NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
220 reportsClear category filter93,000 miles · Feb 14, 2013
Power Train
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED WITH ROUGHLY 92,700 MILES FROM A REPUTABLE, LOCAL, HIGH VOLUME DEALER. WITHIN A WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE I FELT A "SHUDDER," AS IF DRIVING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHILE CRUISING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH IN TOP GEAR ON THE HIGHWAY. FELT THE SAME SENSATION ONE WEEK LATER AND AGA…
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I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED WITH ROUGHLY 92,700 MILES FROM A REPUTABLE, LOCAL, HIGH VOLUME DEALER. WITHIN A WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE I FELT A "SHUDDER," AS IF DRIVING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHILE CRUISING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH IN TOP GEAR ON THE HIGHWAY. FELT THE SAME SENSATION ONE WEEK LATER AND AGAIN APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO. THESE "SHUDDERS" WERE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN BUT CONSISTENT IN FEELING AND DURATION, ONLY LASTING A SECOND OR SO. WHILE DOING AN OIL CHANGE AND FLUID CHECK ON 2-7-2013 AND APPROXIMATELY 94,700 MILES, I FOUND THE COOLANT IN MY RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW TANK TO BE A PINK, EVEN BORDERING ON PURPLE, IN COLOR AND ABOUT THE SAME CONSISTENCY AS HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM YOU WOULD PURCHASE FROM THE GROCERY STORE. I IMMEDIATELY ARRANGED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE THE NEXT MORNING AND THE THREE YEAR EXTENDED POWER TRAIN WARRANTY DICTATED SUCH. THE SERVICE SHOP'S DIAGNOSIS CONFIRMED THE RESEARCH I HAD FOUND LINKING THE DISCREPANT COOLANT IN MY RADIATOR TO BE FROM A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE/COIL INSIDE THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR THAT WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO MY RADIATOR. THUS, NOT RECIRCULATING THE PROPER AMOUNT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID, IF AT ALL, BACK INTO MY TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL AND WAS "SHUDDERING" AS A SIDE EFFECT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS PAST THE 80,000 MILE MARK AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, NISSAN WOULD REQUIRE A $3,000 DEDUCTIBLE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES, AND THE RADIATOR. AS I RESEARCH FURTHER I SEE THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ISOLATED BUT QUITE COMMON. IT IS ALSO PAINFULLY APPARENT THAT NISSAN IS VERY MUCH AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AS WELL. AS A PROUD OWNER OF A 1985 NISSAN 720 PICKUP TRUCK AND STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF NISSAN PRODUCTS, THIS SITUATION IS DISAPPOINTING AT BEST AND UNETHICAL AT WORST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10498176
115,000 miles · Feb 6, 2013
Power Train
TRANSMISSION BEGAN STUTTERING AND SHIFTING POORLY AT ABOUT 114,000 MILES. THIS IS A TYPICAL SYMPTOM FOR A PROBLEM NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME. A FAILURE IN THE RADIATOR ALLOWS ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID - DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION. SO FAR IT HAS COST ME $1000 TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND THE TR…
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TRANSMISSION BEGAN STUTTERING AND SHIFTING POORLY AT ABOUT 114,000 MILES. THIS IS A TYPICAL SYMPTOM FOR A PROBLEM NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME. A FAILURE IN THE RADIATOR ALLOWS ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID - DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION. SO FAR IT HAS COST ME $1000 TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION DRAINED AND REFILLED. $11/QUART FOR SPECIAL NISSAN TRANNY FLUID. I EXPECT I MAY HAVE CAUGHT THE PROBLEM EARLY ENOUGH TO AVOID MAJOR TRANSMISSION DAMAGE, BUT WILL ONLY USE THE TRUCK FOR LOCAL TRIPS NOW. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE AND NISSAN HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496568
110,000 miles · Feb 4, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM FAILED AND ALLOWED RADIATOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM FAILED AND ALLOWED RADIATOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,500. UPDATED 5/15/13 *CN UPDATED 05/31/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10496284
76,000 miles · Jan 30, 2013
EnginePower Train
THE SEAL BETWEEN THE ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID PORTIONS OF THE RADIATOR FAILS, CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WITH COOLANT WATER. CAUSING MY ENGINE TO SLIP WHEN CHANGING 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHEN I RECEIVED A LETTER THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. NISS…
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THE SEAL BETWEEN THE ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID PORTIONS OF THE RADIATOR FAILS, CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WITH COOLANT WATER. CAUSING MY ENGINE TO SLIP WHEN CHANGING 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHEN I RECEIVED A LETTER THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FAIL TO NOTIFY OWNER OF THE THIS PROBLEM IN A TIMELY MATTER. IF I HAD KNOWN THIS PROBLEM THEN I WOULD HAVE REPLACE THE RADIATOR INSTEAD OF HAVING TO REPLACE MY WHOLE TRANSMISSION CAUSING ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10495296
111,000 miles · Jan 18, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT LIQUID FROM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT LIQUID FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. AS A RESULT, BOTH THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
NHTSA ODI #10493436
