NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
845 reports63,000 miles · Jul 26, 2008
EquipmentFuel System, Gasoline
THIS VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE, GAS TANK, FUEL PUMP...WHATEVER! THIS IS THE 3RD GAS TANK AND FUEL PUMP FOR A 2005 MODEL! THE FIRST TIME, AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. NOW AFTER LESS THAN 3 YRS OWNERSHIP, WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND WE HAVE TO PAY ALMOST 600.00! OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS EXTREME…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE, GAS TANK, FUEL PUMP...WHATEVER! THIS IS THE 3RD GAS TANK AND FUEL PUMP FOR A 2005 MODEL! THE FIRST TIME, AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. NOW AFTER LESS THAN 3 YRS OWNERSHIP, WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND WE HAVE TO PAY ALMOST 600.00! OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS EXTREME MAINTENANCE FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS/PARTS ON A 3 YR OLD VEHICLE! NISSAN SHOULD PAY FOR THESE PARTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235873
51,000 miles · Jul 24, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
TODAY, I PUT A FULL TANK OF GAS IN MY CAR BUT MY GAS GAUGE SHOWED THAT IT WAS 1/4 FULL. I HAD AN ARGUMENT WITH THE GAS STATION CLERK THAT THEY RIPPED ME OFF. SINCE IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT I WASN'T ABLE TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGERS OF THAT STATION. I DECIDED TO DRIVE TO ANOTHER GAS STATION TO SEE IF I COULD FILL IT UP, BUT ALL OF SUDDE…
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TODAY, I PUT A FULL TANK OF GAS IN MY CAR BUT MY GAS GAUGE SHOWED THAT IT WAS 1/4 FULL. I HAD AN ARGUMENT WITH THE GAS STATION CLERK THAT THEY RIPPED ME OFF. SINCE IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT I WASN'T ABLE TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGERS OF THAT STATION. I DECIDED TO DRIVE TO ANOTHER GAS STATION TO SEE IF I COULD FILL IT UP, BUT ALL OF SUDDEN, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TURNS ON AND NOW THE GAUGE WAS COMPLETELY DOWN WITH THE LIGHT ON. THE ONLY WAY FOR ME TO KNOW THAT MY TANK IS FULL IS TO TRY TO FILL IT UP AGAIN. BUT, BECAUSE IT WAS FULL, THE TANK WAS NOT ALLOWING ANYMORE GAS. I DECIDED TO DO A BRIEF RESEARCH TO FIND THAT MANY OTHERS HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. IT'S A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA WITH 50,000 MILES. MOST OF THE PEOPLE ONLINE INDICATED THAT THEY ALSO HAVE THE SIMILAR PROBLEM AT THE SIMILAR MILEAGE COSTING THEM OVER 500 DOLLARS IN REPAIR. NOW THAT THE GAUGE IS DISABLED, I WOULDN'T KNOW WHEN MY TANK WILL BE EMPTIED. I COULD BE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY OR SOMEWHERE IN THE WILDERNESS WITHOUT ANY GAS. PEOPLE ONLINE WERE SAYING ITS PART OF THE SENSOR IN THE CAR WHICH WAS MADE FAULTY FOR MANY OF THE NISSAN TRUCKS AND SUV'S. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A BAD MOVE BY NISSAN AND I WILL DEFINITELY WANT THEM TO HAVE A RECALL. IT IS UNFAIR FOR CONSUMERS TO BE PAYING EXTRA 400-600 DOLLARS TO REPLACE A FAULTY ITEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235588
55,200 miles · Jul 21, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
I OWN A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA THAT CONTINUES TO DISPLAY "CHECK ENGINE SOON". I TOOK IT TO GET CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THAT MY FUEL SENSOR NEEDS TO REPLACED. AS SOON AS MY FUEL TANK REACHES 1/2 WAY EMPTY IT GOES DIRECTLY TO EMPTY!!! I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE IN MY TANK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235231
61,000 miles · Jul 15, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, Other
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 61,000 MILES AND JUST WENT OVER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. LOOKING IT UP ON THE INTERNET, SOUNDS LIKE A MAJOR DEFECT AS OTHER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234412
54,000 miles · Jul 8, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
ERROR CODE ON 2005 NISSAN XTERRA - P0643 HAS SHOWN UP ON MANY MODELS WITH THIS ENGINE. NOTED ON AN EMISSION INSPECTION FOR ANNUAL TX INSPECTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10233505
57,000 miles · Jul 3, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND FUEL SENSOR SENDING UNIT FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10233140
35,000 miles · Jun 11, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
FAULTY FUEL GAUGE SENSOR, REPAIR COST $650.00 36,200 MILES NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. NOTICED AT 35,000 PLUS MILES. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10230778
39,950 miles · May 14, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
FOLLOWING IS A COMPLAINT ALREADY FILED AND RECEIVED BY YOUR OFFICE: "I HAD 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS AND WENT TO FILL UP. AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK, I TURNED ON THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THE NEEDLE DID NOT REGISTER THE FULL TANK. AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD…
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FOLLOWING IS A COMPLAINT ALREADY FILED AND RECEIVED BY YOUR OFFICE: "I HAD 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS AND WENT TO FILL UP. AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK, I TURNED ON THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THE NEEDLE DID NOT REGISTER THE FULL TANK. AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A FUEL SENDING UNIT/SENSOR AND THAT IT WAS NO LONGER COVERED AFTER 30K MILES. AFTER RETURNING HOME AND DOING RESEARCH, I WENT ONLINE TO X.NISSANHELP.COM AFTER PERFORMING A SEARCH; I CAME ACROSS MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. APPARENTLY IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. A SIMILAR PROBLEM WAS FOUND ON THE 2000-2004 XTERRA MODELS AND A RECALL WAS PERFORMED WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP AFTER NOT GETTING ANY FUEL, POSING A GREAT DANGER. IT SEEMS THAT SOMETHING IN THE UNIT IS FAULTY AND WILL CORRODE OVER TIME. THERE IS A GENERAL CONSENSUS THAT EVERYONE WHO IS HAVING THE PROBLEM IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR OVER 2 YRS AND WITH AROUND 39K-49K. IF THIS PROBLEM EXISTED IN PREVIOUS MODELS, AND IT WAS RECALLED, THE 2005-2007 XTERRA, FRONTIERS, AND PATHFINDERS SHOULD GET THIS FIXED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER!! WHY WAIT FOR ACCIDENTS AND POSSIBLE DEATHS, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PROBLEM LIES IN AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE VEHICLE. COST OF REPAIR RANGES FROM $300-600. I HAD A VERY SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WHILE TRAVELING ACROSS THE COUNTRY WHEN MY ODOMETER HIT 39950+/- MILES. THIS IS EVIDENTIALLY A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE XTERRAS, PATHFINDERS AND TITANS ALL MADE BY NISSAN. WHILE THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AT FACE VALUE, A MISREADING OF THE FUEL GAUGE COULD VERY LIKELY PUT A LONE OCCUPANT IN A VERY BAD SITUATION LEADING TO ANY NUMBER OF THREATENING SITUATIONS. THE FACT THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, YET REFUSES TO ADDRESS IT REGARDLESS OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES WOULD SEEM TO INDICATE, AT THE VERY LEAST , A DISREGARD FOR THEIR CUSTOMER'S SAFETY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227790
60,000 miles · May 11, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
2005 NISSAN XTERRA, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AT 1/4 TANK OF FUEL. GIVES TROUBLE CODE P0463. AFTER CHECKING WITH OTHER OWNERS ON INTERNET, THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM THAT THE MANUFACTURE IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227388
38,985 miles · May 10, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
I HAD 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS AND WENT TO FILL UP. AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK, I TURNED ON THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THE NEEDLE DID NOT REGISTER THE FULL TANK. AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A FUEL SENDING UNIT/SENSOR AND THAT IT WAS NO LONGER C…
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I HAD 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS AND WENT TO FILL UP. AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK, I TURNED ON THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THE NEEDLE DID NOT REGISTER THE FULL TANK. AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A FUEL SENDING UNIT/SENSOR AND THAT IT WAS NO LONGER COVERED AFTER 30K MILES. AFTER RETURNING HOME AND DOING RESEARCH, I WENT ONLINE TO X.NISSANHELP.COM AFTER PERFORMING A SEARCH, I CAME ACROSS MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. APPARENTLY IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. A SIMILAR PROBLEM WAS FOUND ON THE 2000-2004 XTERRA MODELS AND A RECALL WAS PERFORMED WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP AFTER NOT GETTING ANY FUEL, POSING A GREAT DANGER. IT SEEMS THAT SOMETHING IN THE UNIT IS FAULTY AND WILL CORRODE OVER TIME. THERE IS A GENERAL CONSENSUS THAT EVERYONE WHO IS HAVING THE PROBLEM IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR OVER 2 YRS AND WITH AROUND 39K-49K. IF THIS PROBLEM EXISTED IN PREVIOUS MODELS, AND IT WAS RECALLED, THE 2005-2007 XTERRAS, FRONTIERS, AND PATHFINDERS SHOULD GET THIS FIXED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER!! WHY WAIT FOR ACCIDENTS AND POSSIBLE DEATHS, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PROBLEM LIES IN AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE VEHICLE. COST OF REPAIR RANGES FROM $300-600. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227227
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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