Problems with 2006 Nissan Frontier POWER TRAIN

i purchased my truck with about 1900 miles on it. i was a very proud owner, doing everything in my power to keep my truck dependable and reliable by getting all scheduled maintenance plus preventative care. however, one morning i tried starting my truck for work and it wasn't cranking. unfortunately, i decided to take my truck to a small mechanic shop and i witnessed them start an engine fire that damaged the wire harness. i quickly took my truck out of this mechanics shop and towed it to the nissan service department. i asked the service advisor to repair the wire harness and to find out why my truck is not cranking. the service advisor explained to me that there was a recall on my vehicle because of a problem of coolant leaking inside the transmission which will damage the computer component causing the truck not to start or crank. the service advisor then continued to tell me that my truck is no longer covered for the repairs because i exceeded the allowed mileage to repair the factory defect and i have to pay for the repairs out of pocket which total more then what the truck is worth. the service advisor also revealed that i should have received a letter with details of the recall, but i never received it because it went to the previous owner. i was confident in purchasing a nissan truck and invested all of my money toward one hoping this would be my only vehicle purchase for at least 10 years but now i have less than a year of payments left and a vehicle that doesn't run. my only mistake is that i purchase my nissan with 1900 miles and because of that i never received my warranty or recall information which i feel this problem could have been prevented. i am asking nissan corporation to stand by their vehicle with me and honor the recall so i can get my reliable truck running properly again. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact attempted to restart the vehicle but to no avail. the vehicle was pushed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, which the mechanic advised that the transmission radiator and transmission cooler needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 220,000 and the current failure mileage was 220,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that while stopped at a traffic stop, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle would not respond. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the technician stated the transmission would have to be replaced because radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 91,000. *tr

My nissan was having issues so i took it to my mechanic. he informed me that nissan was having an issue with a part that wore out and leaked coolant into transmission and transmission fluid into the radiator. i called my local dealership to see if it was recalled. they informed me i was a few thousand miles over my warranty and they could do nothing. i then saw the multitude of complaints about this issue and the dealership said nissan paid for some vehicles out of warranty. that alone proves they knew about this issue. i paid for a new radiator ($600) and hoped for the best with my transmission. i am in the navy so i can't afford to replace the transmission. now my luck has run out and i can no longer drive my vehicle. i have a 3 month old at home and need to have two cars for my wife. this is an issue nissan knows about and it is due to a faulty part they installed. it could have been fixed ahead of time and solved a lot of issues. when is there going to be a recall? people are getting stranded and nissan and the government knows. does someone need to die for you to notice and act? it would seem that people being stranded and spending thousands of dollars because of a manufacturing defect is not enough. i need to know if i have to go try to buy another car or wait and hope my government protects us. *tr

My 2006 nissan frontier would not shift out of first gear in rush hour traffic. (latter it would not go into reverse.) i pulled off to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle, decided to try and nurse it in first gear until i got it home. it seem to work fine. my understanding after searching the internet there is a know problem with nissan frontier and coolant getting into the transmission. *tr

I was making a left turn across traffic in my 2006 nissan frontier when i lost all forward momentum in the middle of the intersection. the truck felt like it was in neutral and would not go into gear. i was stuck in the middle of the intersection blocking traffic for about 15 seconds while cars honked and went around me. after about 15 seconds the check engine light came on and it jerked into gear. i had the code check and they said it was a fault in the transmission. i did some research and found out about the faulty radiator problem that could allow coolant into transmission. i checked my coolant for signs and sure enough i had grey sludge floating all in my coolant which is a sign of cross contamination. i called a local aamco (transmission mechanic) to ask him about it and he knew all about the issue and said he rebuilds at least one nissan transmission a week due to coolant destroying the transmission. he recommended that i bypass the radiator cooler right away and change the transmission fluid in order to reduce damage. he said that since it has already shown since of contamination that it was just a matter of time it failed again and for good. he said a rebuild would cost between $3k & $4k, which is something i cannot afford. i am scared every time i have to cross traffic that it will fail and i will be in a serious accident. why would nissan ignore fixing this issue while it was minor and allow its customers the possibility of being in a serious accident much less making them pay thousands of dollars that many do not have to fix a safety issue. *tr

