Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2006 Nissan Xterra
The 2006 Nissan Xterra has experienced several issues, notably with its powertrain and fuel system. While there are 780 owner complaints, the focus is on recurring problems impacting the vehicle's engine, fuel system, and electrical components. Although there are five notable recall campaigns, the concerns primarily revolve around fuel tank issues, control arms in the suspension, and airbag deployment concerns. Buyers should carefully examine and test drive the vehicle to identify these known problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2006 Nissan Xterra has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 780 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #10V517000 ENGINE CONTROL MODULE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10E019000 LOWER LINK REPLACEMENT PARTS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V075000 FUEL TANK SHELLS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V690000 FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR HOUSING/ROAD SALT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E046000 TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 268 complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 237 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 106 complaints
- Engine 104 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 94 complaints
- Electrical System 41 complaints
Of the 780 complaints on file, 12 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 780 complaints, owners report 19 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
ECM relay silicon vapor issue
How to check: Check for any engine warning lights or erratic idling
Front lower control arm failure
How to check: Inspect control arms for damage or wear
Faulty airbag deployment
How to check: Verify airbag warning light on dashboard
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or erratic idling
Red flag: Engine stalling or fluctuating idle
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on dashboard
Red flag: Any persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Feel for steering instability or noise
Red flag: Loose or noisy steering
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration and gear changes
Red flag: Delayed or rough gear shifts
- 05
Fuel gauge monitoring
What to check: Check fuel gauge accuracy during the drive
Red flag: Erratic or incorrect fuel level
- 06
Braking at high speed
What to check: Test for smooth and responsive braking
Red flag: Vibration or delayed response
- 07
End of test drive inspection
What to check: Check for fluid leaks under the car
Red flag: Any visible fluid puddles
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ECM relay been replaced?
- Are the suspension control arms original?
- Have there been any airbag recalls performed?
- Is the fuel gauge functioning correctly?
- Were there any major repairs done on the powertrain?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- NHTSA recall completion proof
- Service records and maintenance logs
- Title and registration documents
- Extended warranty details
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2006 Nissan Xterra at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2006 Nissan Xterra? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.