NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
39 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Feb 25, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued drivi…
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The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V517000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11720443
200,000 miles · Nov 19, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel System, OtherFire
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact that while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled. The contact was immediately able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle kept stalling. The contact restarted the vehicle however while entering a parking garage the vehicle stalled again. After several attempts the …
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The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact that while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled. The contact was immediately able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle kept stalling. The contact restarted the vehicle however while entering a parking garage the vehicle stalled again. After several attempts the vehicle restarted. The contact emphasized that the failure was most evident while stopped or driving at slower speeds. On one occasion the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact connected a DTC scanner and retrieved a fault code regarding the fuel gauge sensor that was contacted to the submersible fuel pump. The contact stated that after removing the fuel tank from the vehicle and while changing the internal fuel tank submersible fuel pump, he became aware that the positive wire of the wiring harness on top of the fuel pump and the fuel pump housing above were both charred. The contact was concerned that excessive heating and sparking had caused the failure. The contact purchased a new fuel pump to replace the defective one. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA ODI #11441040
81,000 miles · Mar 27, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME. GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY EVEN AFTER YOU FILL IT UP COMPLETELY. DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0463, FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT ACCURATELY STATE THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN TO NISSAN AND NHTSA. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS LEFT IN THE TANK OR HOW MANY MILES…
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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME. GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY EVEN AFTER YOU FILL IT UP COMPLETELY. DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0463, FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT ACCURATELY STATE THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN TO NISSAN AND NHTSA. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS LEFT IN THE TANK OR HOW MANY MILES YOU CAN GO. THIS WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED FOR CERTAIN 2006, 2007 AND 2008 XTERRAS. NOT SURE WHY IT HASN'T BEEN FOR THE 2005 MODEL YEAR AS IT IS THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11081532
223,000 miles · Mar 28, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT "ECM" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BATTERY AND CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT "ECM" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BATTERY AND CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000.
NHTSA ODI #10969073
145,000 miles · Sep 9, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED UPLOADED DOCUMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10904916
116,000 miles · Aug 31, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
VEHICLE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND IS UNABLE TO START. WITH VEHICLE IN OFF STATE THERE IS NOT CONTROL OVER SPEED, BRAKING, STEERING. NISSAN IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM AFTER DIAGNOSIS. CODE P0335 CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.
NHTSA ODI #10899850
140,000 miles · Mar 23, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10851215
140,000 miles · Dec 15, 2015
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
I PURCHASED A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA . THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS GONE DUE TO A FAULT IN THE MANUFACTURING. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION - BUT LUCKILY FOR ME I WAS NOT DRIVING OR ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ASSIST ME IN REPAIRING TH…
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I PURCHASED A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA . THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS GONE DUE TO A FAULT IN THE MANUFACTURING. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION - BUT LUCKILY FOR ME I WAS NOT DRIVING OR ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ASSIST ME IN REPAIRING THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED - THE DEALER NEVER MENTIONED ANYTHING ABOUT A RECALL OR PROBLEM AT THE TIME THAT COULD BE FIXED BY NISSAN NOR DID I RECEIVE ANY CORRESPONDENCE FROM NISSAN THEMSELVES. NOW I AM STUCK WITH THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF $5000 FOR THE REPAIR. I DON'T THINK THIS IS FAIR - THE USED CAR DEALERS SHOULD BE MANDATED BY LAW TO FIX VEHICLES WITH RECALLS AND INFORM CAR BUYERS THAT THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. NISSAN ALSO SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10810419
89,000 miles · Mar 11, 2015
Electrical System
DID NOT PASS EMISSIONS DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CIRCUIT HIGH INPUT. HAD BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION. REPAIRED BY NISSAN DEALERSHIP (ECM RECALL, REPAIRED ONE WEEK PRIOR FOR ENGINE STALLING OUT). APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10693634
80,000 miles · Nov 13, 2014
Electrical System
THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING AT A STOP LIGHT. THE FAILURE IS A KNOWN RECALL BY NISSAN IN MODEL OF 2005 XTERRA - IT IS THE RECALL FROM 2010 FOR THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE). THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER A WEEKEND ON NON-USE WHEN MY BATTERY WAS DEAD ON MONDAY 11-3-2014. THEN AFTER KEEPING THE CAR RUNNING WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A BAT…
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THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING AT A STOP LIGHT. THE FAILURE IS A KNOWN RECALL BY NISSAN IN MODEL OF 2005 XTERRA - IT IS THE RECALL FROM 2010 FOR THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE). THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER A WEEKEND ON NON-USE WHEN MY BATTERY WAS DEAD ON MONDAY 11-3-2014. THEN AFTER KEEPING THE CAR RUNNING WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A BATTERY BOX AND TRAVELING SHORT WAY TO WORK I HAD THE BATTERY EVALUATED AT AUTOZONE AND REPLACED ON MONDAY NIGHT, 11-10-2014. THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING DIED TWICE AFTER QUICK TEMP CHANGE IN DRIVEWAY BUT THEN RAN TO GET WIFE AND 5 MONTH CHILD TO WORK. ON WAY HOME WHILE ON FEEDER ROAD ON MOPAC SOUTH AT DUVAL DIED AT STOP LIGHT UNABLE TO RESTART. CALLED AAA AND TOW WAS IN ROUTE WHEN CAR RESTARTED 20 MIN AFTER FAILURE ALLOW WIFE TO PULL INTO APARTMENT COMPLEX LOT. HAD CAR TOWED THEN RESEARCHED FAILURE WITH LONG CRANKING AND ROUGH IDLE AND THEN TOWED TO TOWN NORTH NISSAN ON 10-12-2014 AGAIN BY AAA. THE CARE WAS UNABLE TO START AND RUN PROPERLY AFTER GETTING INTO THE SAFETY OF THE APARTMENT PARKING LOT. TOWN NORTH NISSAN CONFIRMED RECALLED PART WHICH HAD NOT BEEN DONE ON VEHICLE. WIFE PURCHASED VEHICLE CLOSE TO 2010 RECALL CAMPAIGN BUT DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE. THE ECM MODULE APPEARS TO REMAIN AND ISSUE AND OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN OF CONCERN. IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON FEEDER ROAD CAR COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN IN MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH MY WIFE AND 5 MONTH OLD CHILD. PLEASE INVESTIGATE IF RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE REMAILED OR IF THE REPLACEMENT ECM IS PRONE TO SIMILAR FAILURE. IN THIS CASE LUCKILY IT WAS THE ECM THAT WAS SUBJECT TO RECALL THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10654723
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.
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.
Oct 5, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN ACCESSORY TOW HITCH, INADEQUATE QUALITY OF SOME WELDED JOINTS IN THE HITCH ASSEMBLY MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE HITCH FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING USED TO TOW.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRAILER SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW HITCHES. ON OCTOBER 17, 2005, OWNERS WERE SENT AN INTERIM LETTER ADVISING THEM NOT TO USE THE TOW HITCH UNTIL IT CAN BE REPAIRED. ANOTHER LETTER WAS SENT OUT ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005, NOTIFYING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. 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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