Home › Nissan › Pathfinder › 2006
2006 Nissan Pathfinder: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2006 Pathfinder has 837 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, the third-highest count of any Pathfinder year we have[1][2]. The complaints center on the power train and engine, where owners describe coolant leaking into the transmission, and on fuel gauge faults that a recall covered only for certain vehicles[3][4][5][6].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 837 complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 10 mention a crash and 11 mention injuries, with no fires or deaths reported[1]. One complaint can name more than one component, so the groups below overlap.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Power train[3] | 450 | 101,100 |
| Engine[4] | 331 | 103,000 |
| Fuel system, gasoline[5] | 135 | 56,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[8] | 71 | 98,172 |
| Unknown or other[9] | 43 | 99,000 |
| Steering[10] | 41 | 74,300 |
| Electrical system[11] | 34 | 104,500 |
| Fuel system, other[12] | 29 | 57,000 |
Power train and engine. These two groups hold the largest counts, and their median failure mileage is above 100,000[3][4]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe radiator coolant getting into the transmission fluid. They report overheating, harsh or slipping shifts, no heat from the heater and costly radiator and transmission replacements[3][4]. Owners also describe shaking or shudder at roughly 40 to 60 mph, and some had U-joints replaced more than once[3]. A couple of power train complaints describe the vehicle rolling away while parked[3]. In the engine sample, a few owners mention catalytic converter work, and two describe the engine going dead while driving, which a dealer tied to the IPDM[4]. That module is part of recall 10V517 below[13].
Fuel gauge and sending unit. The fuel system groups show failures much earlier, around 56,000 to 57,000 miles at the median[5][12]. Owners describe the gauge reading empty or a quarter tank right after filling up, jumping between levels, and the distance-to-empty display showing only dashes[5]. Some owners say the check engine light came on at the same time[5]. A few owners say they ran out of fuel while the gauge still showed fuel[8]. Owners in the fuel/propulsion sample also say they were told their vehicle was not part of the fuel gauge recall[8].
Steering. Steering has 41 complaints, with 1 crash and 2 injuries reported[10].
Recalls
- ECM relay in the power distribution module (10V517). A relay inside the intelligent power distribution module (IPDM) can build up silicon oxide on its contact over time[13]. The engine can stall, which raises the risk of a crash[13]. Dealers replace the relay for free[13].
- Fuel gauge sending unit (10V075). On certain 2006 vehicles the molded fuel tank shell can deform, so the float arm catches on the tank and the gauge shows about a quarter tank when the tank is actually empty[6]. You can run out of fuel and stall in traffic[6]. Dealers install a new fuel level sending unit with a modified float arm for free[6]. Not every 2006 Pathfinder is covered, so check your VIN[6].
- Front crash zone sensor (08V690). In states that use a lot of road salt, salty water can get into the front crash sensor and rust it, which turns on the red air bag light[14]. The front air bags might not deploy in a crash[14]. Vehicles first sold in or registered in 20 road salt states, such as Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia get a redesigned sensor from the dealer[14]. In other states, Nissan instead extended the sensor's warranty to 10 years[14].
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the 4.0L 6-cylinder with a 5-speed automatic on regular fuel[7][15].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD (rear-wheel drive)[7] | 14 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| 4WD[15] | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
The annual cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from 2006[7]. The 4WD version costs about $250 more a year to fuel by that estimate[7][15].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2006 Pathfinder 3 stars for rollover, with a calculated rollover risk of 22.8%[16]. That is the only star rating in our data for this year[16].
Engine and size
The EPA lists one engine for this year, a 4.0L 6-cylinder paired with a 5-speed automatic[7][15]. The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications for 4WD versions and can differ slightly from US models[17].
How 2006 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 170 | 0 |
| 1996 | 159 | 3 |
| 1997 | 217 | 2 |
| 1998 | 149 | 2 |
| 1999 | 104 | 2 |
| 2000 | 112 | 2 |
| 2001 | 230 | 3 |
| 2002 | 156 | 5 |
| 2003 | 110 | 3 |
| 2004 | 67 | 3 |
| 2005 | 1,050 | 2 |
| 2006 | 837 | 3 |
| 2007 | 561 | 1 |
| 2008 | 328 | 4 |
| 2009 | 37 | 3 |
| 2010 | 40 | 4 |
| 2011 | 45 | 2 |
| 2012 | 23 | 2 |
| 2013 | 890 | 11 |
| 2014 | 585 | 12 |
| 2015 | 321 | 6 |
| 2016 | 107 | 2 |
| 2017 | 186 | 2 |
| 2018 | 78 | 3 |
| 2019 | 76 | 2 |
| 2020 | 48 | 0 |
| 2022 | 136 | 5 |
| 2023 | 107 | 1 |
| 2024 | 86 | 2 |
| 2025 | 55 | 1 |
| 2026 | 12 | 0 |
With 837 complaints, the 2006 ranks third among Pathfinder model years on file, behind 2005 with 1,050 and 2013 with 890[2]. The years right after it drop off: 2007 has 561 and 2008 has 328[2]. From 2009 through 2012, each year has 45 complaints or fewer[2].
The 2006 has 3 recalls[2]. That is well below 2014 with 12 and 2013 with 11[2]. These counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so treat them as a rough guide within the Pathfinder line only[2].
Should you buy a used 2006 Pathfinder?
The 2006 Pathfinder has one of the highest complaint counts in its model line, and the power train and engine groups are its largest[2][3][4]. Before buying, ask whether the radiator and transmission have been replaced or inspected, since owners in the complaints we read describe coolant mixing with transmission fluid[3][4]. Check that all three recalls are done, and confirm by VIN whether the fuel gauge recall applies[13][6][14]. Fuel economy is modest at 16 to 17 MPG combined[7][15]. A Pathfinder with records showing those repairs and recalls already done is a safer choice than one with an unknown history[3][4].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder?
- Power train (450 complaints) and engine (331) are the largest groups in NHTSA's data[3][4]. In the complaints we read, owners describe coolant leaking into the transmission and fuel gauge faults[3][4][5].
- How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder have?
- Three: an engine relay that can cause stalling (10V517), a fuel gauge sending unit on certain vehicles (10V075) and a front crash sensor in road salt states (08V690)[13][6][14].
- What MPG does a 2006 Pathfinder get?
- EPA rates the 2WD at 14 city, 21 highway and 17 combined, and the 4WD at 14 city, 19 highway and 16 combined[7][15].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 837 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (10 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 11 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Pathfinder model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 450 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 101,100). NHTSA vehicle records
- 331 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 103,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 135 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 10V075, filed March 3, 2010: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Pathfinder 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 71 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 98,172). NHTSA vehicle records
- 43 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 99,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,300). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 104,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the fuel system, other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 10V517, filed October 28, 2010: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V690, filed December 29, 2008: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Pathfinder 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATHFINDER 4DR SUV 4WD LE: length 188 in, width 73 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,872 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATHFINDER 4DR SUV 4WD S: length 188 in, width 73 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,683 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATHFINDER 4DR SUV 4WD SE/OFF-ROAD: length 188 in, width 73 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,817 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov