier Problems

Complaints
617filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
80,000miles, 554 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
19 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 22 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Nissan Frontier (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2006 Frontier most often describe two long-running themes: a fuel gauge that reads empty or erratic (often with code P0463 and the check engine light) and automatic transmissions damaged when coolant from the radiator enters the transmission fluid. Transmission complaints tend to appear later in life than fuel gauge complaints, and several owners say the radiator/transmission cooler problem surfaced while driving at highway speed, sometimes with little warning.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Coolant mixing into transmission fluid (radiator cooler

    Mentioned in 22 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe the automatic transmission shuddering or slipping around 40-50 mph, hard or delayed shifts, then loss of drive or reverse, sometimes on the highway with no warning. Mechanics and dealers reportedly found coolant mixed with transmission fluid from a failed radiator transmission cooler, and owners were quoted for a radiator, flush and transmission replacement or rebuild. Some mention a warranty extension on the radiator for automatic-transmission trucks. Reported from about 50,000 miles upward, with many cases in the 80,000-140,000 mile range.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the transmission fluid color for a milky or pinkish tint and ask whether the radiator was replaced or a bypass cooler was fitted; a transmission shudder on a test drive warrants a shop inspection.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The transmission in one day lost reverse drive and left me on the freeway with the motor reving up.and down and dying while the transmission just spun ,leaving me to tow it to the nearest transmission shop, the vehicle was on the freeway moving at about 5 MPH with took the motor about 3 or 4 thousand RPM to move because the gears were gone and apparently from a auxiliary transmission cooler that mine needed”

    NHTSA complaint #11386091, filed 2021-01, 167,000 miles

    “I purchased a 2006 Nissan Frontier 4x4 truck on 7/28/15 and have since discovered it had serious transmission problems. I took it into Nissan of tacoma to be looked at and was told that this is a problem that Nissan knows about so they will pay all but $3000 of the repairs. I was told this was an inherent problem with this model and others made by Nissan and Nissan has since changed how they built their cars. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10748594, filed 2015-08, 93,635 miles
  2. Fuel system

    Fuel gauge reads wrong / P0463 fuel level sensor

    • 226 complaints (37%)
    • median 58,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (203 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 27 quotes)
    • filed 2008–2022

    Complaints describe the gauge dropping to empty right after a fill-up, staying on empty for a while, or showing about a quarter tank when the tank is empty, often with the check engine light and code P0463. Owners say the tank sending unit or fuel level sensor was the part identified, and a recall (10V075000) on the fuel tank and sender covered some trucks, but many report their VIN was not included or that the dealer wanted several hundred dollars to replace the tank-mounted assembly. Mostly reported between roughly 35,000 and 90,000 miles, frequently after refueling.

    Recall 10V0750002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Fill the tank and watch the gauge through a full sweep; also ask whether the tank sending unit was replaced and confirm the VIN's recall status for campaign 10V075000.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Drove home from work with 1/4 of tank... Went to fill it all the way full.... Started engine, service engine check light turned on... And noticed the tank is not registering its full... Started driving... After a mile fuel gauge drops to empty and low fuel light turned on... Went home and did some research... And im surprised its not just me that have this same problem.... We need to do a recall for this.”

    NHTSA complaint #10292857, filed 2009-11, 45,543 miles

    “Year, make and model: 2006 Nissan Frontier error: erratic fuel gauge reading. Show 1/4 tank even when empty or totally empty when it was just filled. Action taken: spoke with Nissan on the symptoms and the error code received from diagnostics (p0463) which states that it is the fuel level sending unit, but they informed me that my VIN is not on the list, and I would need to file a complaint form on NHTSA to get resolved.”

    NHTSA complaint #10322394, filed 2010-03, 56,000 miles
  3. Engine

    Stalling or no-restart while driving

    Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe the engine shutting off at speed or after stopping, sometimes with the check engine or 4WD light on, and occasionally a no-start or long wait before it restarts. In some cases the dealer or mechanic pointed to the intelligent power distribution module, a sensor, or to the radiator/transmission issue above; a recall (10V517000) covers the ECM relay in that module for some trucks. Usually reported above 100,000 miles, at various speeds and driving conditions.

    Recall 10V517000

    What to check: Ask whether the IPDM/ECM relay recall (10V517000) was performed, and have any stored codes read before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “For three consecutive times I have been having a problem with my car. When I drive it for a few miles after I turn it off and I wanted to start it again I have to wait like an hour to go on again. I have take it a couple of times to the dealer and had charge me $ 450.00 and two or three years after same problem but they never had told me what the problem is. What can I do in this case?”

    NHTSA complaint #11339361, filed 2020-07, 320,000 miles

    “My 5-speed automatic 2006 Nissan Frontier's radiator cooler tank ruptured forcing coolant into the transmission through the transmission cooler lines causing catastrophic failure at 92000 miles on the odometer (12000 miles outside the extended warranty on the faulty radiator). This is apparently an uncommon , but known problem with Nissan truck and SUV models. I was traveling at 65 MPH on interstate 70 near frederick, maryland when the transmission failure occurred. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10470860, filed 2012-08, 92,000 miles
  4. Air bags

    Airbag warning light or bag not deploying

    • 28 complaints (5%)
    • median 63,500 mi at 6.8 yrs old (24 state mileage)
    • 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2006–2023

    Owners report the airbag warning light staying on, front airbag sensor faults, and in a few cases bags that did not deploy in a collision or side curtain bags that went off unexpectedly on rough road. Some complaints note that coverage under recall 08V690000 depended on the state where the truck was registered. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 33,000 to 93,000 miles.

