2006 Nissan Frontier Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 82about this part
- Share
- 13%of 617 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 82 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Nissan Frontier, 13% of the 617 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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“In february, 2017, the radiator on my Nissan Frontier failed. Due to a design flaw, coolant got into the transmission which ruined it. The radiator had to be replaced and the transmission rebuilt at considerable expense (approximately $6k). The radiator failure occurred on the road and I was able to limp to a service station. Fortunately, the transmission failure did not occur on the road but could have causing a very dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10960034, filed 2017-03, 138,000 miles“On 11/10/2018 while driving on the freeway with no warning light my 2006 Nissan starts to lose power!!! I was able to get off the freeway and pull into a gas station to call aaa to tow it to a mechanic. The mechanic told me the transmission has coolent in it and the transmission will need I be rebuilt or replaced with a rebuilt transmission. He said there was a crack in the coolent hose that was a manufacture defect. I never got any warning light until after the transmission failed.”
NHTSA complaint #11152064, filed 2018-11, 109 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 9% |
| 2023 | 13 | 20% |
| 2022 | 6 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2020 | 5 | 22% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 4 | 11% |
| 2016 | 8 | 18% |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 8% |
| 2012 | 13 | 16% |
| 2011 | 4 | 6% |
| 2010 | 7 | 12% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 26 | 19% |
| 2007 | 72 | 14% |
| 2006 | 82 | 13% |
| 2005 | 80 | 15% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2006 Nissan Frontier
251 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
220 complaintsEngine cooling
74 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Nissan Frontier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology