2005 Nissan Xterra

Above average

Owners filed 845 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 6 times.

Avoid One of the Nissan Xterra years to avoid: 5.5× the complaints of a typical Xterra year. Which Nissan Xterra years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
89,000 milesMedian miles at failure

768 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Nissan Xterra problems

298 of the 845 complaints (35%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train · transmission254
001
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system223
100
Engine78
010
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine53
000
Fuel System, Other · fuel system38
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission37
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system25
000
Air Bags · airbags15
203
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine14
000
Unknown or Other12
000

2005 Nissan Xterra transmission problems

35% of all complaints

298 of the 845 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid40% · 120
  • vibrates or shakes15% · 45
  • slips or will not engage a gear8% · 25
  • turns on the check engine light7% · 22
  • loses power6% · 18
  • sets off warning lights on the dash6% · 17

Share of the 298 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
104,000 mi
median of 283 reports
Peak year of filing
2013
64 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“On 3/14 I went to work as I work where I live when to drive the truck and it would not accelerate. Was like being in 4th gear even though I was in first gear. I then noticed the check engine light came on. I borrowed a code reader and got the code p1769 called the mechanic and they came and towed to shop. The code wasn't what was wrong the radiator leaked into the transmission and it destroyed the transmission.”
Owner complaint, filed May 8, 2019 at 133,164 miles
“Coolant mixing with transmission fluid. The xterra would not shift gears correctly and therefore I investigated more by checking the fluid. I found brown coolant so I decided to do a drain/fill. It was running better and I researched further and found that this is a common problem. I took my xterra to a transmission mechanic who also drained it and repaired a valve that went bad due to the coolant fluid mixing.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 4, 2018 at 136,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2005: 4 complaints, 0 about the transmission'052006: 5 complaints, 0 about the transmission2007: 5 complaints, 3 about the transmission'072008: 31 complaints, 0 about the transmission2009: 78 complaints, 1 about the transmission'092010: 158 complaints, 24 about the transmission2011: 111 complaints, 36 about the transmission'112012: 103 complaints, 59 about the transmission2013: 118 complaints, 64 about the transmission'132014: 73 complaints, 46 about the transmission2015: 60 complaints, 27 about the transmission'152016: 41 complaints, 19 about the transmission2017: 17 complaints, 5 about the transmission'172018: 15 complaints, 7 about the transmission2019: 5 complaints, 3 about the transmission'192020: 7 complaints, 0 about the transmission2021: 5 complaints, 1 about the transmission'212022: 3 complaints, 2 about the transmission2023: 3 complaints, 1 about the transmission'232024: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2025: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission'252026: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmissionRecall 05E062000 (trailer hitch)Recall 05V458000 (trailer hitch)Recall 07E046000 (equipment)Recall 08V690000 (airbags)Recall 10E019000 (suspension)Recall 10V517000 (engine)NHTSA investigation DP12004
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2005 Xterra peaked in 2010, with 158 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 35% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling10V517000
Filed Oct 28, 2010747,480 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm10E019000
Filed May 20, 20101,873 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

Risk. IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Air Bags › Frontal08V690000
Filed Dec 29, 2008242,720 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.

Risk. THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Equipment07E046000
Filed Jul 3, 20073,500 vehiclesHopkins Manufacturing Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING OF WIRES BETWEEN THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER AND THE TOWING VEHICLE WIRING SYSTEM.

Risk. THIS HARNESS WOULD RESULT IN POWER FROM THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOING TO THE TOWING VEHICLE DASH LIGHT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS RESULT WOULD BE THE LACK OF TRAILER BRAKING WHEN THE TOWING VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. IT WOULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOWING VEHICLES DASH LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TRAILER BRAKE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED ABILITY TO STOP AND CONTRIBUTE TO A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy. HOPKINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WITH A REVISED HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT HOPKINS AT 800-835-0129.

Trailer Hitches05V458000
Filed Oct 5, 200512,500 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN ACCESSORY TOW HITCH, INADEQUATE QUALITY OF SOME WELDED JOINTS IN THE HITCH ASSEMBLY MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE HITCH FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING USED TO TOW.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRAILER SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW HITCHES. ON OCTOBER 17, 2005, OWNERS WERE SENT AN INTERIM LETTER ADVISING THEM NOT TO USE THE TOW HITCH UNTIL IT CAN BE REPAIRED. ANOTHER LETTER WAS SENT OUT ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005, NOTIFYING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Trailer Hitches05E062000
Filed Sep 30, 2005498 vehiclesValley Industries

Defect. CERTAIN VALLEY INDUSTRIES HITCH-CLASS III RECEIVER TRAILER HITCHES P/N 82850 MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH AND SEPTEMBER 2005 SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 2005 NISSAN XTERRA PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WELD STRENGTH, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE HITCHES MAY BREAK WHILE IN USE.

