Check a VIN

2006 Nissan Xterra transmission complaints

Page 6 of 10: complaints 131 to 160 of 268, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2006 Nissan Xterra transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 10, 2014 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · OH

July 2006 I purchased a new nissan xterra. October 2008 at approx. 58,000 miles the transmission failed. The transmission "slipped" as I made a left turn. The vehicle momentarily stopped in front of on coming traffic. Traffic stopped for me. At that time the vehicle moved forward. I initially thought that this was an isolated incident but over the next few days the problem worsened. On october 30th I took the vehicle to ricart nissan. An initial check showed a foreign substance in the transmission fluid, the service person accused me of putting oil in the transmission and stated that nissan would send the fluid to a laboratory for testing. Approx 6 days later I received a call from the dealership stating nissan would replace the transmission free of charge. At 60,000 miles or a month or so later my vehicle warranty expired. The vehicle never really ran correctly after that; heavy shifting, vehicle would not warm up when stationary. I made several follow up calls to the dealership but each time I was advised that vehicle was out of warranty, or over 60,000 miles. At that point I just dealt with the rough running rough shifting vehicle. Move ahead to may 2014. Once again the vehicle's transmission slipped while turning almost causing me to have an accident. At this point I began researching my vehicle and found out that transmission problems, more specifically coolant leaking into the transmission causing failure was an on going problem, I had the vehicle inspected at pickerington ohio goodyear. Coolant was present in the transmission. At that time I notified my dealership and nissan of my issue. Nissan stated that due to the vehicle age (175,000 miles) they could not assist me; nissan reference number #[xxx]. I believe this is just as much a safety issue as a mechanical issue. If the transmission fails when turning in front of traffic an accident could take place. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 9, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 118,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine slipped out of gear and engaged from drive to neutral independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who indicated that the radiator and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. Kmj

Filed May 7, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 86,500 miles · MD

Suv started vibrating badly while driving at speeds near 60 MPH. This happened for about 3 months. Took vehicle to sheehy nissan in annapolis, md to have investigated and was told coolant had mixed with transmission fluid due to a failure in radiator. I was told that a costly repair is my only option, and that while I can drive it now, a total failure at "some point later" is imminent. How can I drive this vehicle on the streets knowing that at any moment the transmission could fail??/

Filed May 6, 2014 · Fuel system, Transmission · 54,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan xterra. The contact stated that the gears slipped intermittently while traveling at any speed. The failure recurred multiple times. An authorized dealer was notified of the failure more than once, who repaired the radiator and transmission to no avail. The contact had heard a humming noise when changing gears and also experienced the fuel gauge providing erroneous fuel level readings. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v075000 (fuel system, gasoline) but the local dealer and manufacturer both stated that the vehicle had exceeded the one year time frame to have the recall repair performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000. Updated 08/11/14*lj the consumer would like to reimbured the payments made towards the deductible and the car rental. Updated 08/18/2014

Filed May 1, 2014 · Transmission · 129,000 miles · FL

Felt vibrating while driving. Stopped at a light and had no 1st gear after. I was told water got into the transmission. Called nissan after doing research to find out this was a big problem. I was told tough luck pretty much. Nissan should recall all affected vehicles!!!

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 120,000 miles · GA

Radiator cracked and leaked coolant into the transmission. Both radiator and transmission damaged.

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Transmission · 132,820 miles · MI

Well I was driving along and the vehicle started chugging and then it stopped moving, when I had a transmission shop look at it they told me the radiator cracked and leaked fluid into the trans and destroyed the trans, now it is going to be replaced or rebuilt. I cannot afford this but need to get it fixed since I borrowed money to buy it. I was told by the trans shop that this was a common problem and it is not supposed to happen since the trans fluid lines and radiator fluid do not come into direct contact with each other, but is a defective radiator and design that caused this problem.

Filed Apr 21, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 170,000 miles · NC

While on a business trip away from home noticed the heater stopped blowing warm air. A few minutes later engine temperature spiked but then returned to normal. 50 miles later heater started working again. Took the car to a local mechanic and discovered transmission cooler within the radiator had failed, allowing the radiator coolant to mix with the transmission fluid. Paid for the replacement of the radiator/transmission cooler, system flush. Had the system flushed again 1 week after radiator replacement. Transmission now acting erratically, particular when shifting between 3rd and 4th gear. Initial assessments by mechanic suggests transmission and transmission computer require replacement. Cost of replacement exceeds the value of car even though the rest of the car is in excellent condition.

