NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
22 reportsClear category filter60,000 miles · Nov 15, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE A FAILURE WITH THE STEERING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO GET A FRONT END ALIGNMENT BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE A FAILURE WITH THE STEERING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO GET A FRONT END ALIGNMENT BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING WAS TOO LOOSE TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000. UPDATED 12/28/11* UPDATED 02/27/12
NHTSA ODI #10435942
78,409 miles · Feb 11, 2011
Steering
FIRST SYMPTOMS: OCCASIONALLY WHEN TURNING, STEERING BECOMES VERY TIGHT, ALMOST LIKE LOOSING THE POWER STEERING. LATER SYMPTOMS: THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO WOBBLE, LEFT-RIGHT, UP-DOWN, BECOMING MORE AND MORE LOOSE. THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN SAID THAT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT IS BROKEN AND MUST BE REPLACED. PARTS REPLACED : 4…
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FIRST SYMPTOMS: OCCASIONALLY WHEN TURNING, STEERING BECOMES VERY TIGHT, ALMOST LIKE LOOSING THE POWER STEERING. LATER SYMPTOMS: THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO WOBBLE, LEFT-RIGHT, UP-DOWN, BECOMING MORE AND MORE LOOSE. THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN SAID THAT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT IS BROKEN AND MUST BE REPLACED. PARTS REPLACED : 48811-EA26B COLUMN, AND 48071-EA30A - COUPLING. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS ON FORUMS ABOUT THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10381631
91,267 miles · Feb 2, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineSteering
NISSAN XTERRA 2006, BOTH FRONT CATS HAVE FAILED. DEALER SAID DUE TO ETHANOL A COMMON PROBLEM, COST AROUND $2300. FOUND CATS AND A MECHANIC FOR $1200. AFTER 3 WEEKS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RETURNED. I AM NOW GETTING A P0643. DEALER PASSPORT NISSAN QUOTED AROUND $700 TO FIX PLUS ANOTHER $350 FOR BELT REPLACEMENT. NONE OF THE OTHER RECA…
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NISSAN XTERRA 2006, BOTH FRONT CATS HAVE FAILED. DEALER SAID DUE TO ETHANOL A COMMON PROBLEM, COST AROUND $2300. FOUND CATS AND A MECHANIC FOR $1200. AFTER 3 WEEKS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RETURNED. I AM NOW GETTING A P0643. DEALER PASSPORT NISSAN QUOTED AROUND $700 TO FIX PLUS ANOTHER $350 FOR BELT REPLACEMENT. NONE OF THE OTHER RECALLS AM ELIGIBLE FOR DUE TO BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE FRONT AND REAR U-JOINTS WITHIN A YEAR OF EACH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10380029
59,000 miles · Jul 29, 2010
Steering
THE STEERING COLUMN BEARING FAILED IN A 2006 XTERRA, CAUSING BINDING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME WOBBLY. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER RECOGNIZED AND IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY FROM MY DESCRIPTION, SUGGESTING THE PROBLEM IS NOT RARE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10346216
53,000 miles · Apr 18, 2010
Power TrainSteering
2006 NISSAN XTERRA: STEERING COLUMN ("CONTROL UNIT") WAS DEFECTIVE CAUSING SHORTS IN BREAK/TURN LIGHTS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, STEERING LOCKING UP IN A TURN, REQUIRING ME TO FIGHT TO GET THE WHEEL TO TURN AND AVOID AN ACCIDENT. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE PARTS VENDOR SAID THEY GET THIS A LOT WITH XTERRAS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326196
28,200 miles · Feb 1, 2010
Steering
ATTENTION FOR NISSAN XTERRA 2006 & UP I WORK IN A MECHANIC SHOP IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS WE HAD RECEIVED 2 NISSAN XTERRA WITH THE STEERING COLUMN BROKEN , WHAT HAPPENED IS THE BEARINGS THAT MAKES THE STEERING COLUMN TURN BROKE AND ALL THE PARTS GOES TO THE SHAFT (THE STEERING WHEEL GOES CRAZY) IS VERY , VERY DANGEROUS . I WROTE…
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ATTENTION FOR NISSAN XTERRA 2006 & UP I WORK IN A MECHANIC SHOP IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS WE HAD RECEIVED 2 NISSAN XTERRA WITH THE STEERING COLUMN BROKEN , WHAT HAPPENED IS THE BEARINGS THAT MAKES THE STEERING COLUMN TURN BROKE AND ALL THE PARTS GOES TO THE SHAFT (THE STEERING WHEEL GOES CRAZY) IS VERY , VERY DANGEROUS . I WROTE TO NISSAN ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY NEVER ANSWER ME THE PART # IS 48810-EA300 BOTH VEHICLE WERE 28,000 MILES & 80,000 MILES--- YOU NEED TO CHECK THIS VERY CAREFULLY!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10303664
51,000 miles · Aug 17, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MANEUVERED TO T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MANEUVERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. HOWEVER, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSE WHICH RESULTED IN THE STEERING WHEEL TO WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DROVE WITH CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN BEARING. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE REPAIRED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 51,000.