Risk. THE TRAILER OR ITEM IN TOW MAY RELEASE PARTIALLY OR WHOLLY FROM THE MOTOR VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. VALLEY INDUSTRIES WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VALLEY INDUSTRIES AT 209-368-8881.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2005 Xterra.

Transmission FailuresDefect petition DP12004Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2012Closed Oct 22, 2016transmission

On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a …

Technical service bulletins

90 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2005 Xterra. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

electrical system 16suspension 9airbags 8equipment 7transmission 7steering 6fuel system 6brakes 4
NTB05-086AService campaignAug 24, 2026electrical system

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN BODY CONTROL MODULE SUB-HARNESS Voluntary Service Campaign ID # P5234 is no longer active. · Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P5234. · Discard all previous versions of NTB05-086.

NTB23-081CService campaignJul 8, 2024airbags

VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51) 2005-2013 Xterra (N50) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History to confirm campaign eligibility. INTRODUCTION Nissan is …

MAILMWarranty extensionOct 12, 2012transmission

Nissan has decided in the interest of customer satisfaction, to further extend the warranty for the Radiator Assembly on all 2005-10 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.

NTB14033BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 10, 2016transmission

SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission Control Modules (TCMs). Blank TCMs come without software and must be programmed (not reprogrammed) and then configured after they are installed. When ordering a replacement A/T or …

NTB15107Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 30, 2015transmission

IF YOU CONFIRM: A remanufactured automatic transmission supplied by ATC Drivetrain is installed in an APPLIED VEHICLE AND CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) is not able to communicate with the TCM through Diagnosis (One System) OR C-III plus is able to communicate with the TCM, but the TCM part number?s (P/N) sixth digit is a "5", "6", or "7" (for example, …

NTB12-035Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 10, 2012transmission

NISSAN: ECM REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WITH CONSULT III PLUS. APPLIES TO ALL 2004 AND LATER (DOES NOT APPLY TO LEAF/EV) VEHICLES. *JS

NTB-04-047Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 19, 2010transmission

NISSAN: OIL LEAKING FROM TRANSFER CASE. OIL IS LEAKING FROM ONE OR A COMBINATION OF THREE BOLTS AT THE REAR OF THE TRANSFER CASE. IF BOLTS ARE NOT MISSING, DO NOT REPLACE TRANSFER CASE, TRANSFER CONTROL DEVICE; OR TRANSFER CONTROL UNIT FOR THIS INCIDENT, IT SHOULD OCCUR. *PE

NTB08-049Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 28, 2008transmission

NISSAN; SPECIAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID REQUIREMENT. 2004 TO CURRENT NISSAN VEHICLES. *NJ

Showing the newest 6 of 7 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 25, 2026130,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V517000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 21, 2025NY

The front airbag crash sensor on my 2005 Nissan Xterra failed and is currently unavailable due to an extended backorder. Firestone Auto provided a work order confirming the need for replacement. The airbag warning light has been flashing continuously for the past four months, indicating a system malfunction. My advisor contacted Nissan dealers three times, and they confirmed the part remains on backorder. This ongoing issue poses a significant safety risk, particularly with the increased driving expected during the upcoming winter season. The sensor has not been replaced or inspected by Nissan, a technician, insurance representatives, or other parties. The part failure has been confirmed by Firestone, but not inspected directly by the manufacturer. I would love to have it solve so I can take my wife to DMV road test.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 10, 202550,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle stalled with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle moved forward and stopped suddenly intermittently. On another occasion, the A/C became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and unknown repairs were performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not insured due to the several failures, and the not being able to be repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 8, 2023TX

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. No information on parts availability was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Power Train
Filed Feb 15, 2023WA

I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra and the transmission failed due to my transmission fluid and radiator fluid mixed

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Feb 15, 2023WA

The plastic on my sun visor broke and with the use of it the wires inside the mirror light become exposed and almost caused a fire

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2022CA

I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra. I am the original owner and have been driving it over 16 years. Two years ago, in 2020 while driving my car on the road and with kids inside (with a 1 year old and a 6 year old child), the car began to shake and turned off (we were stranded in the middle of the road, at a traffic light). Since it was my only means of transportation I kept driving it (no kids inside anymore--which was another HUGE inconvenience having to coordinate and at times pay for babysitters). During my continued usage, it will continue to fail to accelerate causing great danger on the freeway and or on public roads. After a while, I managed to drive it to a transmission shop, who told me they had to either hold onto the car or have it towed--as it was deemed unsafe to drive. Upon inspection, the transmission shop confirmed "coolant bypassed into transmission," among other issues (vehicle does not accelerate, chick engine light is on, etc.) I paid with credit card, $4359.34. Once paid and transmission shop fixed issue, I continued to drive the car with family inside. Now two years later July 2022--I am experiencing the same "vehicle does not accelerate" issue.

