IllustrationTRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE VALVE UNIT. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE VEHICLE LOOSE COMPLETE POWER. THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF NISSAN XTERRA 2005 OWNERS. *JS
2005 Nissan Xterra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Xterra years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Xterra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Xterra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
210–25K
8025–50K
15950–75K
21575–100K
261100–150K
34150K+
770 reports with mileage · 75 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 412 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 242 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 167 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports
Power Train complaints
412 reportsTHE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT IS GOING ON, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. MY COOLANT LEAKED INTO MY TRANSMISSION, NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW DESTROYED AS WELL AS MY RADIATOR, AND THE ESTIMATES ARE $5500 TO FIX. I ALMOST CRASHED AND GOT HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I NEED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE I HOPE NISSAN STE…
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THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT IS GOING ON, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. MY COOLANT LEAKED INTO MY TRANSMISSION, NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW DESTROYED AS WELL AS MY RADIATOR, AND THE ESTIMATES ARE $5500 TO FIX. I ALMOST CRASHED AND GOT HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I NEED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE I HOPE NISSAN STEPS UP AND FIXES THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL, INSTEAD OF LETTING THERE CUSTOMERS HANG OUT TO DRY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE RPMS INCREASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER FAILED AND CAUSED WATER TO ENTER INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE RPMS INCREASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER FAILED AND CAUSED WATER TO ENTER INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
UNEXPECTEDLY, TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE IN NEUTRAL. APPLYING GAS JUST REVVED ENGINE. THEN STRONG JERK AND BACK INTO GEAR. HAPPENING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON A BUSY INTERSTATE HAD IT GONE ON LONGER OR I NOT BEEN ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE, THIS COULD HAVE TRIGGERED A MAJOR PILE UP. *TR
BOUGHT MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA BRAND NEW AND IT NOW NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF A RADIATOR LEAK. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I SEE THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THEM WITH THE SAME PROBLEM YET NO RECALL AND NISSAN IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING!
VEHICLE MOVING ALONG INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT 60 MPH WHEN ACTED AS IF IT WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. ALMOST GOT HIT TWICE TRYING TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO TRYING TO ACCELERATE, SHIFTER STILL IN D POSITION. ENGINE TEMPERATURE ROSE QUICKLY. SHUT ENGINE OFF ENGINE, TO PREVENT A FIRE. SIT THERE MOMENTARI…
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VEHICLE MOVING ALONG INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT 60 MPH WHEN ACTED AS IF IT WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. ALMOST GOT HIT TWICE TRYING TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO TRYING TO ACCELERATE, SHIFTER STILL IN D POSITION. ENGINE TEMPERATURE ROSE QUICKLY. SHUT ENGINE OFF ENGINE, TO PREVENT A FIRE. SIT THERE MOMENTARILY, RESTARTED THE ENGINE, TEMP CAME DOWN, TRANSMISSION ENGAGED, DROVE HOME. HUSBAND INVESTIGATED AND FOUND OILY SUBSTANCE IN RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION LOW IN FLUID THAT WAS A PASTY LOOKING MATERIAL NOW ON DIPSTICK. REFER TO THE NISSAN RADIATOR DEFECT CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT CASE IS IN RE: NISSAN RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION COOLER LITIGATION, CASE NO. 10-CV-07493, U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL OR THE SUIT, WHEN WE WOULD HAVE QUALIFIED FOR ASSISTANCE FROM NISSAN. DOES THE STATE OF NEW YORK DECIDE REPARATIONS TO THE REST OF THE COUNTRY WHILE I AM NOW POOR AND NEED A CAR AND CAN'T AFFORD TO REPAIR IT. HOW MANY MORE FAILURES ARE OUT THERE? INCLUDES PATHFINDER AND FRONTIER MODELS. ALSO DISCOVERED VIN NUMBER ON TOP OF DASH WAS INCORRECT. THANKS. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLES SPEED DECREASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. AS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLES SPEED DECREASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THE TRANSMISSION SHAKES VIOLENTLY ON ACCELERATION. SO I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE RADIATOR CRACKING AND LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2005 NISSAN XTERRA, AND THAT NISSAN SETTLED A LAWSUIT IN OCTOBER OF 2012. I DO NOT REMEMBER GETTING ANY INFORMATI…
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THE TRANSMISSION SHAKES VIOLENTLY ON ACCELERATION. SO I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE RADIATOR CRACKING AND LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2005 NISSAN XTERRA, AND THAT NISSAN SETTLED A LAWSUIT IN OCTOBER OF 2012. I DO NOT REMEMBER GETTING ANY INFORMATION THAT THIS MIGHT BE A PROBLEM AND I HAVE TO PAY $3000 TO GET THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR REPLACED! AFTER 100,000 MILES I AM STUCK TO PAY THE COMPLETE COST OF THE REPAIRS. IS THERE ANY KIND OF RECOURSE FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT I AM UNAWARE OF? *TR
THE ENGINE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT IRRATICALLY. THERE WAS AN OILY SUBSTANCE IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A KNOWN CONDITION REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE RADIATOR AND REBUILDING OF THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THERE WAS 101000 MI…
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THE ENGINE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT IRRATICALLY. THERE WAS AN OILY SUBSTANCE IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A KNOWN CONDITION REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE RADIATOR AND REBUILDING OF THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THERE WAS 101000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THAT THE ENTIRE $3800 FOR REPAIR WOULD HAVE TO BE BORNE BY ME . I TRIED DRIIVING THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES AFTERWARDS WITH THE SAME RESULT. IT HAS BEEN PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE FOR 6 MONTHS NOW AS I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR. *TR
MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AND NORMAL BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START IT, NOTHING HAPPENED. I TRIED TO JUMP THE BATTERY AND I REPLACED THE STARTER. AFTER THOSE ATTEMPTS I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD ME THAT COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND MIXED FLUID, DAMAGING BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND…
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MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AND NORMAL BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START IT, NOTHING HAPPENED. I TRIED TO JUMP THE BATTERY AND I REPLACED THE STARTER. AFTER THOSE ATTEMPTS I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD ME THAT COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND MIXED FLUID, DAMAGING BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND ECM. CAR WILL NOT START AND THE IS NO COMMUNICATIONS WORKING. THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED I GET A NEW RADIATOR, IPDM MODULE, AND TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS ESTIMATED AT A COST OF $5,500 AFTER PARTS AND LABOR. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING AS THE DEALER HAD SAID. *TR
Official recalls
310V517000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Oct 28, 2010
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal
Dec 29, 2008
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
05V458000 · Trailer Hitches
Oct 5, 2005
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP12004 · Transmission Failures
Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train
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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.