2006 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
- Complaints
- 837filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles, 740 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on the 2006 Pathfinder center on the automatic transmission, and many of them trace back to coolant mixing with transmission fluid through the radiator. Owners also frequently describe a fuel gauge that reads empty or fluctuates after filling, along with overheating and a few engine-noise reports. Problems tend to appear at higher mileage, often past 80,000–100,000 miles, though some fuel-sending-unit complaints come in much earlier.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Coolant mixing with transmission fluid / transmission
- 435 complaints (52%)
- median 102,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (393 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $4,400 (median of 133 quotes)
- filed 2009–2022
Owners describe shuddering, slipping or delayed engagement, then loss of acceleration or a vehicle that will not shift, sometimes with the engine stalling. Several say a shop found coolant had entered the transmission through the radiator, and that the radiator and transmission both needed replacement. Some report being told the repair was outside an extended warranty tied to mileage, and that the dealer declined assistance. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 170,000 miles, with many clustered around and above 100,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the radiator has been replaced or the transmission fluid checked for a milky appearance, and whether the radiator warranty extension was ever applied. Have a shop inspect the transmission cooler lines and fluid condition before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder in 2013 with 109k miles on it. I loved it for 1yr and a half. 2 months ago it started shifting rough, I took it to a local place to be looked at. I was told that Nissan pathfinders have a faulty radiator that leaks internally into the transmission causing complete transmission failure! Would cost $3600 to fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10712265, filed 2015-04, 130,000 miles“Radiator failed causing leak of radiator fluid into transmission causing vehicle to be towed to auto shop. Vehicle was in motion on highway and then would all of the sudden no longer accelerate. Mechanics, (got 3 estimates) all said same thing; that this was a problem with these pathfinders. My cost is about 6,500. I had just bought this vehicle for 8,500 about 3 weeks prior.”
NHTSA complaint #11194434, filed 2019-04, 156,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel gauge reads empty or fluctuates after filling
- 223 complaints (27%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (194 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $562 (median of 32 quotes)
- filed 2007–2025
After refueling, owners say the gauge stays at zero, drops suddenly to empty, or moves erratically, often with the check engine light on and a fuel-level sensor code stored. Dealers typically diagnosed a failed fuel level sending unit; several owners report their vehicle was not covered by the fuel tank recall and that the repair was not done. Reported from about 33,000 to 130,000 miles, frequently right after a fill-up.
Recall 10V0750002 related service bulletins
What to check: Fill the tank during the test drive and watch whether the gauge registers full and stays steady. Ask if the fuel level sending unit has been replaced and whether the fuel tank recall applies to this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We have been having problems with our vehicle shaking at 40 MPH and again at 60 MPH. We have had it into the shop to be looked at but after replacing u-joints, some other items and putting new tires on our vehicle it didn't get better. My wife was driving our Pathfinder home one night with our daughters in the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle was sputtering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10291086, filed 2009-11, 91,000 miles“I have a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder with 51,000 miles that has just encountered an bad fuel sending unit. Error code p0463. Since it has passed the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty, I am going to be paying about $500 to get it fixed. In researching this problem on the internet, I have found out that this is happening to many later Nissan models with the same fuel sending unit. Thank you for looking into this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10276318, filed 2009-07, 51,500 miles - Engine cooling
Overheating and radiator cracks
- 116 complaints (14%)
- median 97,000 mi at 7.7 yrs old (103 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $4,591 (median of 45 quotes)
- filed 2009–2019
Owners describe the temperature climbing quickly, coolant loss and a ruptured or cracked radiator, sometimes noticed along with the transmission symptoms above. Complaints mention the vehicle overheating while driving or idling, and repairs involving radiator replacement. Often reported in the 55,000 to 120,000 mile range, sometimes during ordinary driving or after refueling.
What to check: Check coolant level and condition, look for residue or coolant stains around the radiator, and ask whether the radiator has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car started rumbling very erratically at high speed. Had I not had good grip on wheel it would of been bad for my family or others. Glad it didn't fail completely leaving me powerless on highway. I believe this will result in deaths or serious accidents. Not to mention thousands in repairs. Had radiator replaced last year due till same problem. Something needs to be done. This always happens right outside if the extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10584089, filed 2014-04, 11,100 miles“National headquarters consumers affairs department: 10/10/10 in the past few months beginning may 2010 have been attempting to communicate with the Nissan rep. For the northern region. I was recently informed by rep in sept 2010 that Nissan refused my request for assistance in replacing the catalytic converter in my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder that currently, as of sept 24, 2010 has 86,000 miles. You see back in april 14, 2010 I was informed by nalley Nissan of decatur ga. …”
NHTSA complaint #10360468, filed 2010-10, 80,000 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the radiator and transmission fluid, since coolant contamination is the most commonly reported problem, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly after a fill-up. Records showing radiator or transmission work, and any recall or warranty-extension service, are worth asking for.
