2006 Nissan Pathfinder Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 147about this part
- Share
- 18%of 837 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,855miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 147 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, 18% of the 837 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,855 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“Vehicle would hesitate badly while driving and almost caused an accident. When taken to a mechanic to fix issue, we found that the transmission fluid had turned pink. The technician stated that at fluid and coolant had mixed together. We had to have the transmission and the radiator replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10903444, filed 2016-09, 106,600 miles“Suddenly my Pathfinder began to loss power while driving home . I barely made it home.the vehicle suddenly leaked out red transmission fluid in the driveway and began to smoke at the hood of the engine. The Pathfinder was towed to a Nissan dealer that same day. Nissan dealer reports the transmission and radiator needs to be replaced,costing approx 8000.00 dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #10496269, filed 2013-02, 133,000 miles“Vehicle was running normal till we park to have lunch.start vehicle fine place shifter in gear (drive) was not taking any gear.we have vehicle taking to Nissan dealer.they determine cause due to a faulty radiator leaking coolant to transmission Nissan was not going to do any warranty repairs on the vehicle because vehicle was out warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10486089, filed 2012-11, 87,800 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 16% |
| 2024 | 19 | 22% |
| 2023 | 15 | 14% |
| 2022 | 18 | 13% |
| 2020 | 17 | 32% |
| 2019 | 15 | 20% |
| 2018 | 13 | 17% |
| 2017 | 83 | 44% |
| 2016 | 27 | 26% |
| 2015 | 74 | 23% |
| 2014 | 62 | 11% |
| 2013 | 105 | 12% |
| 2012 | 5 | 22% |
| 2011 | 10 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 19% |
| 2008 | 61 | 19% |
| 2007 | 114 | 20% |
| 2006 | 147 | 18% |
| 2005 | 144 | 14% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
450 complaintsFuel system
231 complaintsEngine cooling
185 complaintsOther or unknown
44 complaintsSteering
41 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
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