Filed Apr 14, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 106,000 miles · AZ

Car was not accelerating properly and was shaking. Took it to the shop. The radiator had failed allowing coolant into my transmission and ruining my transmission. Repair will cost $4102 + tax.

Filed Apr 9, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 152,000 miles · FL

Transmission failure due to contamination by engine coolant. The source of the contamination is a cracked line that runs through an engine coolant chamber in the radiator. Resulting in having to replace radiator and now the whole transmission. Current there is a recall however I was never notified of recall. My car is under 8 years old and has approx. 152,000 miles, hence, does not fall under the settlement of class action suit ordering nissan to reimburse repairs. I am now out $4,000 even though nissan is aware this is a pure mechanical error on their part. I was driving with my young daughters in the car and almost caused a pile up! Shame on you nissan!

Filed Apr 9, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 76,693 miles · NY

I have warranty extension notices sent out by nissan. They are for a leak in the radiator they may go into the transmission..my radiator was replaced because the dealer said it had a leak. There was no fluid in my garage or driveway.. Now my transmission had to be replaced 76993 miles. After dealing with customer service they told me it was not a related problem..there has been a class action in against nissan for this problem.the cost was $4500.00.if you need any other question answered please call me at [xxx]..I am looking for reimbursement for the cost of tranny repair..all work was done by mike barney nissan 3676 sheridan drive amherst,ny 14226. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · CA

Transmission damage attributed to contamination by engine coolant. The source of the contamination is a cracked atf line that runs through an engine coolant chamber in the radiator. Resulting in having to replace radiator and now the whole transmission. Current there is a recall campaign # 10v517000, however I was never notified of recall. My car actually is 8 years old and has approx. 105,000 miles, hence, does not fall under the settlement of class action suit ordering nissan to reimburse repairs.

Filed Mar 20, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 86,500 miles · CA

Nissan will not step up and fix their mistake, our car is at 87000 miles and the coolant is leaking into the transmission due to how nissan configured their system from the years of 2006 - 2009. When I spoke with [xxx] at nissan consumer affairs he intimated that nissan is not aware of this being a major issue, but interestingly enough stopped using this configuration in 2010. They claim that it will not happen to every nissan, we need more consumers to come forward, so that this will become a "recall". The system is faulty it may not happen at 80,000 / 90,000 / 100,000 , but count on it happening at some point. This is a very expensive repair. If nissan had communicated to us that the warranty covering this transmission failure was extended to 80,000 but of course why would they admit to a faulty system, and let their valued customers know. Simple they do not value their customers, they lost this group. Way to go nissan, somewhere down the line this will hurt you. Signed-disgusted information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 11, 2014 · Transmission · AL

Transmission failure.

Filed Mar 8, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 150,000 miles · ID

Started over a year ago that while driving the motor would just stop running, would have to coast to the side if the road without power steering or brakes. I took it into the shop and they couldn't find out the problem. Now that my transmission is starting to shake and make noise, I took it to the dealer. They told me that my radiator is making into the transmission and that makes the motor quit and loss of power. I am informed that I need a new radiator and transmission. Looking online I see that there are a lot of people with this sane safety issue and that there is no recall. I think that there should be a recall because it's safety alone! I almost hit a car and a pedestrian while trying to steer off the road and stop. Please help with a recall!! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 109,000 miles · TX

The transmission started to slip, turns out the atf was contaminated by the radiator failing and leaking coolant into the transmission. This was determined by the dealer and of course it was out of warranty. I replaced the radiator and the transmission is being worked on by a transmission shop to the tune of several thousand dollars. The contamination ruined at least all clutch plates, the bands, and the torque converter.

Filed Feb 15, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 144,000 miles · IL

While driving in traffic, automatic transmission slipped out of gear causing loss of speed and near collisions from following vehicles. Diagnosis was a flaw in the radiator that allowed coolant to enter the transmission causing the transmission to fail.

Filed Feb 6, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 109,000 miles · CO

Transmission went out. While driving on highway, rpms went up and car would not move. Diagnosis was new transmission and radiator. Seems to be a problem with 2006 nissan xterras with low mileage.

Filed Feb 3, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 130,000 miles · TX

I have a 2006 nissan se xterra 4.0 4x2 automatic -I started noticing when gets speed up to 45 miles it is making a hard shifting and when slowing down making a hard down shifting as well. I mostly notice this when the vehicle is already warmed up and stop and go traffic is when it starts acting up, like a clunk noise and feel like it is loosing power in the transmission. It was a cold day and when leaving work and I backed up and then put in drive and started to move forward all of a sudden the service engine light came on and it felt like I had lost power to the transmission. (bogged down feeling) I had to press further down on the peddle to get the xterra to drive. I drove home slowly with my flashers on praying to god I would not break down within the 7miles. The next day I drove 2 miles to oriellys to pull the code p1754 with several others.I drove to a transmission shop and was given a "worse case scenario" charge of about $3300.00 -I still owe $6000.00 for it! I started to investigate the issue online with all of the forums/parts/rebuilds and such and found that the transmission is the issue with the coolant line in radiator cracking and leaking atf into transmission causing problems with corrosion in the valve body and transmission (o rings/seals) causing to be replaced which is (faulty engineered/manufactured highly expensive defect) at around 100,000 miles and cost is $1100.00 for body valve, rebuilding transmission ($2800.00-($5000.00 for new) and replacing the radiator $ 260.00 and lets not forget about the labor at about $110.00 an hour for around 13 hours. Who has this kind of money for this repair?? I love my xterra but not at this cost since I found out that every 100,000 I will have to replace the $1100.00 transmission valve body (solenoids failing)!! I am very disappointed with nissan.

Filed Feb 2, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 106,673 miles · MA

The transmission in my vehicle began to slip. I had aamco and nissan investigate the problem and both companies determined that the coolant from the radiator had leaked into the transmission. This caused the vehicle to become inoperable.

Filed Jan 31, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 164,000 miles · NY

Transmission failure on highway. Car stopped working going 65 MPH. Radiator fluid leaked into transmission.

Filed Jan 16, 2014 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began to violently shake and was hesitant to shift into the next gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 95,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 137,000 miles · TX

My transmission began slipping all of a sudden and I lost all ability to accelerate despite my ability to rev the engine. Luckily I coasted into my local "kwik kar" at the end of the street. They looked at the car and informed me that they believe the radiator is leaking into the transmission and that both the transmission and radiator would need to be replaced to make the vehicle functional again. Had this occurred on the highway my life would have been in serious danger.

Filed Dec 30, 2013 · Transmission · 103,949 miles · GA

We noticed a higher pitch noise from the vehicle in august 2013 during all running times (cold start, warm running, etc) in my pregnant wife's car with about 90,000 miles on vehicles (inspected fluids, belts, and engine area without notice to any issues- assumed it was the sub-freezing temperatures ~5-16*f). Regular maintenance has bee conducted on the vehicle since purchase (original owners), had the heater core repaired and vehicle inspected at nissan dealer in texas in 2011 without knowledge of transmission problems (heater core is leaking again 2yrs later). There was no impact to driving at the time. Figured it would only need a tune-up back from colorado to georgia before finally getting it checked and was diagnosed with transmission and engine coolant cross contamination requiring $4,500+ in repairs (now at 103,000 miles -dec 2013). Automatic transmission was completely flooded/contaminated with engine coolant ruining the internal components. Mechanics stated that is a known problem with nissan xterra's and other models, that they didn't know how our transmission didn't already fail with the amount of exposure, and it would be a short time before the transmission becomes completely in-operational. After some research, we have discovered that many people have had a similar issue across nissan models, and we do not qualify for the class action law suit (which you had to claim by jun 2013 and have document/diagnosed transmission contamination >100,000 miles). Nissan should be required to recall/fix their design flaw and safety hazards for protection of the consumer!

Filed Dec 25, 2013 · Acceleration, Transmission · 94,673 miles · OK

The vehicle would stall or rather the transmission would not shift mostly out forth to fifth, or even third to forth. The engine seems fine. Pull the transmission dipstick, the fluid is dark and smells burnt.

Filed Dec 16, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 80,600 miles · FL

Driving south on the florida turnpike, our nissan x-terra would not change speed at 40 miles per hour and it appeared that the transmission could not change. The slip indicator light went on. This situation happened approximately three times, after each incident we had to stop on the side of the highway. Finally after the third attempt the vehicle picked up speed. When we got home, I checked the transmission fluid and it had what appeared to be water. I checked the radiator cap, and instead of liquid the mixture seemed to be a creme paste, like it had oil. Searching in google, I found that there was a lawsuit brought again nissan for this defect. However today at bill seidle's nissan in miami, I was told that there is a co-payment of $2,500.00. This is outrageous, since the problem was created by nissan and not by the owner of the vehicle.

