NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
104 reportsClear category filter105,000 miles · Nov 4, 2013
EnginePower Train
I WAS COASTING ON THE FREEWAY AT AROUND 50 MILES, WAS IN LOW RPM ABOUT 2500. I HIT THE GAS TO CHANGE LANES AND AS SOON AS I DID, I HAVE NO POWER TO THE BACK WHEELS. MY ENGINE RPM SHOT UP AND FELT AS IF I WAS IN THE NEUTRAL. EASED OFF IMMEDIATELY AND TRIED GASSING IT VERY LIGHTLY. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT OFF THE FREEWAY; HOWEVER, I…
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I WAS COASTING ON THE FREEWAY AT AROUND 50 MILES, WAS IN LOW RPM ABOUT 2500. I HIT THE GAS TO CHANGE LANES AND AS SOON AS I DID, I HAVE NO POWER TO THE BACK WHEELS. MY ENGINE RPM SHOT UP AND FELT AS IF I WAS IN THE NEUTRAL. EASED OFF IMMEDIATELY AND TRIED GASSING IT VERY LIGHTLY. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT OFF THE FREEWAY; HOWEVER, I COULD NOT GAS IT PAST THE 2500RPMS . VERY SCARY ON THE FREEWAY, LUCKY I HAVE GREAT REFLEXES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND VERIFIED IT IS A LEAKAGE FROM THE RADIATOR TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550844
104,000 miles · Nov 2, 2013
EnginePower Train
MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA'S TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED DUE TO THE ISSUE OF CONTAMINATED TRANSMISSION FLUID / RADIATOR FLUID. IT STARTED TO EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS SHORTLY AFTER REACHING 100,000 MILES, WHICH IS JUST OUT OF REACH OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550629
93,000 miles · Sep 25, 2013
EnginePower Train
TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING HARD TIME TO ENGAGE, TOOK IT TO JB AUTOMECHANICS IN DES PLAINES, ILL TO FIND OUT THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID IS MIXING WITH COOLANT ON THE RADIATOR AND HAD POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION DAMAGES. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10545301
152,000 miles · Sep 6, 2013
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE TRANSM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE TRANSMISSION OR THE RADIATOR REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
NHTSA ODI #10542352
137,221 miles · Sep 2, 2013
Engine
NOTICED A COOLANT SMELL, LOSS IN POWER AND RUMBLE VIBRATION TYPE FEELING COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE. WENT AWAY AND CAME BACK. RESEARCHED SOME XTERRA FORUMS AND CAME ACROSS THE RADIATOR ISSUE LEAKING COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION. I OPENED CAP, SAW A REDDISH RIVER. DRAINED A 1/4 CUP AND ITS THE STRAWBERRY COLOR SHOWING THE…
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NOTICED A COOLANT SMELL, LOSS IN POWER AND RUMBLE VIBRATION TYPE FEELING COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE. WENT AWAY AND CAME BACK. RESEARCHED SOME XTERRA FORUMS AND CAME ACROSS THE RADIATOR ISSUE LEAKING COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION. I OPENED CAP, SAW A REDDISH RIVER. DRAINED A 1/4 CUP AND ITS THE STRAWBERRY COLOR SHOWING THE MIX. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10538428
96,500 miles · Aug 5, 2013
EnginePower Train
I HAD BEEN NOTICING A WHINING NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSMISSION 'FLARE' ON ACCELERATION FOR SOME TIME, BUT ONLY IN MARCH 2013 WAS IT DIAGNOSED AT 96K MILES BY THE DEALERSHIP AS FAULTY TIMING CHAIN GUIDES, A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 4 L ENGINE. THE DEALER SAID THE FAULTY PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SOON. I CONTACTED NISSAN USA CO…
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I HAD BEEN NOTICING A WHINING NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSMISSION 'FLARE' ON ACCELERATION FOR SOME TIME, BUT ONLY IN MARCH 2013 WAS IT DIAGNOSED AT 96K MILES BY THE DEALERSHIP AS FAULTY TIMING CHAIN GUIDES, A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 4 L ENGINE. THE DEALER SAID THE FAULTY PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SOON. I CONTACTED NISSAN USA CONSUMER AFFAIRS ABOUT HAVING NISSAN PARTIALLY COVER THE COST OF REPLACING THE FAULTY PARTS. DESPITE HAVING THE DEALERSHIP'S ORIGINAL REPORT AND ESTIMATE, NISSAN'S REGIONAL REP INSISTED THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO RECONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS, WHICH WAS DONE. THE REP THEN REFUSED TO RETURN MY CALLS, AND DID NOT RESPOND TO DEALERSHIP QUERIES ABOUT THE REPAIRS EITHER. THE ENGINE NOISE WAS GETTING WORSE, AND FEARING A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, I HAD THE DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER SAID THE TIMING CHAIN WAS SLAPPING AND ABOUT TO FAIL. THE DEALERSHIP URGED ME TO REPORT THE PROBLEM TO APPROPRIATE FEDERAL, LOCAL AND NISSAN OFFICIALS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10533752
