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2007 Nissan Xterra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Xterra years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Nissan Xterra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

498 reports with mileage · 59 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 231 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 136 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports3 fire reports5 injury reports

Engine complaints

85 reports
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80,000 miles · May 24, 2014
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND MANY OTHER HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE FUEL SENSOR ON 2007 XTERRA. LAST GEN WAS RECALLED AND THEY NEED TO RECALL THIS YEAR. I HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE ALREADY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I AM ALSO HAVING A LOUD WINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAILED TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. BOTH …

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I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND MANY OTHER HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE FUEL SENSOR ON 2007 XTERRA. LAST GEN WAS RECALLED AND THEY NEED TO RECALL THIS YEAR. I HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE ALREADY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I AM ALSO HAVING A LOUD WINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAILED TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. BOTH THESE ITEMS NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593846

119,863 miles · Apr 29, 2014
EnginePower Train

FIRST NOTICED A STUTTERING WHEN DRIVING AND A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN MOVING THE SHIFTER FROM PARK TO REVERSE TO DRIVE IN FEBRUARY. ALSO EXPERIENCED NO HEAT AND OVER HEATING IN MARCH. UPON REPAIR OF THERMOSTAT, DRAINING THE RADIATOR SHOWED AN ACCUMULATION OF THICK GREY GUNK IN THE COOLANT. THERMOSTAT SEAL ITSELF WAS MELTED. HAD DE…

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FIRST NOTICED A STUTTERING WHEN DRIVING AND A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN MOVING THE SHIFTER FROM PARK TO REVERSE TO DRIVE IN FEBRUARY. ALSO EXPERIENCED NO HEAT AND OVER HEATING IN MARCH. UPON REPAIR OF THERMOSTAT, DRAINING THE RADIATOR SHOWED AN ACCUMULATION OF THICK GREY GUNK IN THE COOLANT. THERMOSTAT SEAL ITSELF WAS MELTED. HAD DEALER EVALUATE CLUNKING SOUND AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS INTERMIX (THE PROBLEM IDENTIFIED BY THE COOLANT) A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION COOLING COMPONENTS THAT ALLOWS THE COOLANT TO CONTAMINATE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAUSING TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. AS A RESULT OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT MILEAGE WAS OVER THE NISSAN WARRANTY LIMIT OF 100,000 EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM DID NOT MANIFEST UNTIL ALMOST 120,000 MILES. RECOMMENDED FIX WAS IN STAGES - 1) REPLACE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUSH $1200++ 2) IF PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED, REPLACE TRANSMISSION $4000++ HAVE TALKED WITH NISSAN CORPORATE TO NO AVAIL. CASE # IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS

NHTSA ODI #10585504

109,000 miles · Apr 22, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I HAVE A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA WHICH STARTED TO "STUTTER" AND HESITATE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS. THE CAR ALMOST FELT LIKE IT WAS SHUTTING OFF WHILE ON I-4 HIGHWAY. THE SHUTS DOWN AND WONT START. I HAD THE CAR CHECKING AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN MY RADIATOR AND THAT THE FLUID HAD LEAKED OVER INTO THE TRANSMISSION. I HA…

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I HAVE A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA WHICH STARTED TO "STUTTER" AND HESITATE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS. THE CAR ALMOST FELT LIKE IT WAS SHUTTING OFF WHILE ON I-4 HIGHWAY. THE SHUTS DOWN AND WONT START. I HAD THE CAR CHECKING AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN MY RADIATOR AND THAT THE FLUID HAD LEAKED OVER INTO THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED, A FEW MONTHS LATER, TRANSMISSION IS STILL NOT WORKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO NISSAN, THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION WHICH WOULD RUN ABOUT $5200. I CALLED THE NISSAN HEADQUARTERS AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE MY TRUCK WAS AT 109,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10584158

96,000 miles · Apr 20, 2014
EnginePower Train

FAILED TRANSMISSION COOLER-ENGINE JERKS AT SPEEDS 40 MPH AND HIGHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10583822

117,000 miles · Mar 14, 2014
EnginePower Train

AT 60MPH AND ALSO 40MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATES HEAVILY AND IS SLOW TO REACT TO POWER INPUTS WITH NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR. THIS WAS DETERMINED TO BE CAUSED BY THE KNOWN DEFECT RELATED TO THE RADIATOR / HEAT EXCHANGER, WHERE THE ENGINE COOLANT MIXES WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND GETS INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS THEN TURNS INTO A "…

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AT 60MPH AND ALSO 40MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATES HEAVILY AND IS SLOW TO REACT TO POWER INPUTS WITH NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR. THIS WAS DETERMINED TO BE CAUSED BY THE KNOWN DEFECT RELATED TO THE RADIATOR / HEAT EXCHANGER, WHERE THE ENGINE COOLANT MIXES WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND GETS INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS THEN TURNS INTO A "PINK MILKSHAKE" CONSISTENCY FLUID AND COMPLETELY RUINS THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AND VALVE ASSEMBLY. THIS REQUIRES A COMPLETE REBUILD OR REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THERE IS NO WARNING SIGN AND THIS AFFECTS THESE VEHICLES AT DIFFERENT RATES. THIS CAN CAUSE CARS TO SEIZE UP UNEXPECTEDLY IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR NISSAN TRUCKS MODEL YEAR 2005 - 2010 THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. IT IS NOT A MATTER OF IF THIS WILL HAPPEN, IT IS A MATTER OF WHEN. IN MY PERSONAL SITUATION I HAD NO INJURY OR IMMEDIATE CAR SHUTDOWN, HOWEVER I WOULD HAVE NO WARNING IF THAT DID OCCUR AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS HAS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND IS UNCALLED FOR TO HAVE A KNOWN DEFECT AND NOT DISCLOSE THIS TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A PERFECTLY GOOD WAY TO MITIGATE THIS ISSUE BY ADDING A DEDICATED COOLER FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND BYPASS THE RADIATOR, WHICH IS A CHEAP AND EASY FIX TO NEVER HAVE THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10569476