Filed Dec 13, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 96,347 miles · VA

I really do not know where to begin. My truck would not start 8/26/13. I learned that the dreaded radiator coolant leak had finally destroyed my transmission computer system and transmission. I first learned that this could become a problem in february of 2011 when my vehicle was at about 96,300 miles. The nissan dealership gave me a number to call, I did and was told at that time that I could pay $6000 out of pocket and possibly be reimbursed later as my vehicle VIN was not in the current list of vehicles being offered the "special warranty coverage". I was given a case number and told I would be mailed information about all future matters regarding this problem. I did not have $6000 then, I do not have $3000 now. That is the amount of the deductible the nissan dealer says I would be responsible for paying if nissan honors the time I initially reported this problem to them. I need some help. My husband is active duty navy and I kept this vehicle serviced and did everything I was supposed to do to make sure this vehicle stayed in great condition and now I have a vehicle that is no longer working. I hope you can help us.

Filed Dec 9, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 99,950 miles · AZ

On december 06, 2013, while merging onto the highway, my gray in color, 2006 nissan xterra, completely lost all motive power & failed to shift gears, simply revving out in 2nd gear. It should be noted, my 2006 nissan xterra is the 4x4, automatic transmission & had around 99,950 miles at the time. The incident put myself, my wife, and my eight month old baby girl in danger due to the fact we had no where to exit the highway & were quickly slowing down in traffic. This incident almost caused an accident because I was unable to accelerate to get out of the way of the faster highway traffic. It has since come to my attention that nissan is aware of this issue and that it is caused by the radiator leaking coolant into the transmission causing the transmission fluid to mix with the radiator fluid, effectively destroying the transmission. I was able to slowly work the rpms up & get the transmission to shift up a few gears so we could make it off the highway. I then contacted my local nissan dealer who advised that nissan was aware of the issues and have extended the warranty to 100,000 mi. He informed me that to replace the transmission & the radiator it would cost approximately $7000, however, if I was under 100,000 mi, I would only have to pay a $3,000 deductible. Because I had passed the 100,000 mile mark by driving my vehicle back home, I was no longer eligible for this extended warranty. I've owned my nissan xterra for over 6 years & have made sure to stay current on all the routine maintenance. The fact that nissan is not only aware of these issues (which have allegedly affected thousands of nissan owners), but also that they have failed to take any corrective action, is simply unacceptable & also downright dangerous. It is one thing for nissan to not stand behind their product, but it is wrong for them to knowingly allow their product to put people's lives in danger.

Filed Dec 8, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · MS

As I was driving along the highway, I felt a jerk from the vehicle. The vehicle then over heated. Pulled over and let set for a minute. Restart and limp to work place. After calling dad found radiator fluid in transmission. The rest is history!!!!

Filed Dec 7, 2013 · Transmission · 144,000 miles · KY

We have an 2006 nissan xterra and the radiator leaked into the transmission and caused a cross contamination. We had to replace the radiator and have the transmission rebuilt. We participated in the nissan class action lawsuit, but unfortunately we received a denial letter in the mail earlier this week because we were over 100,000 miles. I am highly disappointed with nissan for being so greedy and not taking responsibility over this issue. This problem happened to occur the winter of 2011 when I would go out to start the car and it would blow cold air and never heat up unless the car was running. If I was to sit at red lights the car would blow cold air again. That spring I noticed the car jerking and driving a little rough but didn't think much about it because we had just replaced the universal c joint back that prior fall. The summer of 2011 and at first I noticed the RPM's revving up but the car wouldn't go anywhere. Then the air went out and would cool down the car. Meanwhile I am driving my kids around in a car with no AC in 100 summer heat and humidity. Eventually the car got so bad it wouldn't run. It would rev up but go no where. I finally took it into a shop when I noticed it leaking a reddish, brown/green fluid. Come to find out there was cross contamination between the radiator and the transmission. I had been driving months with this car like this it really messed up my xterra. It cost me $4500 to fix this issue on top of many inconveniences. I't super disappointed in nissan for not recalling this faulty part they knew about. Apparently a letter was sent out asking customers to bring the cars in to be checked. We never received this letter. All I want is nissan to fess up and pay hard working people back the money they owe them. My xterra was paid off and I had to sink $4500 into a 6 year old car. Nissan has lost a customer for life. Ill never buy another.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2006 Nissan Xterra?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history