120,000 miles · May 28, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion System
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. HAD DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER ON 29 NOV 2012. AGAIN ON MAY 2013 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND AGAIN IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN. TOTAL COST OF BOTH REPLACEMENTS WAS IN EX…
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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. HAD DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER ON 29 NOV 2012. AGAIN ON MAY 2013 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND AGAIN IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN. TOTAL COST OF BOTH REPLACEMENTS WAS IN EXCESS OF $1900.00. CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, SAID THAT WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. HAD CONVERTER REPLACED AT NISSAN DEALER THE FIRST TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513810
89,000 miles · May 16, 2013
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JOLTED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WOULD BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JOLTED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WOULD BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. ...UPDATED 07-10-13 *BF UPDATED 07/11/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10512365
99,000 miles · May 6, 2013
EnginePower Train
XTERRA BEGAN TO FEEL SLUGGISH AND WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS APPROPRIATELY (IT IS AN AUTOMATIC), AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE OF MILES. RETURNED HOME TO CHECK FLUIDS AND FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID DID NOT LOOK 'RIGHT'. CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER/SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS CROSS CONTAMINATION OF RAD…
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XTERRA BEGAN TO FEEL SLUGGISH AND WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS APPROPRIATELY (IT IS AN AUTOMATIC), AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE OF MILES. RETURNED HOME TO CHECK FLUIDS AND FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID DID NOT LOOK 'RIGHT'. CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER/SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS CROSS CONTAMINATION OF RADIATOR FLUID WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE CAUSE WAS THAT THE RADIATOR HAD FAILED. CORRECTION REQUIRED IS THAT THE RADIATOR AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF $8438.43. I WAS TOLD THAT NISSAN WOULD COVER 70% OF THE COST OF THE REPAIR, HOWEVER REQUIRED THAT I PAY $3000 DOLLARS UP FRONT BEFORE THEY WOULD EVEN ORDER THE PARTS. ONCE I GAVE THEM THE $3000 BY CREDIT CARD BECAUSE A CHECK WAS ACCEPTED, I WAS TOLD IT WILL TAKE THREE WEEKS FOR THE PARTS TO ARRIVE AND THEN ANOTHER TWO DAYS FOR THE INSTALLATION. IN ADDITION, MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE RADIATOR IS NOT A COVERED PART ACCORDING TO THE WARRANTY. THE FINE PRINT STATES THAT IF A NON-COVERED PART CAUSES A COVERED PART TO BE DAMAGED THEN THEY DO NOT COVER THE COVERED PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510799
107,663 miles · Apr 10, 2013
EnginePower Train
KNOW RADIATOR LEAK INTO TRANSMISSION. NISSAN REFUSES TO PAY ON EXTENDED WARRANTY TO REPAIR. MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE IS $7,300.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10505813
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.
Mar 3, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 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.
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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