Power Train
Filed Feb 14, 2022149,000 milesID

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled after driving 50 feet. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was also informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 7, 2022WA

Transmission Failure Due To Internal Cracks In The Radiator's Oil Cooler Tube

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel PumpFire
Filed Nov 19, 2021200,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact that while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled. The contact was immediately able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle kept stalling. The contact restarted the vehicle however while entering a parking garage the vehicle stalled again. After several attempts the vehicle restarted. The contact emphasized that the failure was most evident while stopped or driving at slower speeds. On one occasion the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact connected a DTC scanner and retrieved a fault code regarding the fuel gauge sensor that was contacted to the submersible fuel pump. The contact stated that after removing the fuel tank from the vehicle and while changing the internal fuel tank submersible fuel pump, he became aware that the positive wire of the wiring harness on top of the fuel pump and the fuel pump housing above were both charred. The contact was concerned that excessive heating and sparking had caused the failure. The contact purchased a new fuel pump to replace the defective one. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 2021CA

Bought vehicle from used from private owner a year ago and noticed less then two weeks later while driving including on the freeway the engine just turns off with no steering control, almost no brake control, and sometimes takes a few minutes to start up again just to get out of the way of other vehicles. Now it’s overheating and leaking coolant on front passenger side floor along with the ground now shutting off more frequently . Also shortly after I bought the vehicle I could hear squeaking noises from under vehicle while driving over the smallest bump and every turn and is so loud it’s heard from 2 small streets away and feels like any second the body might separate from the wheels. I’m not sure about the rest.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 2021GA

AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON THEN ABOUT A MONTH AGO IT STARTED STALLING AND DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE OFF ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. AND NOW THE O2 SENSORS BLINK IS ON AND SHIFT SOLENOID WHAT'S NEXT I LOVE MY NISSAN BUT IT'S ALMOST GOTTEN ME KILLED 4 TIMES.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 19, 2021129,000 milesAR

YES IN THE 2005 NISSAN XTERRAS THERE IS NO FLOATING ARM DEVICE WITHIN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. WHICH IS WHAT IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE FRONT DASH PANEL TO READ INCORRECTLY TO THE ELECTRONIC SCREEN. IT ALSO DOESN'T REPORT YOUR DTE ON THE DASH PANEL BECAUSE THE FUEL SENDING UNIT HAS BEEN CORRODED, OR WAS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND HAS BEEN COMPLETELY DAMAGED. SO NOW WHEN THE VEHICLE SITS WHILE STARTED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME THE FUEL GAUGE WILL GO TO EMPTY BUT REMAIN RUNNING, OR YOU COULD FILL YOUR VEHICLE UP ALL THE WAY WITH GAS, AND THEN WHEN YOU START THE XTERRA, THE VEHICLE WILL THEN SHOW EMPTY STILL UNTIL IT WAS AT 3 QUARTERS OF THE TANK, THEN IT WILL READ IT AT 3 QUARTERS OF A TANK UNTIL HALF A TANK. UNLESS THE VEHICLE SITS TO LONG WITHOUT MOVING, THEN VEHICLE WILL SHOW THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE FRONT DASH PANEL TO BE EMPTY. THIS IS UNSAFE BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE NISSAN XTERRAS TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE ROAD WHICH COULD LEAD TO FRONT, SIDE, REAR, AND ROLLOVER CRASHES.

Power Train
Filed Jan 2, 202195,234 milesCA

TRANSMISSION ISSUES. RADIATOR LEAKING COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 21, 2020121,000 milesMD

CAR CUTS OFF WHEN DRIVING AND WHILE CAR IS IDLED. FUELS STOPS REPEATEDLY WHEN REFUELING.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 14, 2020OR

I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL #10V075000. THIS AFFECTED 2006 NISSAN XTERRAS, MINE IS A 2005. THE FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY WHEN THE TANK IS FILLED, AFTER DRIVING AWHILE IT STARTS TO CLIMB BACK UP TO READ NEAR FULL, THEN IT WILL APPEARS TO DECREASE AS NORMAL, BUT YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK, SO YOU HAVE TO BASE IT ON MILES TRAVELED. THE PROBLEM IS YOU NEVER KNOW IF THE STATION ATTENDANT (I LIVE IN OR SO YOU CAN'T FILL YOUR OWN VEHICLE WITH GAS) HAS ACTUALLY FILLED THE TANK OR DID IT CLICK OFF EARLY AGAIN, WHICH IT FREQUENTLY DOES. SO YOU CAN RUN OUT OF GAS EASILY, BECAUSE YOU HAVE A FUEL GAUGE THAT DOESN'T FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE ABOUT 2011, BUT I'M TIRED OF DEALING WITH IT. DON'T KNOW THE ACTUAL DATE WHEN THIS PROBLEM STARTED, BUT IT HAS BEEN ONGOING.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 14, 2020OR

