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.

9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,890
Average Mileage:
106,250 miles
Total Complaints:
307 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new radiator and transmission rebuild (89 reports)
  2. replaced radiator and transmission (51 reports)
  3. not sure (41 reports)
  4. replace transmission (35 reports)
  5. new radiator, transmission, and flush fluids (34 reports)
  6. replace radiator and transmission (28 reports)
2005 Nissan Xterra transmission problems

transmission problem

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2005 Nissan Xterra Owner Comments (Page 7 of 16)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #187

Oct 282013

Xterra SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I can't believe this issue is not covered under a recall. Having the customer pay any portion of the repair for an admitted defect is OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!

- eduardorobles, La Habra, CA, US

problem #186

Oct 232013

Xterra Offroad 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,497 miles

Brutal.. it's to bad.. I've had 3 Nissans.. 2 Pathfinders both got up to around 13yrs and 400,000km but finally age showed it's ugly side.. the xterra is 6yrs and now sits in the shop with a dead transmission.. This is the first car that has lasted less than 200,000 km.. and unfortunately for me.. my last nissan!

- Robert H., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

problem #185

Oct 162013

Xterra 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,000 miles

Well it all started about a year ago, I noticed that when I would give it gas going down hill that the RPM's would rev up and I would have to let off the gas and push it hard to switch gears. Also last year I thought that my heater was going out because I would let it "heat up" in the mornings but the heater would not get warm until I got on the highway and was traveling at a steady speed. (Which I just read is a warning sign of this particular problem). About 3 months ago when I would get around 50mph my X-terra would start to vibrate when I had my foot on the gas. When I let off the gas and back on again it would stop. This past Wednesday (October 16, 2013) on my way home from work I was driving along and all of a sudden it just wouldn't go when I pushed on the gas. The next day I had it towed to a mechanic. It took him less than a day to contact me about what the problem was. I needed a new transmission and transmission oil cooler which was going to cost me $5718.92 and that is for a rebuilt one. Then he told me that wasn't all. He said while he was investigating the error message that showed up from the diagnostic, he found out that this is a common problem on this year of X-terra. He told me that the transmission oil cooler breaks down and releases Anti-freeze into the transmission lines in to the transmission. This contaminates the transmission fluid which over time breaks down the transmission and burns up the clutch. He said just go home and google it. So I did. I found out that Nissan had issued an extended warranty for this to 100,000 miles. Which of course I am past the cut off and I was never notified of. Had I known what the warning signs were and that this was a common problem, I would have taken it in a year ago when the problems first started.But now since I am past the mileage cut off I am just out of luck. Nissan is aware that there is a problem and they should do the right thing and fix it. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN!!

- dustyglenn, Siloam Springs, AR, US

problem #184

Sep 272013

Xterra S 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2005 Nissan Xterra, which I bought used one year ago, just quit on me about 2 weeks ago. When I bought it, I was careful to make sure any recalled issues were performed. Now this radiator leaking into and ruining my transmission. I purchased an extended warranty with an outside company. However, since Nissan will "partially cover" this issue to the tune of $3000 deductible to me, my warranty company cannot and will not touch it. I am out $400 so far for the rental car so that I can go to work and school. As it is, I'm having to withdraw funds from my IRA at penalty to ensure I can cover the deductible cost and rental. This issue is all over the internet, and the original mechanic I initially worked with before realizing it HAD to go to Nissan told me this is and has been a known issue with the 2005-2007(?) models of Xterras, Pathfinders, and Frontiers but no recall? I'm furious and truly so stressed by this issue. I have taken good care of the vehicle and ensured proper maintenance, but none of that matters in this case. It is shameful that no recall has been forced as so many people have dealt, are dealing with, or will be dealing with this issue that is known to the Nissan corporation. I had an Altima that gave me no problems for the entire 6 yrs. I had it. This Xterra, as much as I love it, will be my last Nissan. I would rather walk than deal with this kind of corporate thievery.