NHTSA ODI #10280744
55,000 miles · Aug 9, 2009
Steering
WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC MY STEERING BECAME TIGHT. ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GO INTO THE OTHER LANE. ONCE YOU DROVE FOR A FEW MINS. THE STEERING WOULD GET BETTER. THEN WITHOUT WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE. I COULD MOVE IT UP AND DOWN. TOOK TO DEALER TO FIND THAT MY STEERING COLUMN WAS BROKEN! 06 WITH 55,000 MILES…
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WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC MY STEERING BECAME TIGHT. ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GO INTO THE OTHER LANE. ONCE YOU DROVE FOR A FEW MINS. THE STEERING WOULD GET BETTER. THEN WITHOUT WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE. I COULD MOVE IT UP AND DOWN. TOOK TO DEALER TO FIND THAT MY STEERING COLUMN WAS BROKEN! 06 WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT SHOULD NOT HAVE A STEERING COLUMN TO BREAK. I HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT NOT COVERED. I CALL MANY DEALERSHIPS AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE REPLACED MANY STEERING COLUMNS. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. IT WAS A SCARY DAY FOR ME WHEN YOU PULL OUT AND EXPECT THE STEERING TO WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279857
39,500 miles · Sep 24, 2008
Steering
BEARINGS IN STEERING COLUMN BAD AS PER NISSAN DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE STEERING STARTED TO STIFFEN UP WHEN I DRIVE. MOST OF THE TIME IT IS FINE AND THEN WHEN I TURN A CORNER, IT TIGHTENS UP AND WILL STAY TIGHT FOR A WHILE AND THEN WILL LOOSEN UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243295
31,000 miles · Jul 19, 2007
SteeringCrashInjury
THIS IS IN REGARDS TO A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE VEHICLE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WHICH RESULTED IN THE TRUCK VEERING OFF A BRIDGE. THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS ISSUED WITH THE VEHICLE LEADING UP TO THE EVENT. THE TRUCK HAD JUST RECEIVED ITS 30,000 MILE SERVICE AND WAS IN GREAT MECHANICAL CONDITION. AFTER …
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THIS IS IN REGARDS TO A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE VEHICLE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WHICH RESULTED IN THE TRUCK VEERING OFF A BRIDGE. THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS ISSUED WITH THE VEHICLE LEADING UP TO THE EVENT. THE TRUCK HAD JUST RECEIVED ITS 30,000 MILE SERVICE AND WAS IN GREAT MECHANICAL CONDITION. AFTER LEAVING OUR DRIVEWAY AND LESS THAN A MILE FROM OUR HOUSE, MY WIFE CAME TO A STOP AT A SMALL BRIDGE THEN MADE A LEFT TURN ACROSS THE BRIDE. WHILE HALFWAY ACROSS THE BRIDGE, SHE HEARD A LOUD "BANG" AND THEN THE TRUCK COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE TRUCK VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND INTO THE STONE WALL OF THE BRIDGE, BROKE THROUGH THE WALL AND LANDED IN A DITCH. THANKFULLY SHE WAS NOT TERRIBLY HURT. NOW DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE SIMPLY BROKE IN SOME DEFECTIVE MANNER, NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR OUR INSURANCE COMPANY IS WILLING TO RESEARCH WHAT WENT WRONG. THEY JUST WANT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT BACK ON THE ROAD. BUT WHAT IF IT IS REPAIRED WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE MATERIALS? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10196809
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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