NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
780 reports105,000 miles · Jul 19, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND DRIVING MY CAR IT STARTED DRIVING LIKE IN NEUTRAL SO I HAD MY CAR TOWED AND THE SHOP TOLD ME THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR HOSE THAT CAUSED FLUID TO GO INTO TRANSMISSION AND RUINED IT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALER AND THEY SAID YES THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS AND HAD ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARR…
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I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND DRIVING MY CAR IT STARTED DRIVING LIKE IN NEUTRAL SO I HAD MY CAR TOWED AND THE SHOP TOLD ME THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR HOSE THAT CAUSED FLUID TO GO INTO TRANSMISSION AND RUINED IT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALER AND THEY SAID YES THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS AND HAD ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 80,000 MILES MY CAR HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT SO IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED. I FELT SINCE THEY CLEARLY HAD A DESIGN FLAW IN THE RADIATOR HOSE CONNECTION THAT COULD CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO GIVE OUT AND BE DANGEROUS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE. IT SHOULDN'T MATTER HOW MANY MILES YOU HAVE ON THE CAR IT WAS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN BY NISSAN AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND YOU WILL FIND MANY MANY PAGES OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A CAR COMPANY COULD BE AWARE OF A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR THAN NOT BUT NOT STAND BEHIND THE VEHICLE AND TAKE CARE OF IT REGARDLESS THE MILES. IT IS OVER $5,000 TO FIX AND IT IS WRONG FOR NISSAN NOT TO HAVE RECALLED THIS. WHY WHEN IT IS REPAIRED DOES THE NEW RADIATOR HAVE A DIFFERENT HOSE CONNECTION?? BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT WAS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN FIRST TIME AROUND. JUST WRONG, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413559
87,000 miles · Jul 18, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY DAUGHTER (17 YEARS OLD) WAS DRIVING THE 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. NO WARNING AND NO INDICATION OF FAILURE. NISSAN STATED THAT THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY WOULD WARRANTY IT IF IT WAS UNDER 80,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS 87,000 MILES AND THE…
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MY DAUGHTER (17 YEARS OLD) WAS DRIVING THE 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. NO WARNING AND NO INDICATION OF FAILURE. NISSAN STATED THAT THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY WOULD WARRANTY IT IF IT WAS UNDER 80,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS 87,000 MILES AND THE DEALER SAID THAT NO WARRANTY CAN BE GRANTED BUT THEY WOULD BE HAPPY TO TAKE A $5000 CHARGE TO FIX IT. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413402
76,000 miles · Jul 14, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND DISPLAYING IMPROPER READINGS. THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD DISPLAY AN EMPTY READING AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND DISPLAYING IMPROPER READINGS. THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD DISPLAY AN EMPTY READING AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSITANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA ODI #10412329
52,100 miles · Jul 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR FAILURE, RAN OUT OF GAS IN THE ROADWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10411750
95,000 miles · Jul 4, 2011
Power Train
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2007 AND HAVE HAD IT REGULARLY MAINTAINED SINCE THIS TIME. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I WAS IN FAIRLY HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS I STRUGGLED TO PULL IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD …
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I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2007 AND HAVE HAD IT REGULARLY MAINTAINED SINCE THIS TIME. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I WAS IN FAIRLY HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS I STRUGGLED TO PULL IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD IT TOWED INTO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE RADIATOR HAD CRACKED AND COOLANT HAD WORKED IT'S WAY INTO THE TRANSMISSION. I AM BEING TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WHICH WILL COST ME $5500 IN PARTS AND LABOR. IN ADDITION TO THIS, TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE ARE ON BACKORDER AND I MUST WAIT EVEN LONGER FOR THE REPAIRS. OF COURSE, I HAVE 95,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT MEANS I AM OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY COVERAGE. MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS LIKELY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND SERIOUSLY PUTS OWNERS AT RISK OF INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. I WISH NISSAN WOULD BE MORE ACCOMMODATING IN REIMBURSING THE REPAIRS AND WARNING OWNERS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10410416
72,000 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
DEFECTIVE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, NISSAN DOES COVER THIS UNDER WARRANTY BUT ONLY UP TO A 70,000 MILAGE LIMIT. IF PART IS DEFECTIVE IT SHOULD BE REPLACED REGARDLESS OF MILES. I CONTACTED NISSAN DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD SORRY, OVER MILEAGE CANNOT HELP. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD ENDANGER OCCUPANTS WITH INACCURATE FUEL AMOUNTS, I…
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DEFECTIVE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, NISSAN DOES COVER THIS UNDER WARRANTY BUT ONLY UP TO A 70,000 MILAGE LIMIT. IF PART IS DEFECTIVE IT SHOULD BE REPLACED REGARDLESS OF MILES. I CONTACTED NISSAN DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD SORRY, OVER MILEAGE CANNOT HELP. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD ENDANGER OCCUPANTS WITH INACCURATE FUEL AMOUNTS, I.E. UN-EXPECTANTLY RUN OUT OF FUEL IN THE MIDDLE NO-WHERE OR ON THE INTERSTATE. DOES IT BECOME LESS SAFE WITH MORE MILES, I WOULD THINK NOT. NISSAN SHOULD BE MADE TO MAKE THE REPAIRS REGARDLESS OF MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10410129
54,000 miles · Jun 27, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON DUE TO ERROR CODE P0463 (FUEL LEVEL SENSOR MALFUNCTION). BASED ON MY RESEARCH THIS HAPPENS TO AN UNUSUALLY HIGH NUMBER OF SECOND GENERATION NISSAN XTERRA OWNERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10408984
99,000 miles · Jun 13, 2011
Power Train
WHEN I DRIVE MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND IT HITS AROUND 2000RPMS, OR SOMETIMES AROUND 60 MPH IT STARTS TO VIBRATE. IT FEELS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE REAR BUT NOT SURE. IF I LET OFF THE GAS A SECOND IT WILL GO AWAY. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT OFTEN. I HAVE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED AND BALANCED. IT FEELS LIKE I AM DRIVIN…
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WHEN I DRIVE MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND IT HITS AROUND 2000RPMS, OR SOMETIMES AROUND 60 MPH IT STARTS TO VIBRATE. IT FEELS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE REAR BUT NOT SURE. IF I LET OFF THE GAS A SECOND IT WILL GO AWAY. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT OFTEN. I HAVE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED AND BALANCED. IT FEELS LIKE I AM DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10406171
92,000 miles · May 19, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY 2006 NISSAN X-TERRA TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FAILED RADIATOR COOLING LINES FOR TRANSMISSION FAILED AND LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION.$4,000 TO REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10402110
120,000 miles · May 15, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE A 2006 XTERRA THAT THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO MY TRANSMISSION. THE ONLY SOLUTION FROM THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WAS TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION ($5500), REBUILD OR TRADE VEHICLES. APPARENTLY THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT. THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS SO THIS PROBLEM…
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I HAVE A 2006 XTERRA THAT THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO MY TRANSMISSION. THE ONLY SOLUTION FROM THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WAS TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION ($5500), REBUILD OR TRADE VEHICLES. APPARENTLY THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT. THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS SO THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN AVOIDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10400915
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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