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2006 Nissan Pathfinder

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pathfinder years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

742 reports with mileage · 95 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 450 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 185 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 147 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports0 fire reports9 injury reports

What owners actually said

837 reports
111,800 miles · Nov 3, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,800.

NHTSA ODI #10788079

134,000 miles · Oct 28, 2015
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA ODI #10786680

96,849 miles · Oct 18, 2015
Unknown Or Other

RADIATOR LEAKS TO THE TRANSMISSION AND FUME LIKE WHITE MILKY COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR WHEN WE OPEN IT AND THE SAME STUFF FOUND INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. LICENSE MECHANIC WAS CONSULTED AND HE FOUND THAT RADIATOR WAS LEAKING TO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH DAMAGE BOTH RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION AND I WILL NEED NEW RADIATOR AND TRANS…

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RADIATOR LEAKS TO THE TRANSMISSION AND FUME LIKE WHITE MILKY COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR WHEN WE OPEN IT AND THE SAME STUFF FOUND INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. LICENSE MECHANIC WAS CONSULTED AND HE FOUND THAT RADIATOR WAS LEAKING TO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH DAMAGE BOTH RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION AND I WILL NEED NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. NISSAN SHOULD RECALL THIS 2006 PATHFINDER AND RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.ACCORDING TO MY INTERNET RESEARCH ON THIS PARTICULAR 2006 PATHFINDER MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINED EXPRIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10783149

103,000 miles · Oct 15, 2015
Engine

WHILE DRIVING ON STATE HWY. TRANSMISSION TOTAL SHUT DOWN. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. VERY DANGEROUS ! REPAIR ESTIMATED AT 4000.00

NHTSA ODI #10782440

111,000 miles · Oct 15, 2015
Engine

VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF THE BAD TIMING CHAIN/TENSIONER ISSUE REPORTED BY MANY OTHER CONSUMERS. THE REPAIR WILL BE EXPENSIVE FOR A COMPONENT THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. SHOULD THE COMPONENT FAIL AND RESULT IN CATOSTROPHIC DAMAGE WHILE DRIVING, THIS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING A…

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VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF THE BAD TIMING CHAIN/TENSIONER ISSUE REPORTED BY MANY OTHER CONSUMERS. THE REPAIR WILL BE EXPENSIVE FOR A COMPONENT THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. SHOULD THE COMPONENT FAIL AND RESULT IN CATOSTROPHIC DAMAGE WHILE DRIVING, THIS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE VEHICLE INSTABILITY AND LOSS OF CONTROL

NHTSA ODI #10782310

109,000 miles · Oct 14, 2015
Engine

LOUD NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE . BROUGHT IN TO SHOP NEEDS TIMING CHAINS COST 1500. NOOW IM TOLD NISSAN NEW OF THE CRAPPY PARTS AND CONTINUED TO USE THEM

NHTSA ODI #10782159

120,000 miles · Sep 30, 2015
Engine

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 AFTE…

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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. WHILE I AM DRIVING IT, I COULD FEEL THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGE. IT SOMETIME FEELS LIKE I AM DRIVING OVER A BUMPY ROAD. IT MAY STOP WORKING ANYTIME. I AM GETTING READY TO DEPLOY AND I AM STUCK WITH SOME TOUGH DECISIONS. BUY A REPLACEMENT CAR, PAY A LOT OF MONEY TO FIX THIS CAR, OR DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT STOPS WORKING. I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE MY WIFE AND SON WITH THIS PROBLEM WHILE I AM GONE. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ODI #10778887

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2015
Unknown Or Other

RADIATOR LEAKS TO THE TRANSMISSION AND FUME LIKE WHITE MILKY COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR WHEN WE OPEN IT AND THE SAME STUFF FOUND INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. LICENSE MECHANIC WAS CONSULTED AND HE FOUND THAT RADIATOR WAS LEAKING TO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH DAMAGE BOTH RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION AND I WILL NEED NEW RADIATOR AND TRANS…

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RADIATOR LEAKS TO THE TRANSMISSION AND FUME LIKE WHITE MILKY COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR WHEN WE OPEN IT AND THE SAME STUFF FOUND INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. LICENSE MECHANIC WAS CONSULTED AND HE FOUND THAT RADIATOR WAS LEAKING TO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH DAMAGE BOTH RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION AND I WILL NEED NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. NISSAN SHOULD RECALL THIS 2006 PATHFINDER AND RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.ACCORDING TO MY INTERNET RESEARCH ON THIS PARTICULAR 2006 PATHFINDER MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINED EXPRIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10805743

119,700 miles · Sep 24, 2015
Power Train

TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION. NISSAN HAD AN AGREEMENT TO HELP COVER COSTS BUT IT ONLY COVERED VEHICLES WITH LESS THE 100K MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10775918

78,000 miles · Sep 21, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR WELDING FAILED AND WAS DRAINI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR WELDING FAILED AND WAS DRAINING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. UPDATED 03/15/16*LJ; UPDATED 3/29/18*JB *TR

NHTSA ODI #10766462

Official recalls

3

10V517000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Oct 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.

10V075000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:auxillary Tank

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.

08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal

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.

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

1

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.