THE SILVER PAINT FOR THIS MODEL YEAR APPEARS TO BE FAULTY. THE PAINT CLEAR COAT BUBBLES AND PEELS OFF. WHEN I'VE CALLED AUTO BODY SHOPS ABOUT GETTING IT REPAINTED THEY ARE ALL WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE AS IT IS COMMON AMONG SILVER 2005 NISSAN XTERRAS. I'VE HAD THEM GUESS AND TELL ME WHAT YEAR AND COLOR MY CAR IS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. I DON'T HAVE AN EXACT DATE, BUT IT STARTED TO PEEL OFF IN ABOUT 2018.

Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2020247,352 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER NEIGHBOR WHO OWNS THE 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A WHINING NOISE AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF FUEL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND A UNKNOWN SECURITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 247,352.

Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2020128,000 milesNC

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. STARTED CAR AND HAD NO POWER WHEN PULLING OUT INTO STREET. SEEMED TO DRIVE IN 4TH GEAR.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 1, 2020160,000 milesAZ

I WAS ENTERING THE 101 FROM BROADWAY ROAD IN MESA. THERE WAS A CAR 2 SECONDS BEHIND ME. I WAS CHANGING LANES GOING TO THE LEFT AND THE CAR AGGRESSIVELY ACCELERATED WITH THE INTENT TO PASS ME AND NEARLY HIT ME. I HAD TO SWERVE BACK TO MY ORIGINAL LANE. I THEN CHANGED LANES AND WAS TRYING TO CHANGE LANES GOING LEFT AND THE SAME CAR ATTEMPTED TO AGGRESSIVELY PASS ME AFTER I HAD ALREADY BEGAN CHANGING LANES. I HAD TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AGAIN TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I LET THIS MAZDA CAR PASS AND THEN CHANGED LANES GOING LEFT. AT THAT POINT THE CAR ABRUPTLY SLOWED DOWN FROM GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR TO 60 MILES PER HOUR. THIS NEARLY CAUSED ANOTHER ACCIDENT AS IT WAS OBVIOUS THE CAR WAS TRYING TO ANNOY AND FRUSTRATE ME FOR NO REASON. HE CONTINUED THIS SPEED FOR ABOUT HALF A MILE BEFORE CHANGING LANES. HE NEARLY CAUSED 4 SEPARATE ACCIDENTS WITH HIS AGGRESSIVE DRIVING.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 18, 2020138,000 milesCA

IN 2019 GOT AN INCIDENT WITH MY NISSAN XTERRA'S TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING FAILED IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT ALL OF THE SUDDEN STARTED TO SLOWDOWN SO I PARK AND IT GOT TOWED AND TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC. THEY CHARGED ME 2000 TO FIX IT. AND SINCE THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. SO AFTER MONTHS I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AGAIN AND THE GUY SAID THE RADIATION IS SENDING WATER INTO THE TRANSMISSION THAT'S WHY THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING

Power Train
Filed Jun 26, 201995,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND DID NOT SHIFT GEARS. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A BYPASS AND FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZED IN TRANSMISSION SERVICE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND THE FILTER WAS CHANGED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO LOCATED FAILURE CODES 1754 AND 1759. THE CONTACT CALLED ROSEN NISSAN OF MADISON (LOCATED AT 2510 W BELTLINE HWY, MADISON, WI 53713) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED THE BYPASS WRECKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 8, 2019140,000 milesTX

ACCORDING TO YOUR RECALLS AND MY VIN# MY NEW USED VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN MAINTENANCE FOR THE RECALL. THERE IS DISTINCT PLAY IN THE STEERING AND THE VEHICLE IS BOUNCY. I NEED TO KNOW WHERE TO TAKE MY XTERRA TO HAVE IT FIXED ASAP IF POSSIBLE. RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBERS ARE 10E019000 & 10V208000

Power Train
Filed May 8, 2019133,164 milesNY

ON 3/14 I WENT TO WORK AS I WORK WHERE I LIVE WHEN TO DRIVE THE TRUCK AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WAS LIKE BEING IN 4TH GEAR EVEN THOUGH I WAS IN FIRST GEAR. I THEN NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I BORROWED A CODE READER AND GOT THE CODE P1769 CALLED THE MECHANIC AND THEY CAME AND TOWED TO SHOP. THE CODE WASN'T WHAT WAS WRONG THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND IT DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC REBUILT ENTIRE TRANNY RE RAN COOLING LINES AND ADDED TWO COOLING FANS. HE HAD TO BUY A BRAND NEW VALVE BODY AND REBUILD ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AS IT WAS DESTROYED BY THE ANTIFREEZE. WE DID SEE THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR NISSAN AND NO RECALL WAS EVER DONE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR ALMOST 8 WEEKS AND THE AMOUNT IT COST TO REPAIR WAS A MONTHS WORTH OF BRING HOME PAY FOR MY SELF AND WIFE WHO IS DISABLED. THE TRUCK IS REPAIRED NOW THANKFULLY BUT WOULD OF BEEN NICE TO HAVE NISSAN FOOT SOME OF THIS BILL FOR SURE

