Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Nissan Xterra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the fuel level warning light illuminated. The fuel gauge failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to a parking lot. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,000.
Car just shut off in traffic loosing all power and braking causing me to crash into the back of a stopped car at a red-light. After inspection from a mechanic shop, they informed me that something in the computer had fried causing the car to shut off, and it had also caused the transmission control unit module to go bad making the car not drive able.
A la semana de marzo 30 del 2019 que saque esta camioneta del dealer happy's auto, llc en hays, ks 67601. Este presento un calentamiento del motor, tube que pagar para que le cambiaran en termostato, pero siguio el problema siempre hasta que me dijeron los del mismo dealer que el motor ya no servia. Di 2200 dollars de pago, dijeron que tenia yo que pagar otro motor mas el costo 11,072 dollars de la camioneta. Es un robo, me entregaron la camioneta con el estereo mal, la refaccion no me la pusieron abajo en su lugar, lo cual causo que se me quebrara un plastico de la cajuela traders. Al final les dije que no queria mas la camioneta y me dijeron que estaba bien pero no me devolverian mi dinero, nunca me ensearon el historial mecanico de la camioneta. La camioneta ya tenia mas de 150000 millas. …
1. Engine light on - remains on, need to reset - at 77000+ miles fuel gauge is off chart when full tank is filled up fuel gauge is unreliable, need to use the speedometer to gauge gas tank VIN# is not on the recall list under fuel tank recall campaign 10V075000 VIN# id for recall=engine only=campaign# 10V517000; total recall listed = 5 for 2006 Xterra models 2. Tire pressure light is on continuously=TPMS = not on recall list/campaign, can this be added?? All tires are have correct recommended psi; yet light is on continuously, reset works only temporarily TPMS - as of oct 2014; at 75000 miles need dealer to fix all recalls, can this be done?? Plse advise asap. Bought the car used/pre-owned.... Thank you for your attention & time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. While driving at various speeds, the TPMS light illuminated constantly and the wheels felt loose. The contact mentioned that the fuel gauge malfunctioned and failed to display the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the light was reset, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 10V075000 (fuel system); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
My Xterra is subject to die at any time as if the key was turned off. Occurs whether driving or parked. Very dangerous if occurs when driving. My mechanic states that the cam shaft position sensors and the crank shaft position sensors cause this. I have replaced the cam shaft position sensors and the crankshaft position sensors twice in the one year that I have owned this vehicle.
Recently check engine light came on and had it diagnosed as the fuel gauge sensor. After filling gas tank with gas now gauge stays below empty and low gas light and check engine light stay on. Dealer said an extended warranty had expired and mileage had also been extended to 72000 miles. I just hit 80000 miles. The dealer wants $550 to fix. Way too much for a known default.
Fuel gauge never goes below 1/4 sticks and is inaccurate, same symptoms as recalled vehicles, yet this VIN wasn't include in the recall and should be. Tank runs empty yet still indicates 1/4 full a safety hazard. This vehicle should be included to the recall for the exact same defective parts! Updated 02/09/17
Error code p0463 I had 1/4 of a tank of gas and went to fill up. After filling up my gas tank, I turned on the car, at which point the needle did not register the full tank. After driving a couple miles, the check engine light came on. I went directly to the dealer and was told that it was a fuel sending unit/sensor and that it was no longer covered after 30K miles. After returning home and doing research, I went online to x.nissanhelp.com after performing a search, I came across many others who have experienced the same problem. Apparently it has something to do with the fuel sending unit. A similar problem was found on the 2000-2004 Xterra models and a recall was performed when the vehicle would stop after not getting any fuel, posing a great danger. It seems that something in the unit is faulty and will corrode over time. …
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. …
Electrical complaints in other Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Nissan Xterra?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 5% of the model year's 780 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Nissan Xterra electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Nissan Xterra, though it has 3 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 Xterra electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 3 injuries to electrical system 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.