NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
412 reportsClear category filter50,000 miles · Aug 24, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SHE HEARD A RUMBLING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE ALSO PAR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SHE HEARD A RUMBLING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE ALSO PARTS WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE SPECIFIC PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10421361
87,000 miles · Aug 16, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 15 MPH. A LOUD NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 15 MPH. A LOUD NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND DRIVE SHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 87,000. ..UPDATED 09/15/11 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10419712
125,375 miles · Aug 16, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION COOLING DESIGN CAUSING 2005 NISSAN XTERRA LEAKING COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION RESULTING IN TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FAILURE. NISSAN HAS NOT CORRECTED THE DESIGN PROBLEM FOR CONSUMERS RESULTING IN PUTTING CONSUMERS RISK OF HARMS WAY AND EXTREME COSTS TO REPAIR. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10419595
100,000 miles · Aug 7, 2011
Power Train
2005 NISSAN XTERRA TRANSMISSION/ RADIATOR. RADIATOR LEAKS INTO TRANSMISSION AND CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO SEEZE. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE THEY HAVE NOT ENTERED A RECALL ON THE PART. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10417840
124,000 miles · Aug 2, 2011
Power Train
I WAS ENTERING ONTO THE FREEWAY ABOUT 60MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING VIOLENTLY. I WASN'T SURE IF I BLEW A TIRE OR HIT SOMETHING AND I INSTINCTIVELY BRAKED HARD AND DROVE ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I INSPECTED THE FRONT END AND COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT HAD GONE WRONG. I DROVE AT MINIMUM POSTED SPEED TO THE NEXT …
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I WAS ENTERING ONTO THE FREEWAY ABOUT 60MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING VIOLENTLY. I WASN'T SURE IF I BLEW A TIRE OR HIT SOMETHING AND I INSTINCTIVELY BRAKED HARD AND DROVE ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I INSPECTED THE FRONT END AND COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT HAD GONE WRONG. I DROVE AT MINIMUM POSTED SPEED TO THE NEXT RAMP AND EXITED. ON A DIRT ROAD ON THE WAY HOME THE VIBRATION AND SHAKING STARTED AGAIN AT AROUND 40MPH. WHEN I SLOWED DOWN THE SHAKING STOPPED. I NURSED THE CAR HOME. I LEARNED LATER THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION OF THIS MODEL CAUSED BY RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CORRODES THE COMPONENTS. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL OR OTHER NOTICE FROM NISSAN. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION BECAUSE IT CAUSES THE DRIVER TO TAKE IMMEDIATE AND SEVERE ACTION AS IT FEELS LIKE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF SOME SORT. AT HIGH SPEEDS IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10416718
Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2011
Power Train
I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. OTHERWISE A VERY SOUND CAR, I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE IS WEARING DOWN AND WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THIS IS COMMON IN NISSAN AND MY RESEARCH CONCURS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 85,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO…
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I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. OTHERWISE A VERY SOUND CAR, I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE IS WEARING DOWN AND WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THIS IS COMMON IN NISSAN AND MY RESEARCH CONCURS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 85,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST ME $1900.00. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ITEM AS THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN NUMEROUS SAFETY BULLETINS ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10415369
129,000 miles · Jul 17, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
05 NISSAN XTERRA RADIATOR LEAKED ANTIFREEZE INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT MOVE UNTIL RPM'S REACHED A CERTAIN SPEED. CAR HAD BEEN VIBRATING PRIOR TO INCIDENT WHICH WAS THOUGHT TO BE TIRES. CAR WAS TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AND AT A COST OF $4800 FOR REPAIRS. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT MULTIPLE OWNE…
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05 NISSAN XTERRA RADIATOR LEAKED ANTIFREEZE INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT MOVE UNTIL RPM'S REACHED A CERTAIN SPEED. CAR HAD BEEN VIBRATING PRIOR TO INCIDENT WHICH WAS THOUGHT TO BE TIRES. CAR WAS TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AND AT A COST OF $4800 FOR REPAIRS. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT MULTIPLE OWNERS HAVE HAD AND THAT NISSAN IS NOT ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR. I WAS PUT AT RISK AS I DRIVE 35 MILES EACH WAY TO AND FROM WORK AND A MAJORITY OF THIS DRIVING IS DONE ON THE HIGHWAY. MY DRIVE TIME IS VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING AND VERY LATE AT NIGHT. IF THE CAR HAD BROKE DOWN I WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10413212
109,000 miles · Jul 13, 2011
Power Train
I PURCHASED A NEW 2005 NISSAN FOR MY DAUGHTER SIX YEARS AGO.....I HAVE THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO HAVE....A FAULTY RADIATOR CAUSED COOLANT TO RUIN THE TRANSMISSION NOW NISSAN WANTS THOUSANDS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. ALSO THE CADILLAC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACING AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME FUEL G…
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I PURCHASED A NEW 2005 NISSAN FOR MY DAUGHTER SIX YEARS AGO.....I HAVE THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO HAVE....A FAULTY RADIATOR CAUSED COOLANT TO RUIN THE TRANSMISSION NOW NISSAN WANTS THOUSANDS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. ALSO THE CADILLAC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACING AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM....SINCE I HAVE 109000 MILES IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY....I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALLS IN THE MAIL AND I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE TITLED OWNER SINCE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW. I AM DISGUSTED THAT NISSAN IS AWARE THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY RADIATOR, THIS IS NOT CAUSED BY WEAR AND TEAR....BUT INTENDS ON DOING NOTHING. THEY CHARGED ME $100 JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. MY DAUGHTER DOESN'T HAVE THOUSANDS FOR THESE KIND OF REPAIRS AND THE CAR SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS DANGEROUS. IT SEEMS NISSAN SHOULD BE FORCED TO MAKE THESE SPECIFIC REPAIRS SINCE THEY ARE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10412089
87,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAUSED BY RADIATOR LEAK, WHICH CAUSES VIBRATION IN VEHICLE WHICH CAN BE HAZARDOUS AND COSTLY. INTERNET COMMENTS SUGGEST PROBLEM IS KNOWN BY MANUFACTURER BUT WARRANTEES HAVE NOT BEEN EXTENDED, AND DEALER QUOTED FULL PRICE FOR REPAIR: $5,000+ ON VEHICLE WORTH $11,000. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10411968
86,000 miles · Jul 8, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUIDS WERE MIXING, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT WOULD NOT OFF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUIDS WERE MIXING, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT WOULD NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE MILEAGE BEING ABOVE 80,000. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,000. UPDATED 09/20/2011 *LN *TR
NHTSA ODI #10411469
Official recalls
3Oct 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.
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.
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.
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