IllustrationRADIATOR LEAK, HEATER TEMP DROPPING, ROUGH GEAR VIBRATION FROM TRANSMISSION. *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 reportsWHILE DRIVING ON THE 73N FREEWAY IN ORANGE COUNTY, MY CAR STARTED SHUDDERING. THE TEMP GAUGE WAS TA THE MAX SO I PULLED OVER. I WAS TOWED IN TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE THE MASTER MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IN THE RADIATOR FAILING CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX …
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE 73N FREEWAY IN ORANGE COUNTY, MY CAR STARTED SHUDDERING. THE TEMP GAUGE WAS TA THE MAX SO I PULLED OVER. I WAS TOWED IN TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE THE MASTER MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IN THE RADIATOR FAILING CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX RENDERING BOTH INOPERABLE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A GROWING PROBLEM WITH NISSAN AND HE HAS PERSONALLY SEEN MANY SUCH CASES. HE SAID THAT NISSAN IS USING DEFECTIVE RADIATORS WHICH IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF THIS. *TR
VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A JERKING WHILE SHIFTING INTO MODERATE SPEED OF 65 OR LOWER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TECHNITIAN INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION OIL IN THE RADIATOR, CAUSING THE PROPER ENGAGING OF GEARS. EXTENDED WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OF THE RADIATOR ISSUE …
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VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A JERKING WHILE SHIFTING INTO MODERATE SPEED OF 65 OR LOWER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TECHNITIAN INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION OIL IN THE RADIATOR, CAUSING THE PROPER ENGAGING OF GEARS. EXTENDED WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OF THE RADIATOR ISSUE IS ALSO EXPIRED. NISSAN WAS MADE AWARE OF THE MALFUNCTION AND DENIED ASSISTANCE UNLESS I WANTED TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP OFFERED TO FIX PROBLEM AT A COST OF $5000! CAR IS STILL BEING PAID FOR UNTIL 2015! *TR
I BOUGHT THE NISSAN XTERRA BRAND NEW IN APRIL 2005. MY XTERRA BEGAN TO HAVE MINOR ISSUES SINCE BUYING IT,(BAD BATTERY,FUEL SENDING UNIT, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE,DEFECTIVE RADIO). AS OF OCTOBER 2011 THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WENT BAD CAUSING MY "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT TO COME ON. MY LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE CENTER WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP…
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I BOUGHT THE NISSAN XTERRA BRAND NEW IN APRIL 2005. MY XTERRA BEGAN TO HAVE MINOR ISSUES SINCE BUYING IT,(BAD BATTERY,FUEL SENDING UNIT, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE,DEFECTIVE RADIO). AS OF OCTOBER 2011 THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WENT BAD CAUSING MY "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT TO COME ON. MY LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE CENTER WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP WITH THE ISSUE. THEIR COST TO REPLACE THE CONVERTERS EXCEEDS $1800.00. NOW I'M FACING A NEW MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. MY XTERRA ONLY HAS 120,000 MILE AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I'VE BEEN READING A LOT OF REVIEWS FROM FELLOW NISSAN XTERRA OWNERS FACING THE SAME EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE ISSUE AS I AM AT THIS MOMENT. I'M HOPING THAT NISSAN WILL SOON OFFER A RECALL FOR THESE ISSUES. I'VE HAD SEVERAL QUOTES ON HAVING BOTH ISSUES REPAIRED AND THE COST EXCEEDS $5000.00. AGAIN NISSAN WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP WITH THE PARTS OR LABOR. I THINK THIS IS A ISSUE THAT IS EFFECTING A LOT OF NISSAN OWNERS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THESE ISSUES. *TR
TWO YEARS AGO MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA BEGAN RATTLING, SHAKING AND NOT HEATING WHEN IDLING. I TOOK IT FOR DIAGNOSTICS AT MY MECHANIC HE THOUGHT IT MAY BE A U JOINT OR TIRE PROBLEM. RECENTLY, THIS PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AFTER SEARCHING THE NISSAN WEBSITE WHICH HAS RECENTLY POSTED AN EXTENSION OF THE RADIAT…
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TWO YEARS AGO MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA BEGAN RATTLING, SHAKING AND NOT HEATING WHEN IDLING. I TOOK IT FOR DIAGNOSTICS AT MY MECHANIC HE THOUGHT IT MAY BE A U JOINT OR TIRE PROBLEM. RECENTLY, THIS PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AFTER SEARCHING THE NISSAN WEBSITE WHICH HAS RECENTLY POSTED AN EXTENSION OF THE RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION WARRANTY DUE TO THE MANY REPORTED PROBLEMS OF RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION. MY XTERRA HAS 84000 MILES ON IT. I WAS JUST TOLD BY NISSAN THAT THEY WILL REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE MANUFACTURING, HOWEVER I MUST PAY A CO PAY OF 2500.00 DOLLARS SINCE I AM OVER THE 80,000 MILES. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. THEY SAY IT IS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVER IF I DON'T PAY TO REPLACE IT. WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL ITEM ? HOW CAN ANYONE JUSTIFY NOT RECALLING A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION ON A CAR WITH LESS THAT 100,000 MILES ON IT ? THIS MUST BE STOPPED. NISSAN MUST BE FORCED TO MAKE RIGHT THE DEFECTIVE ENGINEERING USED IN IT'S AUTOMOBILES. THE CUSTOMER WHO PAID FULL PRICE FOR A NEW CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BEAR ANY OF THE COST FOR THIS DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS WORKMANSHIP. *TR
RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING OVERHEATING. REPLACED RADIATOR $1200 NOW REQUIRED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION FOR $3510 PARTS, $1450 LABOR, AND $100 FLUID AT TISCHER NISSAN LAUREL MARYLAND. TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE RIDING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. *TR
NISSAN IS WELL-AWARE OF A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS RADIATOR FLUID TO CROSS-CONTAMINATE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THEY JOKINGLY (AT LEAST THEIR DEALERS) REFER TO IT AS A "STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE". THE ANTIFREEZE DEGRADES TRANSMISSION PARTS AND CAUSES TRANSMISSION FAILURE. A QUICK WEB SEARCH SHOWS OVER 300 SUCH CASES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSIO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP12004 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,324.
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AFTER A LONG TRIP, I HAD ABOUT A QUARTER TANK LEFT. I PARKED MY CAR AND WHEN I RETURNED TO USE IT TO RUN AN ERRAND I BEGAN TO DRIVE. MY GAS TANK NEEDLE WENT ALL THE WAY TO BELOW EMPTY THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AS WELL. I HAVE LOOKED UP THIS ISSUE AND FOUND OUT THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT …
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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AFTER A LONG TRIP, I HAD ABOUT A QUARTER TANK LEFT. I PARKED MY CAR AND WHEN I RETURNED TO USE IT TO RUN AN ERRAND I BEGAN TO DRIVE. MY GAS TANK NEEDLE WENT ALL THE WAY TO BELOW EMPTY THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AS WELL. I HAVE LOOKED UP THIS ISSUE AND FOUND OUT THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO ME. THIS IS A NISSAN ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF POCKET FROM THE CONSUMER. ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE IS A LONG HISTORY REGARDING THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
TRANSMISSION COOLER LEAKED INTO RADIATOR, FOULED COOLING SYSTEM WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID, ALSO FOULED TRANSMISSION WITH COOLANT. THIS CAUSED VIBRATION IN THE TRANSMISSION, LOSS OF ACCELERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED FOR A CLUTCH SOLENOID SWITCH, AND UNKNOWN POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. *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.