2006 Nissan Frontier Engine Problems
Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2006 Nissan Frontier, 13% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 106,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “transmission radiator” (17% of reports).
- 82engine complaints
- 106,000median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 29%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transmission radiator: mentioned in 14 of 82 complaints (17%)
- Timing chain: mentioned in 9 of 82 complaints (11%)
- Class action: mentioned in 5 of 82 complaints (6%)
- Engine cooling: mentioned in 5 of 82 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 74 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 82 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 1 an injury.
Nissan Frontier engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Frontier | 2 | 9% | — |
| 2023 Frontier | 13 | 20% | 200 |
| 2022 Frontier | 6 | 5% | 2,000 |
| 2021 Frontier | 2 | 10% | — |
| 2020 Frontier | 5 | 22% | 19,392 |
| 2019 Frontier | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2018 Frontier | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2017 Frontier | 4 | 11% | 41,050 |
| 2016 Frontier | 8 | 19% | 49,000 |
| 2015 Frontier | 2 | 6% | 21,054 |
| 2013 Frontier | 4 | 8% | 36,000 |
| 2012 Frontier | 13 | 16% | 25,012 |
| 2011 Frontier | 4 | 6% | 70,000 |
| 2010 Frontier | 7 | 12% | 99,500 |
| 2009 Frontier | 2 | 5% | 100,000 |
| 2008 Frontier | 26 | 19% | 84,606 |
| 2007 Frontier | 72 | 14% | 97,511 |
| 2006 Frontier | 82 | 13% | 106,000 |
| 2005 Frontier | 80 | 15% | 107,450 |
| 2004 Frontier | 6 | 9% | 63,950 |
| 2003 Frontier | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2002 Frontier | 2 | 2% | 192,000 |
| 2001 Frontier | 3 | 2% | 130,000 |
| 2000 Frontier | 2 | 1% | 135,000 |
| 1998 Frontier | 1 | 1% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. Additionally, the…
Truck will turn on once in awhile and I was told it is the ipdm module and that there's a recall on the part. What can I do to get the part sent to me since there is a recall and the mechanic told me that with a recall I can get the part sent to me at no cost to me
On June 30, July 6 and 9th 2021 I was driving down the street at 50 miles p/hr. And the truck just stopped in the middle of the road. No engine just stopped. I called the NHtSAAnd reported this according to the October 28th 2010NHtSA campaign number 10V517000 engine Control Model. It was recalled…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2006 Nissan Frontiers have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 82 owner complaints about engine for the 2006 Nissan Frontier (13% of the 617 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2006 Nissan Frontier engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 106,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2006 Nissan Frontier?
The most frequent phrase is “transmission radiator”, in 14 of 82 complaints, followed by “timing chain” (9).
Other 2006 Nissan Frontier problems
See all 2006 Nissan Frontier problems or engine problems across all Frontier years.