- Dusti S., Missoula, MT, US

problem #183

Jun 012013

Xterra V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

We started experiencing some problems with our Nissan just a month or so prior to taking it in. We took it into Nissan 7/17/2013. There were just a few small things that were happening...cannot pinpoint but just didn't seem to run like normal. We thought it was the tires so we had the tires checked. Then the service engine soon light came on and then went off. Returning from vacation the cruise control wasn't working. Once we got home then the service engine soon light came back on. My husband made an appointment to take the car in. Within a few days my husband could only use 3rd gear. So we got them to take the car in immediately.

The diagnosis from Nissan: Radiator and trans mixed and contaminated which damaged the TCM.

Recommendation: replace transmission and radiator assembly, charge $6600

This was our first Nissan purchase and we have taken very good care of this vehicle. To lose the transmission at 117,000 miles is unbelievable to me. We were basically screwed, either repair or have no car. Never thought we would experience this problem at this mileage. To learn that this is a widespread problem and Nissan is not acknowledging is very disappointing. Sends a message they do not back up their product. We thought we were buying a quality product but now we have our doubts.

- kamde, Bear, DE, US

problem #182

Jan 012013

Xterra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,635 miles

I work two jobs and I live pay check to pay check I'm the head of house and the only one in the family working at this time. I thought by buying this vehicle I would have it for a long time ,so I spent all that I had saved and I also borrow to get a down payment because I heard nissans were a very good car but now I see they are not reliable at all. Now I am stuck with car payments and paying the loan back. The loan I took out to get this car. What am I to do?

- Marilyn M., bridgeport, CT, US

problem #181

Oct 302012

Xterra S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,607 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After limited research, it seems that this is a growing issue with a few models of Nissan vehicles. Nissan won't issue the re-call. Having a warranty is meaningless because the problem can occur over 100,000 miles. The master mechanic at the Nissan dealership in San Juan Capistrano said that he is seeing this more and more and is all because of the defective radiator that Nissan decided to use.

- Dino A., San Marcos, CA, US

problem #180

Aug 022013

Xterra S 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,350 miles

I bought a 05 Nissan Xterra with 86000 miles in the odometer. Having knowledge about the big factory defect with the radiator leaking into transmission, a long known mechanic told me that if I wanted to prevent the problem I had to replace the radiator for a heavy duty one, and I had to install an external oil cooler (for the transmission) as well.

I have heard about a couple of cases when they did this modifications on their Xterras (between 80-120K miles), and they haven't had any problem with that issue. On the other hand, if you are actually having problems with your transmission (like the car jarring and shaking), your probably are still on time to prevent the transmission mess. I hope this suggestions could help.

The modification above cost me less than $500, a big difference with the $3500-5000 you could spend fixing the problem if you don't prevent it.

- Joe L., Calexico, CA, US

problem #179

Aug 162013

Xterra SE 4.0

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

I have the same story as everyone else. I tried to avoid it. I bought a used 2005 Nissan Xterra SE with 71k miles from a Toyota dealer. One week later I went back to them asking if they would work with me to get into another used SUV because I found out about the radiator & transmission problems that Nissan has with their Gen2 Xterras, Frontiers & Pathfinders. They refused, even though the deal hadn't gone all the way through with the bank. One month later, before I even made my first payment on the truck, the radiator cracked and had to be towed back to the dealer. I bought the truck from Toyota with an extended warranty, however it is now at Nissan being fixed because it is under 80k. After I showed the dealer all of the issues with the 05 Xterras they are willing to help me get into another truck, NOT A NISSAN. It really is a shame, I loved the truck until all of this happened. I have owned four Nissans over the years, a 91 Pathfinder, an 05 350Z, an 01 Xterra, and now this piece of crap on wheels. Nissan should be ashamed of themselves, I work hard for my money and I put my trust in their product. I can promise this, I will NEVER EVER buy another Nissan for as long as I live, and if I can help it, none of my friends or family will either....Disgusting

- Christian M., Toms River, NJ, US

problem #178

Aug 012013

Xterra S 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,323 miles

I have read about the 05's Xterra's failure issue, but I haven't read in this page about SOLUTIONS!!! It's because is in human nature to complain about everything, (like me in this typing),but not giving solutions.

