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2006 Nissan Xterra problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Nissan Xterra is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 60,000 miles. It has 10.8 times the complaints of a typical Xterra model year.

Year to avoid10.8x the typical complaints
Year score
5/100
Owner complaints
780
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
86
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
16-17mpg
Typical repair
$500

The worst 2006 Nissan Xterra problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Nissan Xterra

Fuel gauge 315Check engine light 162Transmission failure 69Stalling 43Overheating 38Loss of power 21Slipping 19Jerking 17Fuel pump 11Whining noise 11Airbag light 8Grinding brakes 8Engine failure 8Shudder 8Won't shift 8Water leak 7Harsh shifting 6Misfire 5Sudden acceleration 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2006 Nissan Xterra mention

P0463 32

Recalls 3

Engine and engine coolingReported October 28, 2010 · 747,480 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 10V517000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tankReported March 3, 2010 · 80,689 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 10V075000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported December 29, 2008 · 242,720 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 08V690000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2006 Nissan Xterra

Defect investigations

Transmission FailuresOpened June 11, 2012, closed October 22, 2016

On February 29, 2012 the federal safety agency received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.the federal safety agency conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

DP12004

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Nissan Xterra 86

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 86 bulletins for the 2006 Nissan Xterra

2006 Nissan Xterra fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.0L 6‑cylRWD14-152016-17
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD14-151916-17

What 2006 Nissan Xterra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Brakes, Seat belts · SC

I have a lot of ticking and stalling lights are blinking I think it’s may be the transmission and I smell gas inside the vehicle.

Filed Jul 25, 2025 · Tires · AR

17

Filed Oct 10, 2024 · Airbags · 145,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger's side air bag intermittently. The front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was provided a cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2024 · Engine · LA

The timing chain has caused my vehicle to die on me in the middle of a busy highway I was almost hit by a few cars. I had to drive my car going only 40 MPH all the way becasue that is all it would do. It has a very loud noise and it is unsafe to drive on the road anymore. I have read and nissan should replace these because alot of people have had problems with them yes my car is available for imspection I have regular kept maintenence on it no there were no warning lamps at all just loud noise and then no compression

Filed Nov 1, 2023 · Airbags · GA

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 31, 2023 · Airbags · NH

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 22, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · MS

Timing chains making noises and I have change my oil and it still making the noise...

Filed May 1, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · FL · crash · 3 injuries

Car just shut off in traffic loosing all power and braking causing me to crash into the back of a stopped car at a red-light. After inspection from a mechanic shop, they informed me that something in the computer had fried causing the car to shut off, and it had also caused the transmission control unit module to go bad making the car not drive able.

Filed Apr 3, 2023 · Engine · FL

Engine noise: - Noise coming from time belt support - The timing chain guide wore out fast. - Timing chain guide inner plastic wore out causing chain to rely metal bracket then the metal causing noise and eventually break the the timing chain.

Filed Aug 30, 2022 · Fuel system · WI

Check engine light is on and fuel gauge does not work Can go from full to empty Stays on empty even though I know there is gasoline in tank Has caused us to run out of gas middle of nowhere

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2006 Nissan Xterra before you buy

Compare the 2006 Nissan Xterra

Other model years

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Questions about the 2006 Nissan Xterra

Is the 2006 Nissan Xterra reliable?

Owners have filed 780 complaints about the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 10.8 times a typical Xterra model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2006 Nissan Xterra year score?

The 2006 Nissan Xterra scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Xterra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Nissan Xterra?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 368 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is transmission (268).

How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Xterra have?

3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline and air bags.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Nissan Xterra fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 10V075000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Xterra have the most fuel system problems?

The Nissan Xterra model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2006 (368 complaints), 2005 (323 complaints) and 2007 (228 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Nissan Xterra get?

Official estimates for the 2006 Nissan Xterra range from 16 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 20 highway.

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