YearToAvoid

2006 Nissan Xterra Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA has 268 owner complaints about transmission problems in the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 34% of all 780 complaints for this model year. That is #2 highest transmission complaint count among 11 Xterra model years. These complaints report 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 4 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 110,000 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
268
34% of 780
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
110,000 mi
Related recalls
0

When 2006 Nissan Xterra transmission complaints were filed

First complaint May 4, 2006, latest Feb 19, 2026.

2006 Nissan Xterra transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter222006 Q22010 Q42012 Q42014 Q32016 Q22018 Q12019 Q42026 Q1
268 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2006 Q2 to 2026 Q1; peak 2014 Q2 (22).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2006 Nissan Xterra

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Xterra model year

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

  1. 2005412 (49%)
  2. 2006268 (34%)
  3. 2007231 (41%)
  4. 200847 (39%)
  5. 20096 (32%)
  6. 201011 (29%)
  7. 20111 (4%)
  8. 20126 (38%)
  9. 20131 (25%)
  10. 20141 (10%)
  11. 20156 (60%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Nissan Xterra have transmission problems?
NHTSA has 268 owner complaints about the transmission in the 2006 Nissan Xterra, 34% of all complaints for this model year, including 2 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 110,000 miles.
Which Nissan Xterra year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2005 Nissan Xterra has the most transmission complaints (412), compared with 268 for the 2006.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2006 Nissan Xterra?
No NHTSA recall campaign for the 2006 Nissan Xterra is classified under transmission & powertrain. Complaints alone do not trigger a recall; check the full recall list and your VIN.

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.