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 12, 2019137,350 milesGA

MY DAUGHTER HAD JUST PURCHASED A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA, THE DAY BEFORE HER ACCIDENT. SHE WAS TRAVELING ON A ROADWAY APPROACHING A CURVE IN THE ROAD WHEN THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE LOCKED UP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL SLIGHTLY RIGHT AND FAIL TO RESPOND TO COUNTER STEER. THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY AND WENT INTO THE GRASS BEGAN TO SPIN SIDEWAYS AND STRUCK A HYDRANT AND FLIP 2.5 TIMES RESTING ON ITS ROOF. I SAW WHERE THERE WAS SEVERAL RECALLS, BUT WHEN I ENTER THE VIN ITS HAD NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE SPECIFIC VIN. ALTHOUGH, THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED IN THE SAME MODELS.

Power Train
Filed Jan 31, 2019150,000 milesNY

RADIATOR CRACKS ALLOWED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX AS A DIRECT CAUSE FOR TRANSMISSION DESTRUCTION! CAR WILL NO LONGER MOVE AND NO WARNING SIGNS OR RECALLS. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY NISSAN FOR YEARS AND NO RECALL? WHO GOT PAID AT HERE TO ALLOW NISSAN TO GET AWAY WITH THAT FOR SO MANY MODEL VEHICLES FOR YEARS! CAR STALLED AND DIED WHILE IN MOTION ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH MY 2 KIDS ABOARD!

Power Train
Filed Sep 4, 2018136,000 milesCA

COOLANT MIXING WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE XTERRA WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE I INVESTIGATED MORE BY CHECKING THE FLUID. I FOUND BROWN COOLANT SO I DECIDED TO DO A DRAIN/FILL. IT WAS RUNNING BETTER AND I RESEARCHED FURTHER AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I TOOK MY XTERRA TO A TRANSMISSION MECHANIC WHO ALSO DRAINED IT AND REPAIRED A VALVE THAT WENT BAD DUE TO THE COOLANT FLUID MIXING. THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION COOLER ADDED AS WELL. HE ALSO DRAINED AND FILLED. I THEN HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUSH JUST TO MAKE SURE ALL COOLANT WAS OUT. WITH ALL THIS DONE, IT GAVE ME MORE TIME BUT THE DAMAGE WAS DONE AND I AM CONTINUING TO HAVE SHIFTING ISSUES. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE MY XTERRA TRANSMISSION. I REALLY ENJOY MY XTERRA AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF IT BY REGULAR FLUID CHANGES AND KEEPING UP WITH IT MAINTENANCE. IT HAS A STRONG ENGINE WITH NO LEAKS AND CONSTANTLY CLEAN MOTOR OIL. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT I HAVE HAD TO GO THROUGH THE STRESS OF ALL OF THIS BECAUSE OF A DESIGN FLAW THAT NISSAN IS UNABLE TO REMEDY.

Engine
Filed Aug 27, 201882,000 milesAZ

ON 8/2542018 I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA DOWN A HIGHWAY IN THE SUBURBS OF PHOENIX, AZ AND WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY BEGAN TO JERK AND GO OUT OF GEAR AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THERE WAS NO WARNING ON MY DASH THAT WOULD TELL ME THERE WAS AN ISSUE AND I HAD TO WAIT IN THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS IN THE 105 DEGREE HEAT FOR A TOW TRUCK WITHOUT WATER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD BEEN MIXING WITH MY COOLANT WHICH WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN OF THAT YEAR AND NISSAN TRIED TO WIPE THIS UNDER THE RUG. I AM IN NEED OF AN ENTIRE NEW TRANSMISSION AND MY CAR HAS 82K MILES ON IT AND IS NOW 13 YEARS OLD. NISSAN AGREED TO PAY FOR THE COST FOR A PERIOD OF TIME BUT IF A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED FOR UNDER "$150. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN HELPING ME RECOVER THE DAMAGES THAT SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY NISSAN AS THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND DID NOTHING TO ASSIST ME .

Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2018117,000 milesFL

TRANSMISSION RADIATOR AND LOW OIL PRESSURE FAILURE

Power Train
Filed Aug 1, 2018139,000 milesIN

MY VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. FIRST STARTED TO SHAKE AND RATTLE, THEN ALL POWER WAS LOST. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, MY ENGINE COOLANT LOOKED LIKE A MILK SHAKE. CALL NISSAN, AND THEY SAID IT HAPPENS QUITE OFTEN THAT THEY HAVE A NAME FOR IT, "THE MILK SHAKE". APPEARENTLY THE INNER TUBE, THAT COOLS THE TRANS, BROKE CAUSING FLUIDS TO MIX, RESULTING IN FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION.

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 201891,000 milesCA

"TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR RECALL" I OWN A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA OFFROAD V-6. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT. 2005. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF AN AIR INTAKE PROBLEM WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASE, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS VEHICLE! UNTIL IT WENT OVER 90,000 MILES IN FEB. 2014, THE TRANSMISSION JUST STOPPED AND WENT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN THE FAST LANE ON A BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PASS OVER THE OTHER LANES OF TRAFFIC AND MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE THE CAR ROLLED TO A COMPLETE STOP. I LET IT SIT AND COOL AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN TO FIND THAT I WAS ABLE AT LEAST DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER. IT WAS THEN THAT I WAS FIRST MADE AWARE OF THE RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION RECALL AND SUBSEQUENT ISSUES. THEY "SERVICED" THE COOLING SYSTEM BY REPLACING THE RADIATOR HOSES AND CLAMPS AND FLUSHING THE SYSTEM OUT AND TELLING ME THAT THAT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. (AT MY EXPENSE OF COURSE) THEY CHECKED THE TRANSMISSION AND SAID THAT IT WAS FUNCTIONING NORMALLY WITH NO PROBLEMS. FINE. 2 YEARS AND 6,000 MILES LATER WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A LOS ANGELES FREEWAY (IT IS SOMETIMES POSSIBLE) THE TRANSMISSION SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND SWITCHES INTO NEUTRAL LEAVING ME TRYING TO AND WEAVE MY WAY TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY WHERE THERE IS A SHOULDER BEFORE I LOOSE MOMENTUM. THEN THE VEHICLE WAS NON OPERATIONAL AND I WAS STRANDED 100 MILES FROM HOME. IN THE 2 YEARS SINCE, THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REBUILD, HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 MOR

Power Train
Filed Jun 26, 2018147,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING MY XTERRA WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. THE ENGINE WOULD REV HIGH MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR WOULD BARELY MOVE. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TURNED ON AND STAYED ON. TOOK TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT SHOWED A CODE FOR THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE IT, OVER A $1,300. MECHANIC DISASSEMBLED TRANSMISSION TO REACH CONTROL MODULE AND FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED WITH WATER. I WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE RADIATOR AND FLUSH TRANSMISSION. LOOKING AT $2,000 IN REPAIRS. NISSAN HAS BEEN AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR CRACKING AND MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID FOR AWHILE. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND CONSUMERS ARE STUCK WITH THE BILL. THEY SHOULD AT LEAST ISSUE A SAFETY BULLETIN ADVISING THEIR CUSTOMERS OF THE RISK. INSTEAD NISSAN OPTED TO STAY SILENT AND HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. NISSAN HAS PUT PROFITS BEFORE CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY SHOULD BE FINED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS ONGOING PROBLEM.

Power Train
Filed May 18, 2018135,000 milesNY

MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA TRANS JUST DIED ON 5/10/2018. I WAS DRIVING OVER THE WHITESTONE BRIDGE QUEENSBOUND ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN IT JUST STOPPED. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TODAY, 5/18/2018, THAT THE FAN WENT INSIDE THE TRANS AND WOULD COST THOUSANDS TO FIX. APPARANTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I'M SO ANGRY.

Engine
Filed May 9, 2018163,000 milesAZ

ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LEAKING AFTER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED. SLUGGISH TO RUN, ETC. NISSAN ALREADY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL VEHICLES AND CORRECTED THE ISSUE. NOW I AM OUT ALMOST $3000.00 PAYING FOR AN ISSUE THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT BUT IS NOT WILLING TO CORRECT.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 27, 201881,000 milesFL

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME. GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY EVEN AFTER YOU FILL IT UP COMPLETELY. DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0463, FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT ACCURATELY STATE THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN TO NISSAN AND NHTSA. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS LEFT IN THE TANK OR HOW MANY MILES YOU CAN GO. THIS WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED FOR CERTAIN 2006, 2007 AND 2008 XTERRAS. NOT SURE WHY IT HASN'T BEEN FOR THE 2005 MODEL YEAR AS IT IS THE SAME ISSUE.

