NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
780 reports58,600 miles · Dec 17, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
I PURCHASED THIS XTERRA IN MAY OF 2006. IN THE PAST 8 WEEKS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY 06 NISSAN XTERRA TOWED TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE OF NOT STARTING. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD I WAS OUT OF GAS. SINCE THEN, I'VE BEEN TOLD THE SECURITY MODULE HAD GONE BAD, I HAD CORROSION ON THE BATTERY TERMINAL CAUSING IT TO GO …
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I PURCHASED THIS XTERRA IN MAY OF 2006. IN THE PAST 8 WEEKS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY 06 NISSAN XTERRA TOWED TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE OF NOT STARTING. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD I WAS OUT OF GAS. SINCE THEN, I'VE BEEN TOLD THE SECURITY MODULE HAD GONE BAD, I HAD CORROSION ON THE BATTERY TERMINAL CAUSING IT TO GO IN TO STOLEN MODE, THE FUEL PUMP HAD GONE BAD (REPLACED TWICE), AND THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE FUEL PUMP HAD A SHORT IN IT (REPLACED TWICE). THE DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND WANT TO GIVE ME MY CAR BACK WITHOUT ACTUALLY FINDING OUT THE REAL ISSUE. THIS IS MY FAMILY VEHICLE AND I DO NOT DO ANY TOWING OR OFF-ROAD WITH IT. PRIOR TO THESE ISSUES, MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 11K MILES AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF AN INTERSTATE FOR OVER 3 HOURS WHILE I WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK, AND HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10252143
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND THE FUEL GAUGE ISN'T READING AFTER WE FILL THE TANK UP. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT KEEPS APPEARING ALSO. WE HAVE BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH TO TRY TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND WE DISCOVERED THAT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN 05/06 MODELS AND THE MANUFACTURER ISN'T COVERING IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251447
40,000 miles · Dec 10, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
GAS SENDING UNIT IS FAILING. VEHICLE IDLES ROUGHLY, AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. GAS GAUGE TAKES FOREVER TO SHOW FULL TANK AFTER FILL UP. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALER IS CHARGING $700 TO FIX IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251416
1,000 miles · Dec 9, 2008
Fuel System, Other
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. GAS LEVEL INCORRECT. PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2006. IN AUG 06, I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES TO REPAIR, I STARTED THE LEMON LAW PROCESS. THEY WERE ABLE TO "FIX" IT ON THE 3RD AND FINAL REPAIR BUT NOW I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I AM TOLD BY THE LOCAL D…
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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. GAS LEVEL INCORRECT. PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2006. IN AUG 06, I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES TO REPAIR, I STARTED THE LEMON LAW PROCESS. THEY WERE ABLE TO "FIX" IT ON THE 3RD AND FINAL REPAIR BUT NOW I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I AM TOLD BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP (HAMPTON IN FT. WALTON BEACH, FL) THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED (BETWEEN $400-$600). THEY HAVE THE PREVIOUS DOCUMENTATION FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND ACCORDING TO THIS WEBSITE AND OTHERS, THERE IS CLEARLY A DEFECT WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251149
51,321 miles · Dec 9, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 XTERRA. I FILL MY GAS TANK, THE GAUGE FALLS TO THE BOTTOM AND THE LIGHT COMES ON, AT ABOUT A HALF A TANK OF GAS THE NEEDLE MOVES TO A FULL TANK, ..MY GAS NEEDLE IS NOT WORKING.... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251148
24,000 miles · Dec 4, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
I FILLED UP MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA WITH GAS LAST NIGHT AND NOW THE GAS GAUGE ONLY GOES UP TO 3/4 TANK AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 24,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL NISSAN MODELS DATING BACK SEVERAL YEARS. I PURCHASED MY NISSAN XTERRA FROM NILES IN KEY WEST…
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I FILLED UP MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA WITH GAS LAST NIGHT AND NOW THE GAS GAUGE ONLY GOES UP TO 3/4 TANK AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 24,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL NISSAN MODELS DATING BACK SEVERAL YEARS. I PURCHASED MY NISSAN XTERRA FROM NILES IN KEY WEST FL AND HAVE HAD ZERO PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL NOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250767
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2008
Suspension
THE REAR OF MY '06 XTERRA BOTTOMS OUT VERY EASILY. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE DAY ONE. THE DEALER SAW THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE REAR SHOCKS, BUT THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT THE LEAF SPRINGS ON THE TRUCK ARE WEAK (ACCORDING TO MANY ONLINE SOURCES). MY XTERRA IS NOW 3,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250212
84,000 miles · Nov 17, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
I DRIVE A 2005 XTERRA OFF-ROAD - IT SEEMS AS IF MY FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IS ACTING UP - FROM WHAT I READ AT OTHER FORUMS, THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH XTERRA, PATHFINDERS, FRONTIERS. I WAS WANDERING IF NISSAN WILL HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10249054
92,000 miles · Oct 31, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
FAULTY FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT ON A 2006 NISSAN XTERA.. FUEL GAUGE WILL INDICATE A LOW FUEL LEVEL, AND UPON FILLING WITH FUEL , GAUGE WILL REMAIN AT LOW LEVEL. AFTER A FEW MILES GAUGE WILL BEGIN TO MOVE UNTIL REACHING PROPER LEVEL AND THEN OPERATE CORRECTLY UNTIL NEXT REQUIRED FILL UP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON TO INDICATE …
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FAULTY FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT ON A 2006 NISSAN XTERA.. FUEL GAUGE WILL INDICATE A LOW FUEL LEVEL, AND UPON FILLING WITH FUEL , GAUGE WILL REMAIN AT LOW LEVEL. AFTER A FEW MILES GAUGE WILL BEGIN TO MOVE UNTIL REACHING PROPER LEVEL AND THEN OPERATE CORRECTLY UNTIL NEXT REQUIRED FILL UP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON TO INDICATE PROBLEM AND SERVICE PERSON SAYS SENDING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH XTERAS AND IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. IT SEEMS COMMON ENOUGH THAT THIS FAULTY PART IS A BAD DESIGN AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10247390
74,000 miles · Oct 28, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
MY 2006 XTERRA FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT RISE WHEN I FILL THE TANK. AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES AFTER THE FILL UP THE NEEDLE DROPS TO EMPTY AND FUEL LIGHT COMES ON. THEN THE NEXT TIME I START MY TRUCK THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON UNTIL MY FUEL TANK IS BELOW HALF FULL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10246949
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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