NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
845 reports76,000 miles · Apr 21, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS DEFECTIVE AS IT WOULD INDICATE THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND SUDDENLY INDICATE THAT IT WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS DEFECTIVE AS IT WOULD INDICATE THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND SUDDENLY INDICATE THAT IT WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGES WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10326820
40,000 miles · Apr 20, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
INACCURATE FUEL GAUGE LEADING TO INACCURATE FUEL READINGS; THE GAUGE MAY SHOW GAS LEFT WHEN TANK IS ACTUALLY EMPTY OR VICE VERSA; ALL DIGITAL DASH READINGS AND COMPONENTS SHORT OUT OR COMPLETELY STOP WORKING INCLUDING MILEAGE READINGS; HAVE TO CONTINUALLY FILL UP WITH GAS TO ENSURE I HAVE ENOUGH TO RUN THE VEHICLE; I HAVE RUN OU…
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INACCURATE FUEL GAUGE LEADING TO INACCURATE FUEL READINGS; THE GAUGE MAY SHOW GAS LEFT WHEN TANK IS ACTUALLY EMPTY OR VICE VERSA; ALL DIGITAL DASH READINGS AND COMPONENTS SHORT OUT OR COMPLETELY STOP WORKING INCLUDING MILEAGE READINGS; HAVE TO CONTINUALLY FILL UP WITH GAS TO ENSURE I HAVE ENOUGH TO RUN THE VEHICLE; I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE TRAVELING AT 80 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY SEVERAL TIMES, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD; I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN TRAVELING WITH ME AND DO NOT NEED TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BUT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER A YEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326571
49,000 miles · Apr 16, 2010
Fuel System, Other
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT ACCURATELY DISPLAY THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THIS FAILURE IS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE IN RECALL 10V074000 (COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: STORAGE: FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM). THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT ACCURATELY DISPLAY THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THIS FAILURE IS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE IN RECALL 10V074000 (COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: STORAGE: FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000.
NHTSA ODI #10325971
73,000 miles · Apr 16, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA HAS A FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM WHICH CAUSES THE GAUGE TO NOT DISPLAY THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. IT CAN SHOW EMPTY AFTER A FILL UP. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS WILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325941
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
47,000 miles · Apr 14, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR DROPPED FROM ONE HALF TANK TO EMPTY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND FUEL GAUGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR DROPPED FROM ONE HALF TANK TO EMPTY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND FUEL GAUGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 05/19/1. *LJ UPDATED 06/03/10*BF UPDATED 06/10/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10325744
68,000 miles · Apr 10, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
I OWN A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. I USED A CODE READER TO READ THE PROBLEM AND IT STATED IT WAS THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILING. I CLEARED THE CODE FROM THE COMPUTER AND FILLED MY GAS TANK AND THE LEVELS SEEMED HALF WAY ACCURATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ONCE MORE JUST RECENTLY…
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I OWN A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. I USED A CODE READER TO READ THE PROBLEM AND IT STATED IT WAS THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILING. I CLEARED THE CODE FROM THE COMPUTER AND FILLED MY GAS TANK AND THE LEVELS SEEMED HALF WAY ACCURATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ONCE MORE JUST RECENTLY. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE A FAULTY FUEL SENSOR GAUGE THAT IS AN ALL IN ONE FUEL PUMP, FILTER, AND SENSOR UNIT. FEEL FREE TO RESEARCH THIS YOURSELF. NISSAN HAS HAD FUEL PUMP AND FILTER ISSUES WITH 2005+ TRUCK/ SUV MODELS. I BELIEVE THEY RECALLED THEM IN THE EASTERN US, BUT NOT HERE IN THE WEST. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT IT IS A DEFECTIVE PART ON THE CAR. THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND IS A "WEAR AND TEAR" ITEM. THIS IS RIDICULOUS! IT IS A PART THAT SHOULD LAST OVER 125K MILES... BUT NOT. THEY NEED TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY CREATED. IT WILL COST ME $600 DOLLARS TO FIX IT! IN THIS ECONOMY ITS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME! BASICALLY YOU CAN RUN OUT OF FUEL ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME IF THE SENSOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR CAUSE YOU TO GET STRANDED IN A BAD PART OF TOWN. BOTH OF WHICH ARE LIFE THREATENING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324878
47,000 miles · Apr 9, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL SENDING UNIT PROBLEM. FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY NO MATTER WHAT FUEL LEVEL ACTUALLY IS. THIS TURNS ON SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND LOW FUEL LEVEL LIGHT. CODE READ RELATES TO LOW FUEL. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AT THIS TIME. FROM READING POSTS ONLINE THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON AMONG MANY NISSAN VEHICLES THOUGH THE …
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FUEL SENDING UNIT PROBLEM. FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY NO MATTER WHAT FUEL LEVEL ACTUALLY IS. THIS TURNS ON SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND LOW FUEL LEVEL LIGHT. CODE READ RELATES TO LOW FUEL. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AT THIS TIME. FROM READING POSTS ONLINE THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON AMONG MANY NISSAN VEHICLES THOUGH THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR IF VEHICLE IS PAST 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324745
80,000 miles · Apr 7, 2010
Fuel System, Other
P0463 CODE SHOWED UP ON MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. 80,000 MILES. HAVE CLEARED THE CODE TWICE, AND CEL KEEPS POPPING UP WITH CODE P0463. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324140
53,000 miles · Apr 6, 2010
Suspension
DURING INSPECTION WAS TOLD THAT FRONT HUB BEARING FAILED. NISSAN UNABLE TO GET PART DUE TO HIGH VOLUME OF REPLACEMENTS MAKING ME THINK THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT. IN FACT MY TRUCK IS OFF ROAD UNTIL NEW PART IS MANUFACTURED. VEHICLE IS 2005 NISSAN XTERRA FWD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324097
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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