NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
845 reports99,634 miles · Mar 6, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AS I WAS DRIVING ACROSS THE CAUSEWAY AND ALMOST ENDED UP IN THE MARSH. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN WAS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BUT IT'S TO LATE FOR DAMAGES. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NISSAN…
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MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AS I WAS DRIVING ACROSS THE CAUSEWAY AND ALMOST ENDED UP IN THE MARSH. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN WAS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BUT IT'S TO LATE FOR DAMAGES. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NISSAN SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THESE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10692624
115,000 miles · Feb 24, 2015
Power Train
TRANSMISSION 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
NHTSA ODI #10690339
140,000 miles · Feb 10, 2015
Power Train
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 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
NHTSA ODI #10682482
102,000 miles · Feb 4, 2015
Power Train
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.
NHTSA ODI #10681226
118,000 miles · Jan 25, 2015
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
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
NHTSA ODI #10678755
116,922 miles · Jan 9, 2015
Air Bags
THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK IN THE DASH, AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR WAS NOT ENGAGED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10671299
88,000 miles · Jan 8, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury
I LOST CONTROL OF MY TRUCK ON BLACK ICE, TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH. AFTER SLIDING SIDEWAYS FOR A BIT, THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY A TREE, DIRECTLY INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE TREE CAUSED THE SIDE WINDOWS TO SMASH AND ABOUT A 8-10" INDENTATION INTO THE ROOF AND THE VEHICLE OCCUPANCY COMPARTMENT. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DI…
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I LOST CONTROL OF MY TRUCK ON BLACK ICE, TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH. AFTER SLIDING SIDEWAYS FOR A BIT, THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY A TREE, DIRECTLY INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE TREE CAUSED THE SIDE WINDOWS TO SMASH AND ABOUT A 8-10" INDENTATION INTO THE ROOF AND THE VEHICLE OCCUPANCY COMPARTMENT. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. LUCKILY THE DRIVER WINDOW SMASHED AWAY, AND MY HEAD DID NOT IMPACT THE WINDOW. ALSO, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE REAR SEAT, AGAIN, AS THERE WAS NO SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEFINITELY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN SUCH AN ACCIDENT. IN SHORT, THE SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10670919
138,000 miles · Jan 6, 2015
Power Train
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!
NHTSA ODI #10670521
135,000 miles · Jan 1, 2015
EnginePower Train
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
NHTSA ODI #10669474
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2014
Exterior Lighting
THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS ON THE 2005 & 2006 XTERRA ARE KNOWN TO CRACK AND MELT CAUSING FAILURES. REPLACING THE BULB WILL NOT LAST DUE TO THE CRACKED HOUSINGS. NISSAN IS NO LONGER PRODUCING THESE LIGHTS. THE LIGHTS WERE REDESIGNED FOR 2007. IN ORDER TO USE THE NEW STYLE LIGHTS, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR BUMPER FOR THE …
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THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS ON THE 2005 & 2006 XTERRA ARE KNOWN TO CRACK AND MELT CAUSING FAILURES. REPLACING THE BULB WILL NOT LAST DUE TO THE CRACKED HOUSINGS. NISSAN IS NO LONGER PRODUCING THESE LIGHTS. THE LIGHTS WERE REDESIGNED FOR 2007. IN ORDER TO USE THE NEW STYLE LIGHTS, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR BUMPER FOR THE LIGHTS TO FIT. THE REAR BUMPER COSTS $683.20 FOR THE PART ALONE. THE LIGHTING IS $40.20. YOU WOULD HAVE SPEND CLOSE TO $1000 IN PARTS AND LABOR FOR WORKING LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS THAT ARE FACTORY. THESE COSTS ARE UNACCEPTABLE TO KEEP A VEHICLE IN COMPLIANCE.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10668487
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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