NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
780 reports110,000 miles · Feb 20, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteering
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AND FOUND OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. EVEN AFTER COMPLETELY FILLING THE FUEL TANK UP THE GAUGE SHOWS "E", EMPTY. IT WILL, ON OCCASION, SHOW 1/4 TANK WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IS LOW. DUE TO THIS MY VEHICLE HAS RUN OUT OF GAS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN VARIOUS LOCATI…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AND FOUND OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. EVEN AFTER COMPLETELY FILLING THE FUEL TANK UP THE GAUGE SHOWS "E", EMPTY. IT WILL, ON OCCASION, SHOW 1/4 TANK WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IS LOW. DUE TO THIS MY VEHICLE HAS RUN OUT OF GAS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND OFTEN I HAVE MY CHILD IN THE CAR WITH ME. I HAVE HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF TRAFFIC ON BUSY STREETS DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF GAS AND ME NOT BEING ABLE TO KNOW I AM RUNNING LOW ON GAS. IT IS VERY SCARY AND QUITE DANGEROUS. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH NISSAN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AS THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE FOR THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE, BUT THEY STATE TO ME THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL INTO THE RECALL. I AM TOLD THAT THE RECALL IS FOR THE SAME YEAR VEHICLE BUT NOT ALL MODELS. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FIXED AND AM STUCK WITH THE ISSUE. I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH BOTH THE SELLER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE NISSAN CORPORATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10689606
62,000 miles · Feb 1, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
FAULTY RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NISSAN WILL NOT COVER FOR DAMAGE ,VEHICLE SUDDENLY DIES WHILE DRIVING,VERY MUCH KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10680324
112,056 miles · Jan 31, 2015
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY VEHICLE STARTED TO TREMBLE AND SHUDDER AT SPEEDS ABOVE 30-40 MPH. EVENTUALLY AFTER MUCH HESITATION AND LOUD ENGINE REVVING I DECIDED TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. TURNED IT BACK ON AND GOT ABOUT A FEW HUNDRED FEET DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION WASN'T RESPONSIVE …
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DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY VEHICLE STARTED TO TREMBLE AND SHUDDER AT SPEEDS ABOVE 30-40 MPH. EVENTUALLY AFTER MUCH HESITATION AND LOUD ENGINE REVVING I DECIDED TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. TURNED IT BACK ON AND GOT ABOUT A FEW HUNDRED FEET DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION WASN'T RESPONSIVE WITH THE ENGINE CAUSING ME TO CUT SOMEONE OFF JUST TO PULL OF THE ROAD SAFELY. I HAVE HEARD THE COMMON ISSUE WITH NISSAN'S TRANSMISSION/COOLANT CONTAMINATION AND DECIDED TO LOOK FURTHER INTO THE ISSUE AFTER GETTING TOWED HOME. $100 DOWN THE DRAIN. SURE ENOUGH MY COOLANT RESERVOIR AND RADIATOR CAP WERE SMOTHERED IN A THICK GOOP KNOWN AS THE INFAMOUS "SMOD". THERE IS TRANS FLUID MIXED INTO MY COOLANT AND MORE THAN LIKELY, COOLANT IN MY TRANSMISSION. THIS IS DESIGN FLAW IN NISSAN. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RESOLVED COMPLETELY BY NISSAN WITH NO FAULT TO THEIR DEDICATED CUSTOMERS. WARRANTIES NEED TO BE EXTENDED PAST 100K BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN THE ISSUE IS OCCURRING IN MOST XTERRA, PATHFINDER, AND FRONTIERS. I'LL BE DAMNED IF NISSAN ONLY PARTIALLY COVER MY COST REPAIR LEAVING THE BULK TO ME. I AM A STUDENT WORKING A FULL TIME JOB TRYING TO PAY FOR THEIR EDUCATION BIT BY BIT. THIS IS NOT WHAT OTHERS IN SIMILAR SITUATION NEED TO DEAL WITH AND NEITHER DO I. REMEMBER, NISSAN IS ONLY SUCCESSFUL AND WEALTHY BECAUSE OF US, THE CONSUMER. GIVE BACK TO THOSE WHO HELPED YOU BUILD A REPUTABLE AUTO MANUFACTURER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10680238
