NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
845 reports75,000 miles · Jan 27, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE ECM FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE ECM FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V517000 (COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10379338
99,000 miles · Jan 27, 2011
Child SeatEngine And Engine Cooling
MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA HAD JUST UNDER 100,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP AND THERE WOULD BE NO POWER. I HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN AND THE RADIATOR HAD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION, DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION FOR ABOUT A 5,000 $ REPAIR. NISSAN OFFERED NO EXPLANATION OTHER THAN "IT HAPPENS", AND AFTER FURTHER…
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MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA HAD JUST UNDER 100,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP AND THERE WOULD BE NO POWER. I HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN AND THE RADIATOR HAD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION, DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION FOR ABOUT A 5,000 $ REPAIR. NISSAN OFFERED NO EXPLANATION OTHER THAN "IT HAPPENS", AND AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH, FOUND THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY CASE OF THIS HAPPENING. LUCKILY FOR ME, I WAS ON A SECLUDED STATE ROAD WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FIRST SLIPPED. HAD I BEEN ON A FREEWAY, I WOULD HAVE LOST ALL POWER IN A BUSY AND UNSAFE LOCATION. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/XTERRA/2005/TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR_CAUSES_TRANSMISSION_FAILURE.SHTML. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10379274
74,243 miles · Jan 25, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IS BAD ON MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA IT IS THROWING A P0463 CODE AND AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND IT AN APPARENT PROBLEM IN MOST 2ND GENERATION XTERRA'S AND FRONTIERS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT TELLS THE GAUGE HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK AND SINCE IT IS NOW WORKING THE GAUGE IS NOT READING THE PRO…
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THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IS BAD ON MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA IT IS THROWING A P0463 CODE AND AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND IT AN APPARENT PROBLEM IN MOST 2ND GENERATION XTERRA'S AND FRONTIERS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT TELLS THE GAUGE HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK AND SINCE IT IS NOW WORKING THE GAUGE IS NOT READING THE PROPER AMOUNT OF GAS WHICH CAN LEAD TO A ACCIDENT WHEN THE VEHICLE RUNS OUT OF FUEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378704
81,000 miles · Jan 24, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE STAYS AT EMPTY AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COME ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378521
110,000 miles · Jan 20, 2011
Power Train
DRIVING OF VEHICLE HAS RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THERE APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE COOLING SYSTEM TO LEAK ONTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING FAILURE. THE ONLY OPTION IS REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378081
119,000 miles · Jan 19, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILED ON MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I NEEDED TO WALK APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES ON HIGHWAY TO CONTACT A TOW TRUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10377921
73,000 miles · Jan 18, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
2005 XTERRA WITH 60,000, P0463 COMPUTER ERROR, WHICH IS THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT. (SENSOR A, CIRCUIT HIGH INPUT)
NHTSA ODI #10377738
68,000 miles · Jan 18, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineCrash
2005 NISSAN XTERRA STALLED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK WHILE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE HAD STRUCK A STEEL BEAM CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS MISREADING, SHOWING MY TRUCK HAD GAS WHILE IN REALITY IT WAS EMPTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10377124
84,000 miles · Jan 18, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
*** IPDM AND DOUBLE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE IN 2005 NISSAN XTERRA *** MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA ENGINE ONCE SHUT DOWN AS I AM DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET; I HAD TO LET THE XTERRA COAST A SHORT DISTANCE WITHOUT POWER TO PULL OVER AND STOP MY SUV TO THE SIDE OF A SAFER SECTION OF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESTART THE CAR…
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*** IPDM AND DOUBLE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE IN 2005 NISSAN XTERRA *** MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA ENGINE ONCE SHUT DOWN AS I AM DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET; I HAD TO LET THE XTERRA COAST A SHORT DISTANCE WITHOUT POWER TO PULL OVER AND STOP MY SUV TO THE SIDE OF A SAFER SECTION OF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESTART THE CAR. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 15 MINUTES, I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE THE SUV. THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER NEVER WENT AWAY. PERIODICALLY THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. IT FINALLY GOT TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TWICE, INCLUDING A TOW TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SANTA MONICA. THE INCIDENT BEGAN IN APRIL 2010. IN MAY 2010, THE NISSAN DEALER IN SANTA MONICA CHECKED THE PROBLEM AND INDICATED THAT THE IPDM HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. SHORTLY AFTER THE IPDM WAS REPLACED, 1 OF 2 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN THE XTERRA FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. 6 MONTHS LATER (DECEMBER 2010), THE OTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. I BELIEVE THE IPDM ISSUE IS SEVERE. I BELIEVE THE IPDM ISSUE IS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH (AND LIKELY TO BE THE CAUSE OF) THE FAILURE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN THE VEHICLE. IN MY CASE, IT IS DOUBLE FAILURE SINCE BOTH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED 6 MONTHS APART FROM EACH OTHER. FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10377106
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WAS READING INACCURATELY AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH GASOLINE WAS ACTUALLY IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V075000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WAS READING INACCURATELY AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH GASOLINE WAS ACTUALLY IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V075000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND CONCLUDED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHILCE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10375595
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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