3 recalls and 780 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Nissan Xterra.
3
recalls
780
owner complaints
12
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2006 Nissan Xterra recalls
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA campaign 10V517000 · reported October 28, 2010 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 747,480 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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
NHTSA campaign 10V075000 · reported March 3, 2010 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 80,689 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
This could cause the vehicle to run out of gas and stall in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.
Air bags: frontal
NHTSA campaign 08V690000 · reported December 29, 2008 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 242,720 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Power train268
Fuel system, gasoline237
Engine and engine cooling106
Engine104
Fuel/propulsion system94
Electrical system41
Fuel system, other40
Unknown or other26
Steering22
Air bags20
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Feb 19, 2026 · Service brakes
I have a lot of ticking and stalling lights are blinking I think it’s may be the transmission and I smell gas inside the vehicle.
Jul 25, 2025 · Tires
17
Oct 10, 2024 · Air bags · 145,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger's side air bag intermittently. The front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was provided a cost for a diagnostic test…
Apr 28, 2024 · Engine
THE TIMING CHAIN HAS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO DIE ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A FEW CARS. i HAD TO DRIVE MY CAR GOING ONLY 40 MPH ALL THE WAY BECASUE THAT IS ALL IT WOULD DO. IT HAS A VERY LOUD NOISE AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD ANYMORE. I HAVE READ AND NISSAN SHOULD REPLACE THESE…
Nov 1, 2023 · Air bags
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 Nissan Xterra, the most recent reported on October 28, 2010 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Xterra?
Owners have filed 780 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (268 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (237).
How many 2006 Nissan Xterra complaints mention a crash or fire?
12 of 780 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 19 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 19, 2026.