My 5-speed automatic 2006 nissan frontier's radiator cooler tank ruptured forcing coolant into the transmission through the transmission cooler lines causing "catastrophic failure" at 92000 miles on the odometer (12000 miles outside the extended warranty on the faulty radiator). this is apparently an "uncommon", but known problem with nissan truck and suv models. i was traveling at 65 mph on interstate 70 near frederick, maryland when the transmission failure occurred. i lost all forward momentum but was able to maneuver the truck to the shoulder before causing an accident. i had it checked by an independent shop in mount airy, maryland and they quoted the replacement of the radiator and transmission at $4350. after making inquires with the nissan dealership where i bought the car new in 2006, their initial estimate was between roughly $6000 - $10000 for replacement of the radiator and transmission! they were able to negotiate down with nissan corporate and the final cost of replacement of the radiator and transmission was $3000. my transmission failed without any sign or warning at 65 mph on a 3 lane interstate - the financial burden to fix the problem hurts, but it could have gone much worse. *tr

The clutch to the 2006 nissan frontier failed while driving. an odor was detected prior to the event. when i tried to change gears, the vehicle would no longer move and the gear stick moved freely throughout all six forward propelling gears as well as reverse. the writer was on a rural road when this happened and no other cars were involved. the clutch was replaced. the event repeated approx 200 miles later in near the same location by this writer's home. the clutch was replaced. roughly 150 miles later, the smell persisted (in the third clutch). this writer filed a complaint with nissan and was told to bring the vehicle into the dealer in order to diagnose the cause for the premature failure of the clutch. the dealer was unable to find anything during a "visual inspection" in which the transmission was removed to reveal the parts involved. this writer was informed that there was clutch material on the flywheel which indicates that the third clutch is indeed beginning to fail. this writer has driven manual transmission for 16 years and has another vehicle with 115,000 miles on it. it has the original clutch in it and this writer along with my spouse drove this vehicle for 90,000. my fear is that the clutch will fail on one of the railroad crossings and i will not have much time to remove my children from their car seats. the clutch in the frontier is the same clutch that is used in the nissan xterra of the same year and make. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that while driving 38 mph, the vehicle began to shake. the vehicle was taken to a transmission shop where they stated that the core in the radiation failed and the anti-freeze had spilled into the transmission and destroyed it. consequently, the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 130,000. the vin was unavailable.

Transmission/radiator failure resulting in mixed transmission fluid and coolant. i have just discovered this since i was having transmission problems. this is a known problem and a quick fix if i had just known about it. many are bypassing the transmission cooler due to this problem. a quick internet search shows this is a known problem and pervasive. *tr

Transmission cooler failed causing coolant to mix with transmission fluid. transmission subsequently failed. nissan would not cover the repair even though the problem is a known defect. ~$4000 cost of repair and an independent transmission shop. *tr

Automatic transmission slipped when changing gears. also it felt as if i was driving over groves in the road while driving. i took it to my mechanic who informed me of multiple problems with the radiator leaking into the transmission and that i was 4k miles over the extended warranty. i never even knew i had an extended warranty, i guess nissan didn't want too many people to know even though my vehicle is registered with them. my mechanic said this problem was a known issue with the nissan design and since it was past the 80k mile warranty it was not covered. radiator was replaced. i called the nissan dealership and they would not extend or honor any warranty. my mechanic told me to watch my transmission, because that will be the next to go. my only hope is nissan does the right thing (forced if necessary) and repairs or replaces what is clearly a faulty design. this has the possibility of causing accidents at the worst and abandonment on the side of the road of a family at best. get them to fix this issue and protect the drivers on the road please. *js