65,000 miles · Feb 24, 2014
Engine

I WAS TOLD TIMING CHAIN OF VEHICLE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CAR ONLY HAD 65,000 MILES AND THIS REPAIR IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH NISSAN THAT THEY ARE FAILING TO ADDRESS TO CONSUMERS. REPAIRS COSTING 1,500 PLUS DOLLARS FOR REPAIR OF ENGINE CHAIN. IF IGNORED, THIS COULD CAUSE AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING AT A MODERATE SPE…

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I WAS TOLD TIMING CHAIN OF VEHICLE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CAR ONLY HAD 65,000 MILES AND THIS REPAIR IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH NISSAN THAT THEY ARE FAILING TO ADDRESS TO CONSUMERS. REPAIRS COSTING 1,500 PLUS DOLLARS FOR REPAIR OF ENGINE CHAIN. IF IGNORED, THIS COULD CAUSE AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING AT A MODERATE SPEED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS SERVICE/PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565710

108,260 miles · Jan 29, 2014
EnginePower Train

MY CARS COOLANT GAGE JUMPED STRAIGHT TO H OUT OF NOWHERE. AFTER PULLING INTO A SHELL STATION FOR ANTIFREEZE, IT WAS APPARENT WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THERE WAS SOMETHING MIXED IN WITH THE ANTIFREEZE. IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER BEING TOLD I WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR, I STARTED RESEARCHING AND IM NOT THE ONLY …

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MY CARS COOLANT GAGE JUMPED STRAIGHT TO H OUT OF NOWHERE. AFTER PULLING INTO A SHELL STATION FOR ANTIFREEZE, IT WAS APPARENT WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THERE WAS SOMETHING MIXED IN WITH THE ANTIFREEZE. IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER BEING TOLD I WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR, I STARTED RESEARCHING AND IM NOT THE ONLY ONE DEALING WITH AN OTHERWISE GREAT BODY YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITH AND DOUBT I WILL BE THE LAST. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN APPROVED AND I BELIEVE THERE ARE MANY OF US WONDERING WHY? THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH HUNDREDS OF CARS AND IT'S NOT EVEN ONE MAKE, IT'S MANY. 3 IN MY CATEGORY. DOES A RECALL ONLY HAPPEN WHEN IT HAS FATALITY ATTACHED? THIS IS A FAULTY SYSTEM AND NISSAN APPROVED THESE COOLANTS IN THE TRANSMISSIONS AND CONTINUED TO EVEN AFTER COMPLAINTS OF THE SYSTEM. I WAS LUCKY TO CATCH MINE RIGHT AWAY BUT STILL NEED $3000 TO FIX IT! IT WON'T BE LONG UNTIL FATALITY IS ATTACHED ONCE SOMEONE'S TRANSMISSION GOES OUT ON A HIGHWAY OR IN 5 O'CLOCK TRAFFIC! NISSAN NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10562148

125,000 miles · Nov 15, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

MY RADIATOR WENT OUT IN THE STARBUCKS DRIVE-THRU. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP & WAS TOLD IT IS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW BY NISSAN WHERE THE FLUIDS ARE MIXING & THE ONLY THING I CAN DO NOW IS REPLACE THE RADIATOR & "HOPE" THE FLUIDS DID NOT GO INTO THE TRANSMISSION. GOT THE NEW RADIATOR & HAD A TRANS FLUSH 3 TIMES & PAID ABOUT $1800. IT …

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MY RADIATOR WENT OUT IN THE STARBUCKS DRIVE-THRU. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP & WAS TOLD IT IS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW BY NISSAN WHERE THE FLUIDS ARE MIXING & THE ONLY THING I CAN DO NOW IS REPLACE THE RADIATOR & "HOPE" THE FLUIDS DID NOT GO INTO THE TRANSMISSION. GOT THE NEW RADIATOR & HAD A TRANS FLUSH 3 TIMES & PAID ABOUT $1800. IT IS NOW A MONTH LATER & MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. TODAY, I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH WILL COST $3800. THIS IS OUR ONLY CAR. WE DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. FOR SAFETY REASONS, WE URGE YOU TO PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS POOR DESIGN BY NISSAN WHERE THE FLUIDS ARE MIXING & CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS TO THE CONSUMERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552319

95,800 miles · Sep 27, 2013
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

ENGINE COOLANT GOT INTO TRANSMISSION. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE FOR A MOMENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. FELT LIKE I HIT BLACK ICE. TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10545751

133 miles · Sep 5, 2013
EnginePower Train

THE TRANSMISSION/COOLING SYSTEM HAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10542090

Official recalls

1

08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal

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

1

DP12004 · 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.