102,000 miles · Jan 16, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR. THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHUDDER AND WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED OUT DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. HARD TO BELIEVE NISSAN DID PRACTICALLY NOTHING TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE P…
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THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR. THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHUDDER AND WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED OUT DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. HARD TO BELIEVE NISSAN DID PRACTICALLY NOTHING TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT SURE WAS EVIDENT THAT THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS WELL AS A COUPLE OF TRANSMISSION SHOPS I'VE VISITED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493221
1,016,200 miles · Jan 14, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION, AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO ENTER THE RADIATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492858
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
HASN'T HAPPENED YET, BUT FROM ALL THE COMPLAINTS FROM 2005-2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER, XTERRA AND FRONTIER OWNERS CONCERNING MAJOR TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHILE DRIVING DUE TO CROSS CONTAMINATION FROM A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE RUNNING THROUGH THE RADIATOR, IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN KNOWN BY NISSAN FOR YEA…
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HASN'T HAPPENED YET, BUT FROM ALL THE COMPLAINTS FROM 2005-2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER, XTERRA AND FRONTIER OWNERS CONCERNING MAJOR TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHILE DRIVING DUE TO CROSS CONTAMINATION FROM A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE RUNNING THROUGH THE RADIATOR, IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN KNOWN BY NISSAN FOR YEARS AND AS A BAND-AID SOLUTION OFFERED EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THESE SPECIFIC COMPONENTS TO 8 YEARS/80,000 MILES, KNOWING FULL WELL MOST PROBLEMS HAVE A RECORD OF OCCURRING JUST AFTER 100,000 MILES. CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS AGAINST NISSAN FOR THIS DEFECT ARE NOW PENDING IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THIS DEFECT AND NISSAN'S LACK OF CONCERN FOR PREVENTATIVE ACTION PLACED THIS IN THE 2ND WORST PROBLEM ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM TOP VEHICLE PROBLEM TRENDS OF 2012 LIST. AS MORE AND MORE OF THESE MODEL YEARS APPROACH 100,000 MILES, MORE AND MORE CATASTROPHIC FAILURES WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY AND LOSS OF LIFE WILL OCCUR. REPAIR AFTER THE FAILURE IS QUITE EXPENSIVE; ENOUGH TO WARRANT SCRAPPING THE VEHICLE FOR THOSE THAT CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIR BILL. TIME TO HOLD NISSAN ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PROBLEM THEY HAVE CREATED AND ALLOWED THE PUBLIC TO BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR. A RECALL OF ALL AFFECTED MODELS TO INSTALL AN IMPROVED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LINE IN THE OIL COOLER OR REROUTING THE LINE TO A DIFFERENT ADD-ON OIL COOLER IS NEEDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492366
96,000 miles · Jan 11, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION LINES AND RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED AND CAUSED CROSS CONTAMINATION INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THEY CUT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION LINES AND RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED AND CAUSED CROSS CONTAMINATION INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THEY CUT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE SO IT WOULD GO DIRECTLY INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER; HOWEVER, IT CAUSED THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10492232
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH FROM HOME, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE AN INSPECTION REVEALED RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION…
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2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH FROM HOME, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE AN INSPECTION REVEALED RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED TOGETHER.
NHTSA ODI #10491303
Official recalls
4Oct 28, 2010
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Mar 3, 2010
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 TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Dec 29, 2008
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, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
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. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Mar 30, 2006
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 UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP26003 · Fuel Smell And Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Mar 30, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Fuel System, Gasoline
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
Fuel System, Gasoline
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
DP12004 · Transmission Failures
Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
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. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
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. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
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. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
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. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train
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. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
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