I was driving on the highway when i feel some vibration, did not pay attention until i got off the highway when the transmission slipped, i thought that fluid may be low, but when i checked i found that fluid was discolored. i took it to the mechanic and he told me that this was a problem with the radiator leaking in transmission, and that he had some other nissan trucks same year with same problem. he suggested to replaced radiator and flush transmission, it cost me $600.00, but now my transmission is getting worse everyday and worse of all is that i am still paying for this truck that probably is going to break down any moment. i read some of the complaints about this particular vehicle and scared me just to know that i will have to pay for a transmission repair plus continue to pay for the loan of this truck. and nissan seems like is doing nothing about this problem. please send me any notification about a recall, i would really appreciate it. *tr

Was parked at store with truck running when it ran hot. with further look it was the transmission oil mixing with the coolant. replaced radiator. now transmission is slipping and now not pulling. *tr

I own a 2006 nissan frontier nismo with 65k miles. took vehicle to dealer for routine maintenance and recall work. dealer noticed left rear axle seal leaking which covered brakes and emergency brake with axle oil which in turns makes the brakes ineffective putting my life and child's life and many others in danger. there are many other cases just like this one regarding other frontiers with leaking rear axle. please investigate this issue before it is too late. make nissan issue a recall! *js

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.

The truck began to vibrate and shudder intermittently while in overdrive at highway speeds (55-65mph). a couple weeks later transmission starting shifting really hard, with corresponding clunking sound every time it shifted between gears. i took it to my regular local mechanic who found coolant mixed in transmission fluid due to a ruptured atf line inside the radiator. he stated that he had inspected numerous trucks of same vintage that also had transmission failure due to the same radiator defect causing contamination of transmission fluid. he advised me that my radiator and transmission would need to be rebuilt or replaced at this point. he recommended i contact nissan dealer regarding this common defect and information about warranty coverage. i spoke to 2 local nissan dealers on the phone and was told warranty on radiator only had been extended to 80000 miles. at this time my truck has 86000 miles and parts and service to repair this problem would not be covered by nissan. *tt

Coolant fron radiator entered transmission causing shuttering. vehicle was brought to nissan for repair. engine coolant had entered the transmission causing failure to transmission. coolant system was replaced and transmission was flushed. after 5000 miles the transmission had completely failed. the failure occured while attempting to accelerate from a stop sign in a dangerous intersection. the vehicle was stuck in 4'th gear. i accelerated from the stop sign but the vehicle would barely move leaving me exposed in a dangerous situation. a vehicle almost t-boned me as it came around the blind corner. nissan has known about this defect for a long time. if i had known i could have replaced the coolant system before it entered the transmission. now i am stuck with a bill of more than $5000 after already spending $2000 on a new coolant system and numerous transmission flushes. in my opinion nissans neglect in notifying and remedying this defect is placing its custumers at great risk of injury and death due to this sudden loss of power.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission and causing the transmission to seize. the vehicle had become inoperable as a result of the failure. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the test results advised that the transmission was defective and would need replacing. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 92,000. the vin was unavailable. updated 06/21/12*lj

My truck began to shake and tremble when i was trying to back into my drive way. the truck had been making noises and i had taken the truck in to be checked by 3 different mechanics. i was told that they could not find anything and one stated he heard the noise but did not know what it was. the truck continue to make the noise of a grinding and shuttering sound. did not drive but to work and home due to the problems. the noise would stop when the overdrive was turned off. lately the truck sounds like the transmission is going. the fuel gauge does not work. it was in a recall but nissan would not repair even though i was mailed the recall after my mileage was too high for the repair which makes no sense to me because if they sent the notice out late, what does my mileage have to do with their negligence to repair their faulty vehicles? could not repair, the cost was over $600. had to replace a wheel bearing, over $400. tire gauge light on. i have had nothing but trouble with this truck. i will never purchase another nissan product. when dealing with the nissan recall people i felt as though they could care less. working on a fixed budget and unable to pay for high cost of repair. what can you do when the big companies refuse to repair their trucks and cars? i was informed there was no one to help me. have run out of gas several times due to the gas gauge. i have read other's complaints on nissans and i am surprise that no one forces them to repair their vehicles. this is my only form of transportation and without the repairs, i will be riding the bus. tired in virginia. thanks for listening. *js

