NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
412 reportsClear category filter6,000 miles · May 10, 2010
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA 4-WHEEL DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING IT IN SNOW, ICE, WET ROADS OR SIMPLY STOPPING QUICKLY, I HEAR A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. IT HAPPENS WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES COMING TO A STOP. IT HAS TO BE A CONDITION WHERE THE WHEELS MAY LOCK UP. ALSO, THE BRAKES LET THE VEHICLE "LOOSE" FOR SEVERAL FEET…
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I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA 4-WHEEL DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING IT IN SNOW, ICE, WET ROADS OR SIMPLY STOPPING QUICKLY, I HEAR A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. IT HAPPENS WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES COMING TO A STOP. IT HAS TO BE A CONDITION WHERE THE WHEELS MAY LOCK UP. ALSO, THE BRAKES LET THE VEHICLE "LOOSE" FOR SEVERAL FEET AND/OR SECONDS BEFORE THE GRINDING BEGINS. I AM USED TO THE FLUCTUATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH AN ABS SYSTEM. HOWEVER, I HAD NEVER HEARD A SOUND THAT REMINDED ME OF GRINDING ALUMINUM CANS IN A COFFEE MILL. I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPT WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED (DECEMBER 2005; LAST INCIDENT, APRIL 2010) AND THEY HAVE ASSURED ME THAT THIS IS HOW THE ABS IS SUPPOSED TO SOUND, FEEL AND WORK. MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE SAME FEELING/SENSATION AND ASKED WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. I TOLD HIM NISSAN SAYS THAT IS HOW THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO WORK. IT DOESN'T SOUND ACCEPTABLE THAT AN AUTOMOBILE COMPANY WOULD PRODUCE A SAFETY SYSTEM THAT SOUNDS/FEELS LIKE YOUR DIFFERENTIAL IS BEING GROUND INTO LITTLE METAL PIECES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10329707
69,706 miles · Apr 15, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
1. VIBRATIONS COMING FROM REAR OF CAR AT 35 MPH. VIBRATION GET WORST WHEN ACCELERATING TO 40 MPH, SHIFTS HARD,RPM'S INCREASE THEN DECREASE(JUMPS ALL OVER THE PLACE). OCCURS ALL THE TIME. FAULTY LINES BETWEEN COOLANT SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION. COOLANT MIXED WITH TRANNY FLUID. REPLACED, RADIATOR,FLUSHED ENGINE, FLUSHED TRANNY 2 TIME…
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1. VIBRATIONS COMING FROM REAR OF CAR AT 35 MPH. VIBRATION GET WORST WHEN ACCELERATING TO 40 MPH, SHIFTS HARD,RPM'S INCREASE THEN DECREASE(JUMPS ALL OVER THE PLACE). OCCURS ALL THE TIME. FAULTY LINES BETWEEN COOLANT SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION. COOLANT MIXED WITH TRANNY FLUID. REPLACED, RADIATOR,FLUSHED ENGINE, FLUSHED TRANNY 2 TIMES. INSTALLED EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION COOLER AND BYPASSED RADIATOR, SO THIS WONT HAPPEN AGAIN, MY HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION IN FUTURE BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE DONE TO IT BY THE COOLANT MIXING WITH TRANNY FLUID. OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE $1463.12 PARTS AND LABOR AT A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN 4X4 VEHICLES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. AND IF MY TRANSMISSION GOES I FEEL THAT NISSAN SHOULD REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325913
80,000 miles · Apr 5, 2010
Power Train
2005 NISSAN XTERRA. AUTO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HEAVY VIBRATION WHEN OD ENGAGES. WITH FURTHER RESEARCH, THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10323898
112,000 miles · Apr 5, 2010
Power Train
FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BROKE NEAR UNIVERSAL JOINT CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTTOM OF CAR. THIS HAPPENED DURING HEAVY CITY TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. MY FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR, BUT NOT HURT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10323880
50,000 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA WHICH I DON'T DRIVE MUCH AND AT AROUND 50,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT AND COST ME $1,600 TO REPAIR. NOW AT AROUND 52,000 MILES MY FUELS GAUGE STOP WORKING WHICH CAUSED MY TRUCK TO TURN OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY IN IT AND I SEE NO RECALL ON THESE ISSUES FROM NISSAN .MY BROTHE…
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I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA WHICH I DON'T DRIVE MUCH AND AT AROUND 50,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT AND COST ME $1,600 TO REPAIR. NOW AT AROUND 52,000 MILES MY FUELS GAUGE STOP WORKING WHICH CAUSED MY TRUCK TO TURN OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY IN IT AND I SEE NO RECALL ON THESE ISSUES FROM NISSAN .MY BROTHER HAS A PATHFINDER WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10316416
36,000 miles · Jan 10, 2010
Power Train
CLUTCH REPLACED AT 36,000MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10298907