GIVE SOME SOLUTION ADVICES FOR GOD SAKE (after complaining, of course).

- Joe L., Calexico, CA, US

problem #177

Jul 302013

Xterra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,242 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle was being driven, as normally, to work on the highway. The engine started to accelerate but the vehicle kept slowing down. There was very little power. The vehicle was brought to a Nissan dealer. The mechanic at the shop told me the transmission had been damaged due to a failure of the radiator. The radiator, transmission and trans computer would have to be replaced at a cost of $4500. He also mentioned that this is a problem Nissan knows about but will not cover the repair under a recall or warranty. I took the SUV for a second opinion to a reputable repair shop. He confirmed the findings of the Nissan mechanic and offered to repair the vehicle for $4,140.47. I agreed to have the vehicle repaired. The mechanic said I should look up a class action suit that has been generated. That is why I am posting this incident.

- Glen V., Orlando, FL, US

problem #176

Sep 032012

Xterra 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

Same old story...talked to Consumer Affairs...nada. Did establish this nifty Facebook page though. http://www.facebook.com/IHateXterraTransmissions

- Bob J., Madison, MADISON, US

problem #175

Jun 272013

Xterra S/X 4x4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

This problem should have been a Nissan recall with the radiator defect prior to it effecting the transmission. At a minimum, Nissan should cover the radiator replacement and transmission and cooling system power flush in an attempt to save the transmission.

- dshangraw, Colchester, VT, US

problem #174

Oct 182012

Xterra V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I talked to Nissan about this problem. They first sent me a letter months and months ago stating that if the problem occurred within 80,000 miles (or something like that) or before a date in 2014, they would cover repairs with a deductible. When I got the letter, the car had 92,000 miles on it already. Today, on the phone, the consumers affairs person told me it had been recently extended to 100,000 miles. However, my car has 130,000 miles on it and it would not be covered. I don't understand. They said the radiator corrodes/rusts. My understanding of corrosion is that it is a problem of time, not how many miles are on the car. I have a 2000 Sentra that I gave to my daughter. It (the Sentra) has 174,000 miles on it and is 12 years old...........no such problem ever. My boyfriend has a Ford Ranger that is 18 years old, no such problem ever. With the radiator, flushes, and my gas and oil gauges not working plus some vent sensor being replaced, it was a little over $1,300. However, when the tech test drove it, it went into what they called limp mode, shifted with a big jerk, check engine light came back on, and it barely made it back to the dealership. So, transmission is shot. That is going to cost $3,642 PLUS labor. I still owe 6 payments on the car. I am unemployed and can't even look for work because I don't have a car. Thanks Nissan. This was my 3rd Nissan, I will never buy another Nissan!

- mspadafora, Onsted, MI, US

problem #173

May 212012

Xterra S V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

I bought my X used at 65000 miles. I have babied it, taken great care of it, and planned to make it last at least 5-6 more years. At 121xxx miles, the transmission slipped while I was barely accelerating. I was going a steady 50-55 mph. I was less than two miles from my destination, and before I could make it there the transmission stopped shifting completely. I finished my drive in first gear limping down the shoulder of the road. I had it towed and the transmission rebuilt. Total cost was about $2400 for everything. I picked it up from the mechanic on Thursday night and Saturday afternoon it went into "limp mode" and had to be towed again. Now it lives in my driveway and hasn't been driven in months because I can't afford to have it fixed... again. This is not on my mechanic. This is on NISSAN. I have read that victims of Nissan's abuse should file a complaint with the NHTSA to try to get a retroactive recall, so I did, and I encourage you to do the same. I had to buy a new car, so now I have two car payments and one car. NOT COOL, NISSAN! I want my money back and I know you do too! REPORT THIS! Here is the link:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Recalls+&+Defects#

Click on the right of the page that says "Report a Vehicle or Child Seat Defect."