I have a nissan frontier that has had failed in a number of things which are not wear and tear. they are design flaws. the fuel gauge module. the radiator/transmission leak flaw. because of the design of the radiator, now a perfectly working tranny needs rebuilt. i also hear the tensioner for the timing chain is a defective design. my frontier began falling apart before the 100.000 miles with design flaws. nissan never again. a simple warning letter that my radiator needed a $300 repair would have saved me $4,000 later and not leave me stranded in traffic. *tr

Rear differential pinion seal and rear axle seal leaks causing gear oil to leak on brakes causing loss of rear brakes. first and last nissan! *tr

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that while driving, the engine warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer inspected the vehicle and found the radiator cracked and the radiator fluid had leaked into the transmission, causing the transmission to fail. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 124,000.

Transmission failure due to a leaky radiator. the transmission just failed pulling out of a busy intersection. i did not receive a letter of warranty extension until after i was over 80,000 miles. nissan is willing to give me $1000 credit towards a new transmission and radiator if i have the work done at a nissan dealer for $6000. i only have 87,000 miles on this almost $30k death trap. this is my second complaint to the nhtsa. the first was on the fuel sending unit, which i fought tooth and nail to have nissan replace. my truck was 2 month out of the manufacturing date issued in the recall. nissan did eventually did add my truck to the recall list about 2 month later. what a shame. *tr

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

Radiator failed causing antifreeze to enter the transmission, and transmission fluid to enter the radiator. *tr

Faulty radiator causing transmission failure. i never received any info about warranty extension. *tr

Automatic transmission slipped when changing gears when vehicle was cold. took it in for service and was told water was in the transmission caused by a leak in the radiator. problem was a known issue with the nissan design and since it was past the 80k mile warranty it was not covered. radiator and transmission both would have to be repaired or replaced. *tr

The vehicle was experiencing problems shifting into overdrive, then once in overdrive, i was losing the capability to accelerate on the highway and other areas of speeds greater than 40 mph. i noticed transmission fluid leaking from the transmission and took it to an auto repair shop. i was informed that the transmission cooler had failed completely allowing radiator fluid to mix into the transmission fluid causing damage to the transmission. the repair for a new radiator and installation, as well as a rigorous flushing of the transmission cost $599.00. i am currently, as of this day, in need of a new, used, or rebuilt transmission because of damage caused by the failure of the transmission cooler within the radiator. *js

Drivers side rear axle seal failed allowing differential oil to leak onto brake pads and rotor. this is a very unsafe thing that could lead to reduced braking in an emergency and needs to be addressed. *tr

Purchased a new nissan frontier 2006 model. at 85000 miles transmission started shifting hard and sooner than it should. local nissan dealership told me i needed a new trans at the cost of $5780 and change. i still drive said vehicle for i have no choice and trans is getting worse. if trans locks up while driving could cause safety issue. even though vehicle is out of warranty transmission should last more than 85000 miles. nissan refused to help. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission began to slip and hesitate when shifting gears. in addition, the vehicle decelerated and vibrated. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the contact believed that there may be radiator fluid leaking into the transmission. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 78,000. updated 09/21/11 *bf updated 09/30/11

Driving my nissian frontier, experienced emmission lights. replace one catalyic converter. just after 80, 000 the second one goes, and i have to replace it. then the transmission stops shifting. the radiator rots and coolant contaminates the transmission, and both are shot. there are thousands of people with the same problem, and nissan is not recalling it, and if it is over 80 thousand they do not cover it, even though it is a bad design and know to nissan. they extended the radiator coverage, but only to 80 thousand miles. most failures are just over that mileage. *tt

Rear axle seal failure caused lubricant to coat emergency brake, resulting in slippage. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that the transmission shifted into limp mode and the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was engaged. a local mechanic diagnosed that the radiator and transmission needed to be replaced. the dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance. the failure and current mileage was 50,000.