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 837 consumer complaints for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. 740 of the complaints include a mileage, and 10% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 93,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 11 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 76 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.
- Transmission and drivetrain450 54%
- Fuel system231 28%
- Engine cooling185 22%
- Engine147 18%
- Other or unknown44 5.3%
- Steering41 4.9%
- Electrical system34 4.1%
- Vehicle speed control16 1.9%
- Air bags14 1.7%
- Brakes9 1.1%
Also reported: Suspension (9), Body and structure (6), Equipment (5), Seat belts (5), Electronic stability control (4), Tires (4), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (2), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “The transmission would not shift into overdrive, so I took the vehicle to aamco. The transmission was contaminated with coolant from the radiator, requiring a complete overhaul including the transmission computer. Estimated cost of damages is $4600! My vehicle is in excess of the extended warranty, however this is a design flaw that should be corrected by Nissan.”
NHTSA complaint #11054919, filed 2017-12, 189,000 milesFuel system: “While driving car would act as if it were going to shut off..we were never informed of recalls and we bought the car brand new we took it to a transmission specialist and was informed radiator was leaking on transmission and we would require up to $3,500 for repairs which included a used transmission”
NHTSA complaint #11122655, filed 2018-08, 100,000 milesEngine cooling: “Tried to sell the car and the buyer pointed out that the radiator must of cracked and mixed with the transmission fluid. He did not buy the car and now I am being told that I have to replace the transmission and the radiator. Apparently this is a huge problem on these cars and they need to fix this. Very upset and will never buy a Nissan again.”
NHTSA complaint #10586236, filed 2014-05, 107,864 milesEngine: “The timing chain is a known issue with Nissan USA. My timing chain has to be replaced at my cost due to its faulty design. Engine failure due to the timing chain while driving and turning, left my wife stranded. This item needs to be recalled by Nissan as there are thousands of complaints about this issue just after warranty expires.”
NHTSA complaint #10910903, filed 2016-10, 129,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
10% of the 740 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 72,362 and 120,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 · 22.8% 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 Pathfinder version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $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
- 10V517000Oct 28, 2010Engine and engine coolingCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2005–2006, Titan 2004–2006, Armada 2004–2006 +3 more
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…
- 10V075000Mar 3, 2010Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tankCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2006, 2008, Frontier 2006, 2008, Xterra 2006, 2008
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…
- 08V690000Dec 29, 2008Air bags › FrontalCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2005–2009, Frontier 2005–2009, Xterra 2005–2009
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…
Recall details for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 76 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031720Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11007001Jul 8, 2024Air bags. VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51)…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Pathfinder
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 76,900 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 57 | 9,000 | 1 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 86 | 13,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 107 | 15,800 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 68 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 136 | 11,500 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 53 | 19,700 | 0 | 5 | 23 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 76 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2018 | 78 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 188 | 42,710 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 105 | 48,900 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 321 | 44,254 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 576 | 47,500 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 891 | 15,000 | 11 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 23 | 87,000 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 45 | 46,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 40 | 111,386 | 4 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 91,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 328 | 106,534 | 4 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 561 | 99,123 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 837 | 93,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,050 | 90,024 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 67 | 76,684 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 110 | 100,750 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 230 | 99,782 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 112 | 124,697 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 104 | 130,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 149 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 217 | 113,400 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 159 | 121,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 170 | 127,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 91 | 127,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 49 | 141,500 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 123,698 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 39 | 157,016 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 38 | 192,412 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | 148,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 19 | — | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
All Nissan Pathfinder model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder?
Complaints on the 2006 Pathfinder center on the automatic transmission, and many of them trace back to coolant mixing with transmission fluid through the radiator. The issues reported most often: Coolant mixing with transmission fluid / transmission; Fuel gauge reads empty or fluctuates after filling; Overheating and radiator cracks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA recorded 837 consumer complaints for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 450 complaints (54% of the total), followed by fuel system with 231.
Has the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 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 Pathfinder get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (Pathfinder 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 14 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder reported?
Among the 740 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 93,000 miles and the middle half falls between 72,362 and 120,000 miles; 10% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.