IllustrationRADIATOR LEAKED ONTO TRANSMISSION. LEARNED ABOUT THEIR FAULTY RADIATORS JUST TODAY. NOW I'M IN A $6200 BIND TO GET A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY XTERRA AND I AM SO APPALLED WITH NISSAN I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF. A $600 FIX TURNED INTO A $6200 FIX. *TR
2005 Nissan Xterra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Xterra years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Xterra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Xterra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
210–25K
8025–50K
15950–75K
21575–100K
261100–150K
34150K+
770 reports with mileage · 75 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 412 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 242 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 167 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports
Engine complaints
114 reportsMY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND I LOST POWER. I HAD THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS FOR 10 DAYS AND IT COST $3,700.00. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE RADIATOR AND BOTH COMPONENTS WOULD NEED TO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE RADIATOR AND BOTH COMPONENTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE RADIATOR AND BOTH COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE RADIATOR AND BOTH COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
THE RADIATOR HAS LEAKED MANY TIMES WHICH HAS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT. *TR
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AROUND 70 MPH. EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER FOLLOWED BY MY CAR RUNNING HOT. I PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY REPAIR SHOP. DIAGNOSIS WAS THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED. TOTAL COSTS $900. POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO …
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AROUND 70 MPH. EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER FOLLOWED BY MY CAR RUNNING HOT. I PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY REPAIR SHOP. DIAGNOSIS WAS THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED. TOTAL COSTS $900. POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION UNKNOWN AT THE TIME. THE CAR IS NOW BACK IN THE SHOP WITH THE SAME ISSUES SLIPPING/GRINDING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. LOOKING ONLINE IT SEEMS THAT A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH A LEAKY RADIATOR HOSE. I SPOKE WITH A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUID HAD MIXED, AND BOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUID HAD MIXED, AND BOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
ON SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2012, I GOT BACK FROM A 20 MINUTE TRIP AND WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY XTERRA WOULD NOT MOVE. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING ALL OVER MY DRIVEWAY. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER WHERE THEY ESTIMATED THE COST TO BE BETWEEN $2,500 AND $2,800. WHEN THEY REALIZED THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE…
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ON SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2012, I GOT BACK FROM A 20 MINUTE TRIP AND WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY XTERRA WOULD NOT MOVE. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING ALL OVER MY DRIVEWAY. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER WHERE THEY ESTIMATED THE COST TO BE BETWEEN $2,500 AND $2,800. WHEN THEY REALIZED THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED THE REPAIR BILL WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH HIGHER BUT THEY KEPT THEIR PROMISE AND THE FINAL BILL WAS $2,856. I AM THANKFUL THAT THIS DID NOT OCCUR ON THE HIGHWAY. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT THAT IS NOT MY FAULT AND THAT IS A POSSIBLE SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
JUST STARTED MOVING AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY, BUT WHEN IT FINALLY RESTARTED IT WAS MISSING. EVERY TIME I HAVE DRIVEN THIS CAR SINCE THEN IT HAS STALLED, USUALLY BUT NOT ALWAYS AFTER I HAVE STOPPED OR SLOWED TO MAKE A TURN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THIS WEEK (1/5/2013) AND WA…
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JUST STARTED MOVING AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY, BUT WHEN IT FINALLY RESTARTED IT WAS MISSING. EVERY TIME I HAVE DRIVEN THIS CAR SINCE THEN IT HAS STALLED, USUALLY BUT NOT ALWAYS AFTER I HAVE STOPPED OR SLOWED TO MAKE A TURN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THIS WEEK (1/5/2013) AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FLUID INTO THE RADIATOR AND THEY BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE $3000.00 CO-PAY. I HAVE TO FIX THE CAR BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'M GOING TO GET $3000.00. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY NISSAN DIDN'T RECALL THE PART THAT FAILS WHICH ALLOWS THE FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE RADIATOR. THAT WOULD HAVE SAVED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AND NISSAN A LOT OF TROUBLE AND EXPENSE. THERE SHOULDN'T BE ANY CO-PAY SINCE NISSAN COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS. *TR
Official recalls
310V517000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Oct 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.
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.
05V458000 · Trailer Hitches
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.