Is the 2006 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Nissan Frontier is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Frontier?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Frontier have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 Nissan Frontier

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2006 Nissan Frontier
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 617
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2006: 617 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	129
1999	78
2000	189
2001	134
2002	124
2003	77
2004	66
2005	532
2006	617
2007	520
2008	136
2009	37
2010	59
2011	64
2012	79
2013	48
2014	42
2015	33
2016	43
2017	38
2018	25
2019	28
2020	23
2021	19
2022	112
2023	66
2024	22
2025	8
2026	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

36% · 222 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I purchased my truck with about 1900 miles on it. I was a very proud owner, doing everything in my power to keep my truck dependable and reliable by getting all scheduled maintenance plus preventative care.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-04

2006 Nissan Frontier - a defect that permits cross-contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid, ultimately causing the radiator and transmission to need substantial repairs or fail entirely. The truck was in motion on a highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-07

Fuel system, gasoline

29% · 181 reports

Most commonly citing auxillary tank and filler pipe and cap.

Engine

13% · 82 reports

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 74 reports

Most commonly citing radiator assembly and engine.

CRASHFIREDEATH

Fuel/propulsion system

10% · 61 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The fuel sensor is not relaying accurate fuel levels. When vehicle is near empty tank the tank fuel gauge will often still read 1/4 tank level. The check engine light remains on which codes alerted on diagnostics relay back to the sensor issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-29

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2006Complaint volume 617 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2006-04-24Fuel system, gasoline06V092000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-08-17Equipment07E046000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-01-26Air bags08V690000 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…

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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-03-22Fuel system, gasoline10V075000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-07-12Suspension10E019000 Nissan is recalling certain front and rear lower links, p/nos. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, and 54500ZR00A, sold…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-12-06Engine and engine cooling10V517000 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)…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2012-06-11Defect petitionClosed 2016-10-22 Transmission Failures
I
2026-03-30Defect petitionOpen Fuel smell and loss of motive power
R

Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 222 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, gasoline: 181 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 82 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 06V092000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 07E046000 · Equipment
Recall 08V690000 · Air bags
Recall 10V075000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 10E019000 · Suspension
Recall 10V517000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 Nissan Frontier reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Nissan Frontier is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Frontier?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Frontier have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.