    Recall 08V690000

    What to check: Turn the key on and confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check, and check whether the vehicle's registration state was included in recall 08V690000.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Air bag front sensor failure at 38000 miles, failure of fuel system evaporation valve at 38500 miles. Failure of rear differential seal at 42,000 miles, failure of rear axle bearing seals, gear oil to leaking on parking brake shoes causing slippage at 48,500. Truck has 49,000 as of 3/24/2012.”

    NHTSA complaint #10452878, filed 2012-03, 38,000 miles

    “The contact owned a 2006 Nissan Frontier. While the contact's vehicle was stationary, a second vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact's vehicle was pushed into a third vehicle, which caused significant damage to the front end. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained injuries to the hands, back, and head and was transported to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 93,000. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10897519, filed 2016-08, 93,000 miles

Buying note. A 2006 Frontier can be a sound used truck, but the fuel gauge/sending unit and the radiator-to-transmission coolant leak are the two things worth verifying before purchase. Ask for service records on the radiator and transmission, confirm open recalls were completed, and check the gauge and fluid condition yourself.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 617 consumer complaints for the 2006 Nissan Frontier. 554 of the complaints include a mileage, and 26% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 13 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 98 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Suspension (9), Seat belts (8), Body and structure (8), Equipment (4), Tires (4), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Seats (1).

Example complaints

Fuel system: “Campaign id pc042, I bought this truck used from a dealer when I went to fill up the gauge read empty I found this recall but the Nissan dealer said my truck isn't on the recall , it is doing exactly what the recall claims and it's for 2006-2008 Frontier , I can't afgord to get it fix and they won't honor the recall .”

NHTSA complaint #11279110, filed 2019-11, 113,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “Driving on a trip transmission started slipping and jerking. Had to drive slow in third gear with it still slipping. Radiator fluid was foamy. Truck still in driveway. Four to five hour trip on highway with some hills didn't think I would make it home. A few years back we received a service notice of failed radiator. Took truck to Nissan and they would not replace unless there was a problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10918936, filed 2016-10, 144,000 miles

Engine: “Whilst trying to drive forward, the vehicle is unable to have enough momentum to drive- in other words the transmission is not functioning correctly. According to the mechanic I brought it to, I was advised that he has seen this happen with this make/model/year before and it is caused due to an issue with the radiator leaking anti-freeze into the transmission system.”

NHTSA complaint #10524964, filed 2013-07, 90,000 miles

Engine cooling: “Hello, I have a 2006 Frontier on it's way to the dealership right now having the radiator & transmission replaced. That is caused from the coolant mixing with the transmission. I don't know how Nissan can say this isn't a safety issue when your vehicle can stop in the middle of highway traffic due to your transmission dying. Recall needed! Thank you!”

NHTSA complaint #10511002, filed 2013-05, 97,731 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

26% of the 554 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,000 and 110,000 miles.

4%0–102%10–2520%25–5019%50–7522%75–10027%100–1506%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (554 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 80,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’07’10120’13’16’19’22’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Nissan Frontier. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Frontier Crew Cab · sedan RWD/AWDnot rated4 / 4——4 · 19.8% risk
Frontier King Cab · coupe RWD/AWDnot rated3 / 3——4 · 19.8% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2006 Nissan Frontier version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Frontier 2WD2.5L 4-cyl5-speed manual192321$3,200
Frontier 2WD2.5L 4-cyl5-speed automatic172219$3,550
Frontier V6 2WD4.0L 6-cyl6-speed manual152017$3,950
Frontier V6 2WD4.0L 6-cyl5-speed automatic141916$4,200
Frontier V6 4WD4.0L 6-cyl6-speed manual151917$3,950
Frontier V6 4WD4.0L 6-cyl5-speed automatic141916$4,200

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2006 Nissan Frontier → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 98 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 98 bulletins →

Other model years of the Nissan Frontier

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026112,7001421—Too new
20259—3421—Too new
2024221,1003421—Too new
2023664,500142194 · MoreToo new
20221122,0006420100 · MoreRising
20212026,5002420—Rising
20202328,0002420—Rising
20192812,000141921 · FewerRising
2018259,7452—1931 · FewerRising
20173817,500141950 · TypicalStable
20164432,5001—1946 · TypicalStable
20153329,0000—1923 · FewerStable
20144235,0002—1944 · TypicalFalling
20134827,0001—1950 · TypicalStable
20128043,0003—1972 · MoreRising
20116447,8001—1949 · TypicalFalling
20105941,0004—1972 · MoreRising
20093760,0973—1956 · TypicalFalling
200813685,0005—1977 · MoreStable
200752082,0001—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200661780,0004—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200553290,0003—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20046661,0001—17Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20037765,5004—17Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200212469,5004—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200113473,8503—16Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200018988,1253—19Not compared (before 2008)Rising
19997880,0002—21Not compared (before 2008)Rising
1998129110,0002—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Nissan Frontier model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Frontier?

Owners of the 2006 Frontier most often describe two long-running themes: a fuel gauge that reads empty or erratic (often with code P0463 and the check engine light) and automatic transmissions damaged when coolant from the radiator enters the transmission fluid. The issues reported most often: Coolant mixing into transmission fluid (radiator cooler; Fuel gauge reads wrong / P0463 fuel level sensor; Stalling or no-restart while driving.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Nissan Frontier have?

NHTSA recorded 617 consumer complaints for the 2006 Nissan Frontier as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2006 Nissan Frontier is reported most often?

Fuel system is named most often, in 251 complaints (41% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 220.

Has the 2006 Nissan Frontier been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Nissan Frontier get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Nissan Frontier (Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Nissan Frontier reported?

Among the 554 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 49,000 and 110,000 miles; 26% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.