YearToAvoid

2006 Nissan Xterra Engine Problems

NHTSA has 218 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 28% of all 780 complaints for this model year. That is #2 highest engine complaint count among 11 Xterra model years. These complaints report 3 crashes. Median mileage at failure: 106,673 miles.

Engine complaints
218
28% of 780
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
106,673 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2006 Nissan Xterra engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 4, 2006, latest Apr 28, 2024.

2006 Nissan Xterra engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter162006 Q22009 Q12011 Q32013 Q22015 Q12016 Q42019 Q22023 Q3
218 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2006 Q2 to 2024 Q2; peak 2013 Q2 (16).

Engine recalls for the 2006 Nissan Xterra

  1. NHTSA 10V517000Oct 28, 2010Engine747,480 vehicles

    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. 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.

    Risk: 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.

Engine complaints by Xterra model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2005287 (34%)
  2. 2006218 (28%)
  3. 2007163 (29%)
  4. 200833 (28%)
  5. 20094 (21%)
  6. 20106 (16%)
  7. 20116 (25%)
  8. 20124 (25%)
  9. 20132 (50%)
  10. 20141 (10%)
  11. 20151 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Nissan Xterra have engine problems?
NHTSA has 218 owner complaints about the engine in the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 28% of all complaints for this model year, including 3 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 106,673 miles.
Which Nissan Xterra year has the most engine complaints?
The 2005 Nissan Xterra has the most engine complaints (287), compared with 218 for the 2006.
Is there a engine recall for the 2006 Nissan Xterra?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2006 Nissan Xterra concerns the engine: 10V517000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.