120,000 miles · Jan 6, 2010
Power Train
1) TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SWITCHING GEARS PROPERLY 2) TOOK THE TRUCK IN TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR GASKET HAD FAILED AND LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID 3) A NEW RADIATOR, TRANSMISSION AND FAN ASSEMBLY IS NOW REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE BECAU…
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1) TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SWITCHING GEARS PROPERLY 2) TOOK THE TRUCK IN TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR GASKET HAD FAILED AND LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID 3) A NEW RADIATOR, TRANSMISSION AND FAN ASSEMBLY IS NOW REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE BECAUSE I AM PASSED THE WARRANTY. WHEN I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF I COULD HAVE DETECTED OR PREVENTED THIS SITUATION HE SAID "NO". *TR
NHTSA ODI #10298414
84,414 miles · Nov 25, 2009
Power Train
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN X-TERRA AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS BURNED UP. THIS ISSUE HAS ACTUALLY BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN BECAUSE I WAS HAVING A TRANSMISSION ISSUE AND THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP DID NOT THINK IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. THE SERVICE MANAGER RODE IN THE BACK AND THOUGHT IT TO BE THE WHEEL B…
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I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN X-TERRA AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS BURNED UP. THIS ISSUE HAS ACTUALLY BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN BECAUSE I WAS HAVING A TRANSMISSION ISSUE AND THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP DID NOT THINK IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. THE SERVICE MANAGER RODE IN THE BACK AND THOUGHT IT TO BE THE WHEEL BEARINGS. THEY SWITCHED THAT OUT BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. LONG STORY SHORT AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME IT ENDED UP BEING AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS REPLACED BUT EVER SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK IN 1/09 IS HAD THE WHISTLING NOISE WHEN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS IT WHISTLES. BOTTOM LINE IS THERE WAS AN ISSUE IN JANUARY 2009 WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND IT WAS BLOWN OFF BY THE DEALERSHIP AND NOW IT HAS BLOWN AND NISSAN WILL NOT STAND BEHIND IT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN. MINE HAS HAD 2 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED AND NOW THIS ALL WITHIN A YEAR. REAR-ENDS SHOULD NOT GO OUT THIS EASILY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293484
Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN XTERRA, RADIATOR FAILURE , CAUSING TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK INTO COOLANT AND COOLANT LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. REPAIR COST ABOUT $5,000. A SOURCE WITHIN A DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH 2005 XTERRAS AND PATHFINDERS, IF CAUGHT EARLY IT CAN BE FIXED ,HOWEVER MOST CUSTOMERS…
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2005 NISSAN XTERRA, RADIATOR FAILURE , CAUSING TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK INTO COOLANT AND COOLANT LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. REPAIR COST ABOUT $5,000. A SOURCE WITHIN A DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH 2005 XTERRAS AND PATHFINDERS, IF CAUGHT EARLY IT CAN BE FIXED ,HOWEVER MOST CUSTOMERS DON'T KNOW THIS UNTIL IS TOO LATE. THERE IS NO NOTICE FROM NISSAN ON THIS PROBLEM OR WARNING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290989
24,000 miles · Jul 4, 2007
Power Train
AT 24,000 MILES THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD TO BE REPLACED, IT TOOK OVER 6 WEEKS TO GET THE PART (IT WAS REPLACED AT 28,000 MILES). AGAIN AT 42,000 IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED SAME PROBLEM I WAS TOLD 5 DAYS TO GET THE PART IT IS GOING ON 3 WEEKS AND I WAS TOLD JUST TOLD IT WOULD BE IN BY 7/9 I DON'T BELIEVE IT. ATTEMPTED E-MAILS TO NI…
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AT 24,000 MILES THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD TO BE REPLACED, IT TOOK OVER 6 WEEKS TO GET THE PART (IT WAS REPLACED AT 28,000 MILES). AGAIN AT 42,000 IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED SAME PROBLEM I WAS TOLD 5 DAYS TO GET THE PART IT IS GOING ON 3 WEEKS AND I WAS TOLD JUST TOLD IT WOULD BE IN BY 7/9 I DON'T BELIEVE IT. ATTEMPTED E-MAILS TO NISSIAN HAVE NEVER BEEN ANSWERED. THE CAR HAS NEVER EVEN BEEN OFF THE ROAD. ALL HIGHWAY MILES! NISSAN HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FOR SURE AND DON'T SEEM INTRESTED IN HELPING THE CONSUMER. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NISSIAN I OWN. VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
NHTSA ODI #10195330
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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