2006 Nissan Frontier Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 220about this part
- Share
- 36%of 617 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,100miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 220 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Nissan Frontier, 36% of the 617 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,100 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“I bought this truck from a dealership, with 118,500 miles in, and I only drove it 1,500 miles and transmission broke, I never the warranty for the truck, and the repairs came out $4,237 dollars what can I do in this situation. Please let me know. Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #11252109, filed 2019-08, 120,100 miles“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“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10192821May 10, 2016SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission…
- 10192691Nov 30, 2015IF YOU CONFIRM: A remanufactured automatic transmission supplied by ATC Drivetrain is installed in an APPLIED VEHICLE AND CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) is not able to communicate…
- 10192524Feb 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when…
- 10192474Nov 20, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the…
- 10192051Oct 12, 2012Nissan has decided in the interest of customer satisfaction, to further extend the warranty for the Radiator Assembly on all 2005-10 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra vehicles…
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10033345Mar 19, 2010Nissan: oil leaking from transfer case. Oil is leaking from one or a combination of three bolts at the rear of the transfer case. If bolts are not missing, do not replace…
- 10024689Apr 28, 2008Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement. 2004 to current nissan vehicles.
- 10019623Mar 24, 2006Rear final drive breather.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 27% |
| 2025 | 2 | 20% |
| 2024 | 6 | 27% |
| 2023 | 13 | 20% |
| 2022 | 24 | 21% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 12 | 52% |
| 2019 | 7 | 25% |
| 2018 | 2 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 3 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 15% |
| 2014 | 6 | 14% |
| 2013 | 6 | 13% |
| 2012 | 20 | 25% |
| 2011 | 9 | 14% |
| 2010 | 15 | 25% |
| 2009 | 8 | 22% |
| 2008 | 54 | 40% |
| 2007 | 222 | 43% |
| 2006 | 220 | 36% |
| 2005 | 262 | 49% |
| 2004 | 13 | 20% |
| 2003 | 7 | 9% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 8 | 6% |
| 2000 | 26 | 14% |
| 1999 | 12 | 15% |
| 1998 | 9 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2006 Nissan Frontier
251 complaintsEngine
82 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 31, 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