2006 Nissan Xterra Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 2%of 780 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 2% of the 780 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My transmission and drive shaft went out of my vehicle today out of nowhere. I have a new job to get to and no money to fix or replace this vehicle. It's ridiculous considering it only has 136,000 miles on it. I was 2 miles from my house and driving approximately 20mph and it just stopped accelerating. I was stuck on the side of the road in 5 degree weather. I am beyond dismayed and completely without options.”
NHTSA complaint #11279698, filed 2019-11, 136,000 miles“While traveling at a speed of 60, the vehicle began to shake. After new tires, rotation of the tires, new u-joints, it still shakes very bad. Now I am told it is the drive shaft that is warped which is going to cost another $800. The garage has removed the drive shaft and now it does not shake. But I will need to replace in order for the 4 wheel drive to work. The vehicle has 72,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10330391, filed 2010-05, 72,000 miles“The rear of my '06 Xterra bottoms out very easily. This has been a problem since day one. The dealer saw the problem and replaced the rear shocks, but that did not solve the problem. It appears that the leaf springs on the truck are weak (according to many online sources).”
NHTSA complaint #10252701, filed 2008-12, 5,000 miles“The rear suspension is poorly designed in that there is not enough suspension travel before the axel hits the rubber bumper stops. If I carry passengers in the rear seat, the rear suspension will always bottom out on the rubber frame bumpers.”
NHTSA complaint #10222440, filed 2008-03, 1,000 miles“2006 Nissan Xterra bottoms out in rear every bump in road. With passengers in rear, bump is so hard it causes all passengers to hit head, sounds like you have hit a tree. Can locate same complaint all over internet. Nissan reports nothing wrong design flaw only. Crashing my rear axle, still under full warranty and refuse to do anything. Simple bump stops have proven to help many at cost of over $300 installed. Nissan should repair, design flaw should not be at customers expense. Not safe for kids in rear seats.”
NHTSA complaint #10269980, filed 2009-05, 20,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10188377Feb 12, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10123360Oct 6, 2017Air Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE October 6, 2017 The announcement from August 15, 2017 has been revised to include: - Claims information for…
- 10109211Mar 7, 2017BALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY PROCEDURE SERVICE INFORMATION When working on the front suspension, use the updated service information in this bulletin along with the Electronic…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10192145Mar 19, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock…
- 10034904Oct 6, 2010Nissan: front suspension noise. A noise (clunking, squeaking, popping) can be heard when performing at least one of the following actions: turning the steering wheel left or…
- 10032628Apr 8, 2010Nissan: the propeller shaft u joint (journal/journal bearings) is the source of noise and/or vibration on an applied vehicle. Diagnose by evaluating the u joint with the…
- 10033306Jan 15, 2010Nissan: rear axle seal leaks. The rear axle assembly is leaking gear oil from the right and/or left hand axle seal, and the vehicle is equipped with a m226 style axle and no…
- 10017471Oct 27, 2005Cam bolts for front wheel alignment.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 30% |
| 2014 | 3 | 30% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 11 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2006 Nissan Xterra
368 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
268 complaintsEngine cooling
106 complaintsEngine
104 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 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 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