CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005-2007 Xterra appears to have a widespread defect where coolant leaks into the transmission, causing transmission failure around 90,000 miles. Repair costs are typically upwards of $3,500.
The same defect exists in the Pathfinder & Frontier as well. And according to the New York Times & a class action lawsuit, the defect actually extends through 2010 model year. More info here.
4.0
definitely annoying
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,500
Average Mileage:
95,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
pull rear axles and replace bearings and seals (1 reports)
Went to change the rear differential fluid on our 2005 Nissan Xterra, and noticed the fluid was low. Changed the fluid and buttoned it back up, not really thinking twice about it.
Then I went to replace brake pads and rotors on all wheels the same weekend, and noticed both back wheels had differential gear oil all over the brakes. They were soaked. The pads on the front had worn a lot due to the over compensating for the rear not working at all. We live in a very snowy spot in Colorado. This could have been very dangerous!!
The rear brakes were completely useless, including the emergency breaks which are located in the rotors of the rear brakes. So we took it in and were told that the breather for the differential got clogged full of mud and therefore the grease had destroyed the seals because of all the pressure.
I replaced the entire rear brake assembly, replaced the breather cap, and had to pull both rear axles to replace the bearings and seals. It's not something you can do without special equipment. You literally have to cut the old bearings off the axles to get to the seals to replace them, then press the new bearings on with a two ton press.
I should've re routed the breather when this happened, because just 15,000 miles later the diff filled with water due to the breather being in such a stupid spot. That cost us $3500 more (see other complaint)
I am very disappointed with the design flaws here Nissan.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Went to change the rear differential fluid on our 2005 Nissan Xterra, and noticed the fluid was low. Changed the fluid and buttoned it back up, not really thinking twice about it.
Then I went to replace brake pads and rotors on all wheels the same weekend, and noticed both back wheels had differential gear oil all over the brakes. They were soaked. The pads on the front had worn a lot due to the over compensating for the rear not working at all. We live in a very snowy spot in Colorado. This could have been very dangerous!!
The rear brakes were completely useless, including the emergency breaks which are located in the rotors of the rear brakes. So we took it in and were told that the breather for the differential got clogged full of mud and therefore the grease had destroyed the seals because of all the pressure.
I replaced the entire rear brake assembly, replaced the breather cap, and had to pull both rear axles to replace the bearings and seals. It's not something you can do without special equipment. You literally have to cut the old bearings off the axles to get to the seals to replace them, then press the new bearings on with a two ton press.
I should've re routed the breather when this happened, because just 15,000 miles later the diff filled with water due to the breather being in such a stupid spot. That cost us $3500 more (see other complaint)
I am very disappointed with the design flaws here Nissan.
- Jesse L., Gunnison, US