Most common 2006 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Share of the 837 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Pathfinder complaints by model year
Best Pathfinder years: 2012, 2011, 2020. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2025, 2022, 2015. Compare all years →
2006 Nissan Pathfinder recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank
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…
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.
Air bags › Frontal
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,…
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder:
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.
What 2006 Nissan Pathfinder owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 450 →
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of transmission failure during the gear shifting. The contact stated that the gear shifter would remain in neutral. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,364.
.Transmission failed do to coolant in transmission. .got stuck in traffic and couldn't go anywhere .this is a known problem with these vehicles .vehicle has been inspected by owner who is a mechanic .there were no warning signs
Engine & cooling all 331 →
Car shuts off In the middle of driving & also when simply parked. It starts jerking like it's trying to catch up then it kills. It's happened in front of traffic and busy roadways/intersections. It has happened more than once.
I am an active duty marine and have served for over 20 years. My wife and I have been the original owners of this 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. While I was away on business my wife called me and told me the car was acting up. Upon my return I test drove the car. The car would not acceleration after I came to a stop. Soon after the engine light turned on. I took the car to the auto shop to get it checked out and found out the coolant and transmission oil mixed. I took the car into Nissan and found out this is a common problem. Nissan extended the warranty to cover this problem; but I was over the mileage and they would not be cover my vehicle. We recently paid off the car; however, now I am stuck with this ticking time bomb. The car loses acceleration very frequently. I have to turn it off and turn it back on to get it back to normal. …
Fuel & propulsion system all 231 →
The contact stated that the company owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed a full tank, then suddenly displayed that the fuel was empty, improperly displaying the fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the fuel level sensor was high causing the fuel pump to fail. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
I've ran out of gas twice my indicator the gas tank gauge does not show that the vehicle is empty it shows it's full and then I run out of gas on the side of the road almost get hit by cars trying to get to gas station to get more gas in the middle of traffic very dangerous have my daughter with me trying to push my vehicle out of the way so I don't get hit apparently it's a recall that says mine was done but it's not done because it's still having problems I am the third owner of mine so I think it was mislabeled as completed if that's the case then how do I know any of these recalls have been done properly
2006 Nissan Pathfinder engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder a good car?
Based on 837 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Pathfinder rates avoid: 6.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Pathfinder at the same age. It is one of the Pathfinder years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder?
The transmission & drivetrain — 450 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (331) and fuel & propulsion system (231).
How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, the most recent from October 28, 2010 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Pathfinder?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2011 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014, 2025, 2022 and 2015. See the full Nissan Pathfinder years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Nissan Pathfinder problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 93,000 miles; 10% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.