Power Train
Filed Mar 15, 201840,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR WITH JUST OVER 40,000 MILES ON IT THE CLUTCH BEGAN TO SLIP AS I HIT THE GAS. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND OTHER DRIVERS WERE FORCED TO AVOID MY VEHICLE WHICH COULD NOT SAFELY MAINTAIN HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CLUTCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS AGAIN JUST HAPPENED AT OVER 80,000 MILES. THE CLUTCH IS WEARING VERY QUICKLY ON THIS VEHICLE. LUCKILY NONE OF THESE HAVE CAUSED ANY REAL SAFETY CONCERN BUT I WANT IT DOCUMENTED THAT NISSAN IS SELLING A VEHICLE WITH A POORLY MADE CLUTCH THAT COULD CAUSE SAFETY ISSUE DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU ARE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS. IF A VEHICLE LOSES ITS CLUTCH IT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS OR LOSE MOTIVE POWER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 3, 2018180,000 milesCA

TRANSMISSION FAILURE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 26, 2018140,000 milesCA

THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION STARTED TO LOSE POWER WHEN DRIVING THIS PAST SATURDAY. SO, BASICALLY MY CAR DOES START THEN AFTER DRIVING IT A FEW MINUTES OR MORE WILL STIFFEN AND CUT OFF. THANK YOU

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 23, 2018PA

I WAS DRIVING FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO SUFFERN NY AND WHEN I TOOK THE EXIT TO SUFFERN THE CAR LOST POWER WITH PREVIEW SIGN THAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. WHEN I TRY TO GET TO A SHOP TO CHECK IT OUT IT WAS SMOKING AND I SAW LIQUID UNDER. THE CAR WILL START BUT CANNOT MOVE ANYMORE OR MOVE SLOWLY. I HAVE TO LEAVE IT IN SOMEONE'S HOUSE.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 9, 2018155,000 milesCT

TAILGATE LOCK WON'T UNLOCK

Power Train
Filed Feb 8, 201889,000 milesSC

PURCHASED A ONE OWNER NISSAN IN LATE 2016 W/ APPROX. 85-86K MILES ON IT.GOT APPROX. 4-5 MTHS OF USE BEFORE IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER & BECAME INOPERABLE(APPROX FEB/MARCH OF 2017).MY WIFE & I WERE DRIVING HOME & BASICALLY LOST ALL POWER W/O ANY WARNING.THANK GOD WE WERE ON A SIDE ROAD @ THE TIME & WERE ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER.IT HAS BEEN PARKED SINCE EARLY 2017 & RENDERED USELESS.$9000 DOWN THE DRAIN.VEHICLE ONLY HAS 89K MILES ON IT & IN IMMACULATE SHAPE INSIDE&OUT.NOW WE'RE FACED WITH THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF A $4000+ TRANSMISSION REBUILD + ECM/TCM MODULE REPLACEMENT. MY MECHANIC PICKED UP ON THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY.HE CHECKED THE RADIATOR & IT LOOKED LIKE STRAWBERRY MILK.I OWNED 1 OTHER NISSAN BEFORE THIS & CAN TRULY SAY I WILL NEVER,EVER OWN ANOTHER.I FELT VERY CONFIDENT IN THE VEHICLE MECHANICALLY. BUT IF I'D KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT I'D HAVE NEVER PURCHASED IT.NOW I'M BASICALLY OUT $9000 OR HAVE A $4000+ REPAIR TO EVEN BE ABLE TO RECOUP ANY MONEY & SOME OF MY LOSSES.IF I HAD ANY INKLING OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DEFECTIVE PART IN NISSAN'S I'D HAVE NEVER PURCHASED IT.I ORIGINALLY CONSIDERED NISSAN A GOOD CAR MAKER & RANKED THEM CLOSELY W/ HONDA & TOYOTA IN PERFORMANCE & DEPENDABILITY.NEEDLESS TO SAY.ALL THAT'S NOW CHANGED.I CANNOT BELIEVE THE NHTSA DID NOT DEMAND THAT NISSAN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE THESE ISSUES AS TO PROTECT THE CONSUMERS & CURRENT OWNERS. BUT I'D NEVER HEARD A THING ABOUT IT & I "WORK IN AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE"!!! I WILL ADMIT, NISSAN WAS SUCCESSFUL IN RIPPING MANY P

Engine
Filed Dec 14, 201766,074 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO CHANGE GEARS AND ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SERVICING AND TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR KEPT ILLUMINATING AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. A DEALER WAS CONTACTED (MASSAPEQUA NISSAN, 200 SUNRISE HIGHWAY, AMITYVILLE, NY 11701, (516) 799-2800). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V517000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP-12004 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED FOUR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS) ON THE ENGINE AND FOUR TSBS ON THE POWER TRAIN, BUT THERE WAS NO REMEDY TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,074.

