2006 Nissan Frontier problems
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Common 2006 Nissan Frontier problems
The Nissan Frontier, a compact pickup truck, has been praised for its reliability and no-frills design.
Transmission failure in 2005-2007 Nissan Frontiers is caused by a faulty seal in the radiator, leading to coolant entering the transmission and diluting the transmission oil, ultimately resulting in a complete failure.
Another major issue in 2005-2007 Nissan Frontiers is the timing chain tensioner guide failure, which can cause engine damage.
The 2005-2007 Nissan Frontier models also experienced issues with the climate system, including AC compressor failure, blower (fan) motor problems, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, and refrigerant leakage. These problems can lead to uncomfortable driving conditions and potentially expensive repairs.
In summary, the 2005-2007 Nissan Frontier model years have experienced significant problems, including transmission failure, timing chain tensioner guide failure, and climate system issues. Potential buyers should be aware of these problems and consider them when deciding on a used Nissan Frontier.
Is the 2006 Nissan Frontier a good truck?
Edmunds says
A rugged chassis, powerful drivetrain and well-thought-out features make the 2006 Nissan Frontier a leader in the midsize pickup pack.
How many miles will a 2006 Nissan Frontier last?
Most owners get 100,000 miles. Some owners, have got over 200,000 miles. Maintenance, should make some difference in how long it will last. Oil and filter is cheap.
What year was a bad year for a Nissan Frontier?
Nissan Frontiers with automatic transmissions manufactured between 2005 and 2008 have a defective radiator design. The fluid lines for the truck's transmission pass through the radiator. Any leaks or problems with the radiator can instantly destroy both the radiator and the transmission on these Frontier models.
Are there any problems with the Nissan Frontier?
Nissan Frontier Reliability Problems. Frontier owners have made 986 complaints over 22 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 19th in overall reliability out of 26 Nissan models , with real transmission and engine concerns.
2006 Nissan Frontier complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Nissan Frontier.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2006 Nissan Frontier recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2006 Nissan Frontier.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE DIODE MOLDING WHICH CAUSES SILICON OXIDE TO DEVELOP ON THE ECM RELAY CONTACT DUE TO ARCING.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECM RELAY INSIDE THE IPDM ASSEMBLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
- Consequence: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
- Summary: 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 PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: 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 HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
- Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Manufacturer: HOPKINS MANUFACTURING CORP.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING OF WIRES BETWEEN THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER AND THE TOWING VEHICLE WIRING SYSTEM.
- Consequence: THIS HARNESS WOULD RESULT IN POWER FROM THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOING TO THE TOWING VEHICLE DASH LIGHT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS RESULT WOULD BE THE LACK OF TRAILER BRAKING WHEN THE TOWING VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. IT WOULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOWING VEHICLES DASH LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TRAILER BRAKE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED ABILITY TO STOP AND CONTRIBUTE TO A POSSIBLE CRASH.
- Remedy: HOPKINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WITH A REVISED HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT HOPKINS AT 800-835-0129.
- Manufacturer: TRADESONIC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
- Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CAP TETHER PIN ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Negative 2006 Nissan Frontier car reviews
Positive 2006 Nissan Frontier car reviews
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I loved my Toyota, it saved my life from a 5 time DUI villain. Unfortunately, both the truck and I sustained injuries and the Toyota did not survive. After test driving both, I ultimately chose Nissan for several reasons. The Nissan offers a king cab 4wd v-6 six speed for about the same price as a reg cab 4wd 4 banger Tacoma, and it has a lot more room inside. I also appreciate that the doorpost on the Frontier is further from my head than on the Tacoma, which caused me to crack my head during the accident. The Frontier is a great truck, it drives like a caddie, has a stronger v-6 than my 96 Firebird, and gets 20 mpg. I was lucky enough to find an honest dealer. Thank you for considering my experience with these trucks.
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I have been driving Nissan Cars and Trucks exclusively since 1987, and so have my two sons. We have never had any issues with them. This 4.0 6 speed has amazing power and load capacities. When I was driving 25 miles to work on rural roads at 60-70 mph, I was getting 24 mpg. Even now that I am retired and drive in town, I still get 22 mpg. If you want to improve your mileage, try driving more gently when you accelerate and use a good grade of gas. I used to get 20 mpg using a discount gas, but since I switched to Shell, I get a steady 22+ mpg using regular.
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I traded my 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II for a 2006 NISMO Crew Cab 4x4. Although the Ranger was a decent truck, it had horrid gas mileage, averaging about 14 with 80/20 city/highway. However, I absolutely love my NISMO more than the Ranger. It's a little bigger, more powerful, has a better ride, and handles way smoother. It also feels much more solid than the Ranger. I have to watch my driving because the truck wants to go fast! I can definitely feel the sports car roots in the truck. The engine is smooth and refined and well matched to the 5-speed automatic. Fuel economy is around 16 in town and I get a solid 20 on the highway. Overall, driving this truck is an absolute pleasure.
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You'll be pleased to know that this mid-size truck has great mileage! On the first tankful, I got 25mpg in mixed driving. The ride is also quiet and smooth, and there's plenty of space all around. While it may not be the fanciest option out there, it does have all the basic features available as options.