121,000 miles · Jan 28, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10679534
115,000 miles · Jan 28, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
FOR A CRACKED RADIATOR THE COOLANT LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION DESTROYING IT. THE COST OF REPAIR IS AROUND $ 6,000. THE NISSAN DEALER TO NOT WANT TO ASSUME THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10679394
55,000 miles · Jan 22, 2015
Suspension
THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY FAILED PREMATURELY, LEFT AT 55000 AND THE RIGHT AT 62000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10678376
100,000 miles · Jan 16, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, TOOK CAR TO LOCAL SHOP TO READ CODES, SHOWED FUEL SENSOR ISSUE. GAS GAUGE IS ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT SHOWS FULL WHEN EMPTY, EMPTY WHEN FULL, AND SOME IN BETWEEN. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE, MY VIN # SHOWS NO RECALLS OR NONE THAT ARE COVERED OVER 72K MILES?? WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT IN NISSAN! WOULD H…
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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, TOOK CAR TO LOCAL SHOP TO READ CODES, SHOWED FUEL SENSOR ISSUE. GAS GAUGE IS ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT SHOWS FULL WHEN EMPTY, EMPTY WHEN FULL, AND SOME IN BETWEEN. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE, MY VIN # SHOWS NO RECALLS OR NONE THAT ARE COVERED OVER 72K MILES?? WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT IN NISSAN! WOULD HATE TO RUN OUT OF GAS IN -29 DEGREES WITH THE KIDS AND FREEZE TRYING TO GET HOME BUT I GUESS THAT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND "NOT WORTH MENTIONING". *TR
NHTSA ODI #10673065
122,000 miles · Jan 14, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
TRANSMISSION GOING OUT DUE TO A PROBLEM THAT MANY OTHERS SEEM TO BE HAVING AS WELL. SEE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/XTERRA/2006/TRANSMISSION/COOLANT_LEAKED_INTO_TRANSMISSION.SHTML
NHTSA ODI #10672555
75,000 miles · Jan 8, 2015
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL SENDING UNIT IS FAULTY, CAUSING TRUCK TO STALL ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY TWICE WITH NO WARNING (WHILE SHOWING THERE WAS STILL GAS, BUT TANK EMPTY). DRIVING WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD SON AND ALMOST BEING CRASHED INTO BECAUSE OF THIS HAZARD. NISSAN HAD A RECALL OUT ON FEW VIN #'S IN WHICH MINE WAS SUPPOSEDLY NOT INCLUDED. NISSAN SAYS THE…
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FUEL SENDING UNIT IS FAULTY, CAUSING TRUCK TO STALL ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY TWICE WITH NO WARNING (WHILE SHOWING THERE WAS STILL GAS, BUT TANK EMPTY). DRIVING WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD SON AND ALMOST BEING CRASHED INTO BECAUSE OF THIS HAZARD. NISSAN HAD A RECALL OUT ON FEW VIN #'S IN WHICH MINE WAS SUPPOSEDLY NOT INCLUDED. NISSAN SAYS THEY ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS TO BE COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE WHEN I LOOK IT UP. THE REPAIR COSTS AROUND $600 TO FIX. MY TRUCK HAS FAILED INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE, SO NOW IN ORDER FOR ME TO DRIVE AND NOT BE PULLED OVER, I HAVE TO SOMEHOW GATHER $600 TOGETHER TO FIX THIS. I'M A SINGLE PARENT WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS, AND AS I SEE ALL OVER THE INTERNET, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS SAME PART MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE SAME VEHICLE. DOESN'T SOUND PROPER TO ME WHEN IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10671115
110,000 miles · Jan 3, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION DAMAGE ATTRIBUTED TO CONTAMINATION BY ENGINE COOLANT. THE SOURCE OF THE CONTAMINATION IS A CRACKED ATF LINE THAT RUNS THROUGH AN ENGINE COOLANT CHAMBER IN THE RADIATOR.MY 2006 XTERRA HAS HAD SAME ISSUE.TRANS AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10669810
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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