Power Train
Filed Nov 10, 2017100,000 milesKS

TRANSMISSION WILL NOT REVERSE OR CHANGE GEARS WHILE LEAVING THE HOUSE TODAY

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 30, 2017100,290 milesNV

WHILE DRIVING IN THE STREET, THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM OF MY VEHICLE BROKE RESULTING LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH. THERE FIRST RECALL OF THIS PART HAPPEN SOMETIME IN 2010 BUT I DID NOT RECEIVE IT. IN 2015, I HAD THE ACCIDENT. EARLIER THIS YEAR, 2017 I RECEIVE THE EMAIL ABOUT THIS PART BEING DEFECTIVE AND PART OF THE RECALL.

Engine
Filed Aug 8, 2017135,000 milesVA

NISSAN XTERRA 2006 THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC THE RADIATOR LEAKED AND RUINED THE TRANSMISSION. HE ALSO SAID THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS AND CONTINUES TO ALLOW THE CAR TO BE ON THE ROAD. THE CAR IS DONE AND SO IS MY WALLET. THANK GOODNESS WHEN THE CAR WENT OUT, I WAS ON A BACK ROAD AROUND NO OTHER PEOPLE!

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 201790,000 milesTX

CRACKED RADIATOR, CAR DIED WITH NO WARNING GOING DOWN FREEWAY

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 30, 201765,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING MY XTERRA WHICH HAS 65000 MILES APPROXIMATELY, MY GAS GAUGE DROPPED FROM 3/4 TANK TO BELOW EMPTY. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR IMMEDIATELY STOPPED IN THE ROAD. I HAD TO BE TOWED WHERE I WAS TOLD I HAVE P0463 AND MY CAR WAS OUT OF GAS. I WAS TOLD THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH. ISSA XTERRA. I WENT TO DEALER TO GET IT REPLACED AND THEY SAID $700. I SEE THAT THIS IS TOO COMMON AN ISSUE. I THINK THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT. I'M JUST HAPP HAPPY I WASN'T DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT STOPPED. LUCKILY I WAS ON SIDE ROAD.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 22, 2017CA

I HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES ON THIS VEHICLE BUT WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT.

Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2017NC

THE RADIATOR FAILED AND THE FLUID ALL WENT INTO THE TRANSMISSION REQUIRING BOTH A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2005 XTERRAS AND NISSAN REFUSES TO COVER THIS FAULTY DESIGN. WE HAD NO ADVANCE NOTICE OF THIS HAPPENING. WE WENT OUT ONE DAY AND THE CAR DID NOT START.

Power Train
Filed Jun 14, 2017140,000 milesFL

TAKATA RECALL...CAR WAS DRIVING FINE ALL DAY UNTIL I PULLED UP TO A RED LIGHT.WHEN LIGHT CHANGED AND I PRESSED ON GAS, CAR WOULD HARDLY GO BUT EVENTUALLY AFTER SOFT COAXING IT GOT UP TO SPEED. WAS LIKE I JUST LOST FIRST GEAR ON AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.SUBSEQUENT RED LIGHTS RESULTED IN SAME PROBLEM. RESEARCHED ONLINE ABOUT ANY COMPLAINTS WITH THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON JUST ONE WEBSITE.TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM: COOLANT BOX INSIDE TRANSMISSION BURST CAUSING TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUIDS TO MIX AND RUINING BOTH TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. COST FOR THIS REPAIR IS $3800-4500.I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE I WAS TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS BECAUSE HUNDREDS IS MINUTE IN COMPARISON TO THE THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES THEY HAVE SOLD.

Complaints 1-50 of 845, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201510000Routine
201410000Routine
20134000Routine
201216200Routine
201124200Routine
201038600Routine
200919500Routine
2008119830Routine
2007557230Above average
2006780531Fatalities reported
2005 — this page845660Above average
200484330Routine
200372320Routine
2002157672Fatalities reported
2001150550Routine
2000214541Fatalities reported
19990100Routine

Compare every Xterra year →

2005 Nissan Xterra: questions buyers ask

Is the 2005 Nissan Xterra a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Xterra years to avoid: owners filed 845 complaints, 5.5 times as many as a typical Xterra year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (35%).

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Nissan Xterra?

The transmission: 298 of the 845 complaints (35%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (40%), vibrates or shakes (15%) and slips or will not engage a gear (8%). The typical report comes at 104,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Xterra have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 28, 2010. The largest, 10V517000, covered 747,480 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Xterra problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 89,000 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 104,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2005 Nissan Xterra?

Yes, once. DP12004 ("Transmission Failures") was opened Jun 11, 2012 and closed Oct 22, 2016.

Are there service bulletins for the 2005 Nissan Xterra?

The manufacturer filed 90 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (16), the suspension (9) and the airbags (8). They include a service campaign, NTB05-086A, filed Aug 24, 2026. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 28, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.