Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Nissan Frontier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was at work, Which is 100% depended on my vehicle, as I work in the oilfield, I was out in the middle of nowhere, when I was getting back into my vehicle, I turned the key and the vehicle would not even turnover, I was forced to walk 5 miles to get to a job site that cell phone service to make a call for help, Took the truck to my mechanic, He said it was a transmission code coming up on his computer and that he was unable to fix, So I had to tow the vehicle a second time to Nissan in Grand Junction co. where they informed me that the Transmission and Radiator fluid has mixed together, Now I'm needing a new Transmission and coolant system at a price over $6000, They did let me know that this was a VERY common problem with this vehicle.
2 months after purchasing the vehicle (with 98,410 miles) it started to shutter around 40 and 60 mph. At a little over 100,000 miles it began to slip in 5th gear (overdrive). It has been getting worse in the last 1,000s. Both Nissan or the local dealer are willing to offer any financial assistance.
I have a apparently common problem which is radiator transmission cross contamination apparently with Nissan frontiers and xterras from about 05-2010 and the problem is they used a radiator with a built in transmission cooler but there's a seal or area where it fails and the two fluids mix resulting in a strawberry milkshake appearance and when this happens the transmission will likely fail at any point I've personally had problems that were intermittent over the last few weeks with trouble shifting and a shuddering/rumbling which occurs while driving in all weather and road conditions plus is very noticeable while going from a stop to start moving turns out to be radiator fluid leaking into the transmission my truck has 99,000 miles on it and has started having problems just now which according to other accounts on multiple forums about this particular problem is a little later than …
I went to kerry Nissan where I bought the truck when I got the notice about the cross contamination of the transmission fluid and antifreeze due to a defect in the radiator. My truck had 88,000 miles on it at that time. I was told by the dealer not to worry because it was rare for this problem to happen.I asked about preventive measures and was told there was none. I asked about replacing the radiator. I was told that wouldn't help because it would be the same radiator. Now at 108,000 miles my transmission is shot because it's full of antifreeze. The truck has been garage kept, maintained, and looks like new. The dealer has quoted $5,236.00 to repair. I contacted Nissan they told me I had to take it to the dealer who is charging me $95.00 to tell me what I already know. Nissan knowing at that time they weren't going to do anything to help me. …
In April 2019 I was driving my 2006 Nissan Frontier truck 4x4 v6 . Suddenly I notice a lack of power and then it did not move any where. I call a tow truck services to take it to the mechanics. The was the transmission control module failure , do to the radiator coil leaking. We put a new radiator and bought a transmission control module that cost $964.00 dollars. Th3 mechanic installed it and recommended to take it to Nissan for programming. After 3 times trying Nissan sad that the control module was defective. This issue has cost me almost $2,500.00 in towing and labor back and forward and still my transmission is not working. I am now in the process of buying a transmission. This is not fair how a company that knows that product is defective wait until the warranty is over and don't fix the problem prior. …
While driving down the highway at 60 MPH, my 2006 Nissan Frontier suddenly was running very rough, it decelerated and I only had low gear enough to barely make it off the hwy and out of the way of high speed traffic. No dash/idiot lights came on identifying any problems, there was no warning at all. Truck was towed to Nissan dealership who said the transmission, and radiator, and thermostat all needed to be replaced!! They charged us $5,500. This truck only had 135,000 miles, and was kept in great condition, at time of it's failure. Nissan should be ashamed of making the consumer bear the cost of Nissan's faulty parts!! They are flat out lucky if no one's been injured, or killed due to this failure! Had I been on the interstate as planned the very next day, in this truck, I wonder if I'd be here today. …
Transmission started slipping and then lost reverse.and finally just kept slipping and wouldn't move more than a few hundred feet ,and would turn off and wouldn't restart until the transmission cooled off,and when it restarted the idle or tachometer would jump into the red line area even though the truck wouldn't drive past 20 MPH. Coasting on the freeway I would pull to the side and have cars drive around mr while trying to push it off the shoulder,looking for an off ramp to go to the nearest transmission shop I could find..secondly I had to replace my fuel sender and or. …
Recently my 2006 Nissan Frontier transmission started to make a grinding noise at speeds when shifting to a lower gear. I checked the computer about possible problems; that is when I found out about the transmission lines failing inside of the radiator. The water was leaking into my transmission. Nissan and the dealership that I was getting my truck serviced knew of the problem for many years. When I asked the service adviser about the problem, he told me my Frontier had 7,000 over 100,000 miles and that was the cutoff for Nissan to help. What made me mad was that I had my 90,000 mile service done at the dealership on 01/28/2014 , paid $523.38 and nothing was told to me so I could take action to save my transmission!!! I should had been told of the defective transmission lines before it ruined my trans. Now I am out $3,228.78 for a rebuilt transmission. …
The transmission on my truck suddenly went out with no warning during my morning commute in heavy traffic on the 202 loop in phoenix. Shifting to a different gear had the same effect as stepping on the gas, which was that the engine revved with no increase or decrease in speed. I had to coast across 4 lanes of fast moving traffic. It was an incredibly dangerous situation. I am told by the Nissan dealership that transmission fluid mixed with coolant and that it was a catastrophic failure. I have received no notices of any kind from Nissan and was shocked to learn that this is a known, commonly occurring defect and that the defect manifests instantaneously and without warning most of the time. …
Took vehicle to local Nissan dealership for noise that appeared to be coming from transmission with a slight rowing sound when transmission shifted between 40 MPH and 45 MPH. Shop manager informed me truck needed a new timing chain and fuel tank sending unit. After making repairs to the timing chain which the shop manager specifically indicated that the problem was with the timing chain, my truck still has the same exact problem. These repairs were made at my expense. Now the dealership want me to pay for additional repairs that May not be the problem when they specifically assured me that the timing chain was the problem. I feel that the real problem with my vehicle is the radiator and transmission, which is a nation-wide problem with Nissan Frontier truck transmission and other Nissan vehicles. Nissan is responsible for a re-call on these vehicle. (will seek Nissan corp. …
NHTSA investigations
Transmission Failures
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 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.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject.
Transmission complaints in other Frontier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA has 220 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Nissan Frontier, 36% of the model year's 617 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Nissan Frontier transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Nissan Frontier, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Nissan Frontier transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.