- Trevor R., Silver Creek, GA, US

problem #172

Jun 072013

Xterra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

I had the same issue regarding the radiator leaking fluid into the transmission, and now my transmission is full of crap...my car is dead...I called the lawsuit Claims Administrator at 1-877-208-9275 and they said they are not representing vehicles that have more than 100k miles on them. Which is ridiculous since I just experienced this problem first hand last friday while on the freeway!!!!!!!!!! I felt like I was going to die. My car was stalling and was jerking back and forth and I was trying to switch lanes to the right so I could get off on the exit (I should mention this was on Friday during the 5 O'clock traffic. What a horrible experience...I was even left crying afterwards. This is ridiculous...I am so disappointed with NISSAN, they are a disgrace! These so called people are con artists who dont care about the problems their product can cause. What they sell is not cheap..it is an investment we as consumers, wholeheartedly trust and confide in. This type of purchase SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 100k MILES!!!!!! IT CAN TAKE 6 YEARS TO PAY OFF!!!!! I can't believe that my investment has to stay stuck in a parking lot now. Its pure immovable worthless junk. I can't believe we're being asked to pay for their mistakes...Thats a slap in the face.

IF ANYONE OVER 100K MILES CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE WHO CAN HELP US OUT AS A GROUP PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME

LOVELIFENINI@LIVE.COM

- Yazmin A., scottsdale, AZ, US

problem #171

Feb 162013

Xterra Offroad 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,095 miles

it's very frustrating because nissan know this problem and they extend the warranty of the radiator 10 years or 160000 km . Just before the end of the warranty of my xterra i do a inspection on the dealer at victoriaville ,qc and i ask to change my transmission fluid and the dealer says that's not necessary to change it because on this modele the oil is supose to be good for lifetime. I really think that's nissan companie should do something to advertise their consumer to make a transmission oil change at 150 000 kilometers and in the same way inspect the radiateur leaking to prevent a radiator and transmission replacement.

for my part i call the dealer and they suggest me to pray so i call nissan canada and he say he was sorry for me so i try the pavac http://www.camvap.ca/fr/ and my car was not in the range. Finaly i decide to try saving the transmission by by-passing the radiator and flush the transmission by removing oil pan and by the hose cooler and put a brand new oil in the transmission with a snap-on fluid exchange left me to change my rad and pray for my transmission don't give up.

sorry for my bad english

- pattato, Plessisville, Quebec, canada

problem #170

Jan 022013

Xterra 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

The problem started in january and has gotten worse started as a shutter once in a while then all the time from speeds of 40- about 60 know as far as 70mph the dealer told me the cost of repair is about $7000.00 that a hell of a mark up since it takes about 5 hrs. to replace the trans and a another 2 for radiator and i could have the whole thing doen for $3000.00 from my local trans shop with a after market external oil cooler for the trans .

Nissan knows they screwed up with not having recalled the trucks , they should manup and cover the repair no matter what mileage the vehicle has . i spoke to another xterra owner she has 2010 and they sent her a letter stating their may be a problem with the radiator i told her to go to a trans shop and get a external cooler before she has a problem. . the dealer said they would only cover if i paid the deductible of $3000.00 and nissan would cover the rest . i have been in the parts business for 15yrs at a number of dealers subtract the labor time of 7 hrs at $100.00 = $ 700.00 that leaves you with $6300.00 for the parts . hell of a mark up, most parts mark up is 40% warrenty pays dealer cost . somethings not right that means nissan will pay $1500.00 for the repair or you the consumer pays most of the repair cost. so much the class action lawsuit.

- gojdyczjan, Oxford, NJ, US

problem #169

Mar 282013

Xterra V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,500 miles

this sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not happy at all. unreal!

- Melinda M., San Diego, CA, US

problem #168

Aug 202012

Xterra 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,894 miles

As with everyone else my radiator fluid leaked into the transmission causing the transmission to destroy. Quote for rebuilt transmission 5571.32. Not too sure if we can afford this or if it is even worth it considering the value left in this peice of crap is 12,000. This is half of the truck's worth. I think it is disgusting Nissan can get away with not assigning a recall to this obvious defect in manufacturing.

- pagnotta, Edmonton, Alberta, canada

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