NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
780 reports89,000 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…
Read full complaint
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
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
CPSC: I1340159A. NISSAN XTERRA. CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, IS RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. *LN
NHTSA ODI #10512160
45,000 miles · May 13, 2013
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAG LIGHT HAD FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO CHANGE THE BULBS MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ON HIS OWN BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER W…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAG LIGHT HAD FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO CHANGE THE BULBS MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ON HIS OWN BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10511647
131,000 miles · May 9, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYS THE FUEL LEVEL INCORRECTLY DUE TO THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT SENSOR BEING FAULTY. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT TO COME ON. SINCE THE FUEL GAUGE READS INCORRECTLY, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS Y…
Read full complaint
THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYS THE FUEL LEVEL INCORRECTLY DUE TO THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT SENSOR BEING FAULTY. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT TO COME ON. SINCE THE FUEL GAUGE READS INCORRECTLY, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS YEARS OF NISSAN VEHICLES. I SPOKE WITH A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THEY WOULD HAVE TO COMPLETELY UNINSTALL THE FUEL MODULE TO REPAIR THE ISSUE AND WOULD COST $900. WHEN I CALL THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP (CONTINENTAL NISSAN ANCHORAGE) THEY SAY THEY THERE ISN'T A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10511331
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…
Read full complaint
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
82,500 miles · May 5, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
THE 2006 NISSAN XTERRA RAN OUT OF GASOLINE DUE TO FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. THE GAUGE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND FINALLY HAS COMPLETELY FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE HOW MUCH FUEL IS STILL IN THE FUEL TANK. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS FOUR TIMES. I TRY MY BEST TO GAUGE THE LEVEL OF FUEL BY USING CALC…
Read full complaint
THE 2006 NISSAN XTERRA RAN OUT OF GASOLINE DUE TO FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. THE GAUGE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND FINALLY HAS COMPLETELY FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE HOW MUCH FUEL IS STILL IN THE FUEL TANK. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS FOUR TIMES. I TRY MY BEST TO GAUGE THE LEVEL OF FUEL BY USING CALCULATIONS BASED ON HOW MUCH FUEL IS PUT INTO THE TANK AT THE GASOLINE PUMP, BUT THAT METHOD HAS PROVEN TO BE QUESTIONABLE AT BEST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510688
82,000 miles · May 5, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THIS 2006 NISSAN XTERRA PROBLEM HAS CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, LURCHES IN ACCELERATION, NEAR-STALLS, AND UNCERTAINTY ABOUT RELIABILITY OF VEHICLE IN TAKING TRIPS. THE PROBLEMS CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AND WE HAVE DETERMINED THAT IT IS CAUSED BY ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND VICE VERSA. THERE …
Read full complaint
THIS 2006 NISSAN XTERRA PROBLEM HAS CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, LURCHES IN ACCELERATION, NEAR-STALLS, AND UNCERTAINTY ABOUT RELIABILITY OF VEHICLE IN TAKING TRIPS. THE PROBLEMS CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AND WE HAVE DETERMINED THAT IT IS CAUSED BY ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND VICE VERSA. THERE IS VERY VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF THE COOLANT BEING IN THE TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE RADIATOR. I HAVE CHECKED BOTH OF THESE AND THERE IS NO MISTAKING IT. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE TWO TRIPS BECAUSE OF BEING AFRAID OF THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILING AND LEAVING ME AND MY FAMILY STRANDED IN A REMOTE AREA DURING THE TRIP, NOT TO MENTION MY EVERYDAY DRIVING THAT IS REQUIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510687
107,000 miles · May 1, 2013
Power Train
TRANSMISSION IS FAILING BECAUSE OF DEFECT IN RADIATOR THAT ALLOWS COOLANT IN TO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510295
82,000 miles · Apr 16, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
RECEIVED MESSAGE P0463 ON MY CAR. THIS IS FOR A FAULTY FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A FAULTY FACTORY EQUIPMENT PIECE ON THIS MODEL/CAR AND THEREFORE, I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL. COST IS CLOSE TO $600.00 AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508411
98,000 miles · Apr 14, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
IN DEC 2012 I HAD TO TAKE MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA TO THE GARAGE, THERE I WAS TOLD THAT MY RADIATOR HAD CRACKED IN 3 PLACES AND THAT I HAD COOLANT IN MY TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED SEVERAL TIME. THEN ON APRIL 10 I WAS DRIVING HOME. WHILE GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE MY CHECK ENGINE LIG…
Read full complaint
IN DEC 2012 I HAD TO TAKE MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA TO THE GARAGE, THERE I WAS TOLD THAT MY RADIATOR HAD CRACKED IN 3 PLACES AND THAT I HAD COOLANT IN MY TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED SEVERAL TIME. THEN ON APRIL 10 I WAS DRIVING HOME. WHILE GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO GO (LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING ANY GAS). TOOK THE XTERRA BACK TO THE GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REBUILD OR REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. I FEEL THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO DO RECALLS AND REIMBURSE EVERYONE THAT HAS ALREADY HAD THIS PROBLEM. IF THEY WERE ANY KIND OF "GOOD" COMPANY THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY WOULD DO! VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508163
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.
Illustration