Park brake failed due to leak of left rear axle seal, subsequent bearing damage ~may 2010 @ 60,500miles, then noticed leak of right rear axle seal february 2011 when changing brakes @ 66,000miles with repeat decline in parking brake performance. *tr

2006 nissan frontier manual shift 5 speed 4 cylinder - clutch assembly went bad at 34,000 miles. now at 60,000 miles clutch is bad again. different driver. i have driven a clutch all my adult life (55). never had this problem before with any other vehicle. numerous instances in internet forums of similar reports. *tr

Nissan frontier (nismo) 2006 presented a power train failure. it was repair and failure again after six month of use. when i came back to the technician he found that the radiator had been broken and leak coolant to the power train. this is a second repair and i don't have money to it. the vehicle have 100,000 miles. i had hear a lot of complain related and when nissan will be doing a recall to correct this issue? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. while stopped at a light, the contact tried to apply pressure to the accelerator peddle but the vehicle would not accelerate. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that there was a leak in the radiator which damaged the transmission. the technician stated the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure was 100,000.

Rear axle seal leak may contaminate brakes with leak gear oil. seals were replaced at 33,000 miles and now leaking again at 63,000 miles. *tr

Both rear axle seals leaked at 70k miles. pinion seal also leaks. oil leaked all over brakes system. was told that if not caught in time the entire rear axle would have to be replaced. first and last nissan i will buy. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the transmission failed and the check coolant level warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis where the contact was advised that coolant was leaking into the transmission. as a result, the transmission and the radiator would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware for the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage 99,700. *tr

2006 nissan frontier rear brake failure due to leak in the rear axle shaft. the seals in the rear axle failed allowing oil to completely coat the rear brakes on both sides rendering them essentially useless. repair required complete replacement of rear axle shaft since nissan will not replace just the seals. had repair completed by the same dealership that i purchased the truck from. nissan paid a portion, but it didn't even cover half of the parts, let alone the labor. i footed the majority of the bill. *tr

Right rear axle of nissan 2006 frontier failure. was caught by owner while rotating tires, every 8000 miles. could have caused serious danger to all occupants and other motorists if there was a total failure of read axle. *tr

Brakes failure due to rear axle leak . myself and 10000's others have been having a problem with the rear seals failure due to a faulty air vent that clogs and hot air will build up and the seals will fail and the oil get all over the rear brakes causes the brakes to fail. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated the valve box that controls the shifting within the automatic transmission failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the repairs but they were awaiting manufacturer approval before proceeding with repairs. the manufacturer was contacted but did not offer any assistance. the failure and current mileages were 70,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle would start lunging forward and the gears were slipping. the vehicle eventually stalled and then towed to a independent mechanic. they advised him that the trans coolant line had ruptured inside the radiator causing the transmission to die. the vehicle was repaired for the transmission and the radiator. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Radiator leaking fluid into transmission causing transmission to work improperly and causing vehicle to jerk and become unsafe. took to dealer in august 2010 and dealer said there was no problem. i do have service record stating this. took back to dealer as problem persisted and now dealer says i need a new transmission that, of course is no longer covered by any warranty. nissan was aware of this problem and issued a service bulletin to replace radiators, but did not notify owners. also, dealer and company will not give me answer to problem even though i have asked repeatedly. please help.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan frontier. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, there was a sudden loss of power steering without warning. in addition, the contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to display accurate fuel levels. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was advised that the fuel level sending unit inside the fuel tank needed to be replaced. also, the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was advised that the radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. as a result, the radiator, the power transmission, and steering shaft needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 10v075000(fuel system, gasoline). the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage was 102,000.