2006 Nissan Xterra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 268about this part
- Share
- 34%of 780 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 268 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 34% of the 780 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall ive had problems with tranmisson for a about 3 yrs ..I called Nissan recall and they have always told me its not in the USA.went to trans shop and they have had it for 4 weeks not unable to fix it...it would start when I would stop at lights or stop signs and not go would have to shut off and restart then pull over for not getting hit..”
NHTSA complaint #11000500, filed 2017-06, 155,000 miles“The transmission is damaged because of a faulty radiator that leaked coolant into the transmission causing it to fail. My car was a standstill and I was pulling into traffic and my car barely moved causing the oncoming car to swerve and slam his brakes to avoid hitting me. This a a safety concern, especially when you have kids in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10863881, filed 2016-05, 127,000 miles“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“I have transmission fluid in my anti freeze and anti freeze in my transmission. Im told by a mechanic that this is a known Nissan issue. Apparently something in the radiator rots and the fluids mix causing transmission failure. Mine hasn't failed yet, but my fluids are all contaminated as is the radiator and tranny?”
NHTSA complaint #10906273, filed 2016-09, 151,000 miles“Vehicle would not shift on busy rd. Coolant leaked onto transmission per Nissan dealer. Nissan has known about this issue. This could have a bad safety issue as I had to try to get vehicle to dealer. I transport a handicapped chip ad well ad alzheimer/dementia clients and this could have been LED to a very bad accident. Why had there not been a recall on this being Nissan has known of this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10908307, filed 2016-09, 143,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 60% |
| 2014 | 1 | 10% |
| 2012 | 6 | 38% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 11 | 29% |
| 2009 | 6 | 32% |
| 2008 | 47 | 40% |
| 2007 | 231 | 41% |
| 2006 | 268 | 34% |
| 2005 | 412 | 49% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 22 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2006 Nissan Xterra
368 complaintsEngine cooling
106 complaintsEngine
104 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 Nov 1, 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