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Congratulations on your purchase! I noticed that you bought a USED 2006 NISMO 4x4 with 38000 miles. On your drive home, you achieved an impressive 21 MPG at about 70 MPH cruise control. Around town, you got 15.6 MPG. I'm glad to hear that you were concerned about the stiffness of the truck with the 4x4 and NISMO package, but it's great to know that it's very smooth to drive on pavement with low road noise and a sturdy feel. It's wonderful to hear that you're happy with your purchase. I agree that everyone should look at this truck if they want a mid-size. I understand that the Tacoma had a bad seating position for long trips and the domestic trucks just don't measure up. It's great to know that this is your first Nissan and so far so good!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Nissan Frontier problems:
2006 Frontier Problems | Nissan Frontier Forum
Feb 23, 2012 ... Are there any other common issues with the 2006 models around this milage? Am I looking at replacing certain things, etc.? The truck has ...
2006 Nissan Frontier Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 2006 Nissan Frontier Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Fuel Level Sensor · Noise From the Front of the Engine · No Start, Engine Stalls · Check ...
2006 Nissan Frontier Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say. Oil leaks. "The rear main seal has begun to leak a little. Not unexpected considering the mileage on the vehicle." ... "For 6 years i have had a ...
2006 nismo constant issues | Nissan Frontier Forum
Apr 17, 2020 ... It's cheap, about $4-5 at Walmart or part stores. Check the throttle plate for built up gunk, very likely with a pcv problem valve. Check for ...
Nissan Frontier Problems Worth Knowing of - VehicleHistory
Mar 5, 2021 ... 2006 Nissan frontier has a faulty radiator that they will not tell you about. It leaks into the transmission and combines with the transmission ...
Other years of Nissan Frontier
Are you having problems with your 2006 Nissan Frontier?
Reece Baumbach 2025-03-12
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share a story about my truck. In May of 2012, the radiator failed and we had it replaced for $1000. Unfortunately, my son experienced another issue a few months later when the transmission failed. We were quoted $7,300 for the repair at the dealership, but after doing some research and calling around, we found a transmission shop that could do the repairs for $4,500. The shop owner was very knowledgeable about the issue and knew exactly how to fix it. Thanks for listening to my story!
Maynard Ullrich 2025-02-10
The xe model with a 4-cylinder engine and transmission may not be the best combination. The power and torque below 2500 rpm is not impressive, and the gas mileage is only 21 mpg due to the 10% ethanol in Hawaii's fuel. However, if you use straight gas, you can get about 23 mpg, which is about 10% better. The truck is quite heavy, so the 4-cylinder engine has to work hard, which affects the mileage. The gear ratios are not ideal, and you have to wind it out or it bogs down badly when you upshift. A six-speed transmission would be more appropriate. The truck drives well, has good brakes, a basic interior, great reliability, and is a good value for the money. My friends who have the same truck but with a 6-cylinder engine love the power they have, but the mileage is only 18 mpg.
Sherwood Ferry 2025-01-01
I purchased my '06 Frontier from an individual on Craigslist with 108k miles. I enjoyed driving it for a couple of months until the transmission failed. Unfortunately, this is a common issue and Nissan did not issue a recall. I was able to find a local mechanic who offered to install a re-manufactured transmission and a new radiator, including all labor and fluids, for $4,000. However, I have been waiting for over 2 months to get my truck back due to a parts mix-up. The parts people from Chicago initially provided the wrong parts number for the transmission, and now we are waiting for a solenoid to complete the rebuild. If I ever get my truck back, I will have invested more than it's worth, so I have no choice but to continue driving it.
Rolando Ullrich 2024-11-09
I recently purchased a 2006 truck with 66,500 miles. During the test drive, everything seemed fine until about 10 miles in when the gas gauge appeared to be empty and the check engine light came on. I quickly pulled into a gas station and put in $10, only to find that the gas gauge indicator showed 3/4 full. When I returned the truck, the owner mentioned that he had been having that issue for approximately 3 years and had heard there might be a recall. The next day, I verified the error code and found the recall on the internet. I contacted my local Nissan dealer, but unfortunately, I was informed that my truck did not have this recall, even though the recall outlined was exactly the problem. I had the recall fixed, which cost me $500 out of pocket. After the service, the manager suggested that I replace my radiator because the coolant and transmission fluid could leak and cause transmission failure. I bought a new radiator and I am in the process of replacing it. Despite these issues, my family has been loyal to Nissan for a long time, but we are now considering other options. My wife currently drives a Nissan, but it won't last long in our driveway. It's a shame because I was about to consider buying the new Nissan Titan Diesel.
Curt Parker 2024-08-21
At 93K miles, my engine light came on and I took it to the dealer. They replaced the catalytic converter for about 1K dollars. However, within a week, I experienced a loss of power while driving and couldn't go any faster than 20 mph. Surprisingly, my engine light never came on. I am confident that the dealer did not replace my catalytic converter as it should not have failed so quickly. Even if I was burning pure oil, it would take longer than that to get blocked.