2006 Nissan Xterra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 104about this part
- Share
- 13%of 780 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,117miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 104 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 13% of the 780 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,117 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving in a 55 zone in my Xterra and the engine lost power outa no where. Good thing no one was behind me or I woulda been killed. Sounds a lot like the intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) that they had problems with on this model yet my VIN does not come up in the search????”
NHTSA complaint #11076155, filed 2018-03, 120,000 miles“The dealer informed me after replacing my transmission that the timing chain tensions guides will need to be replaced. The truck has 82k miles and gets regular maintenance. I research the issue on the web and this is a chronic design problem. The engine could incur severe damage during use which could lead to a loss of control and severe accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10861858, filed 2016-04, 82,000 miles“Timing chain and tensioner needed to be replaced at a cost from the dealer of $2700. I contacted Nissan USA and after waiting for two days the regional manager denied my claim and stated there was not anything Nissan would do to help . Though my Xterra is a 2006 it only has 68207 miles and has had regular maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #11012611, filed 2017-08, 68,207 miles“Takata recall radiator leaked water into the transmission and I now I need completely new transmission and radiator. This is a common issue with nissans and I am outside of the mileage and warranty. I was driving on a city street and the rpms started racing but the car was not accelerating. Had to tow it in to the mechanics. My check engine light is also on and the code is for the catalytic converter.”
NHTSA complaint #11144231, filed 2018-10, 158,822 miles“At 115,000 miles my transmission died. In one week it went from a few jerky shifts to me crawling into the dealer not being able to go over 20 MPH. Upon further inspection the transmission cooler leaked fluid into the transmission and basically shredded the transmission. Im now stuck with a 3700 dollar repair bill.”
NHTSA complaint #10839585, filed 2016-03, 115,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 10% |
| 2012 | 4 | 25% |
| 2011 | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 | 4 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 23 | 19% |
| 2007 | 85 | 15% |
| 2006 | 104 | 13% |
| 2005 | 114 | 13% |
| 2004 | 8 | 10% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2006 Nissan Xterra
368 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
268 complaintsEngine cooling
106 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsTires
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Nissan Xterra
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology