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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
95,309 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Nissan Xterra miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2007 Nissan Xterra Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #9

Apr 182015

Xterra

  • 85,500 miles

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

Saturday morning, April 18, while exiting a parking lot in my wifes 2007 Xterra, the vehicle inexplicably accelerated in dramatic fashion momentarily out of control. I rode the brakes, as the car continued forward some 50 60 ft in a rapid bucking motion until I was able to put the transmission in neutral and turn off the engine. I waited a couple of minutes, restarted, and the engine resumed its intense RPM. Again I turned off the engine, waited perhaps 10 minutes, and restarted with normal performance. In the immediate aftermath there is a resultant brake squeal, that wasnt prior apparent, and directly related to the braking associated with the violent acceleration action. The air bag warning light was activated as well.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

problem #8

Jun 242015

Xterra

  • 113,000 miles
I was driving on the innerloop of the beltway 495 from falls church va, to Chevy chase md after work around 330pm. I was on the middle lane on the american legion bridge when all of a sudden my truck lost power and I had no control or was able to accelerate. The RPM's were moving but the truck barely moved. I put my hazards on and slowly moved to the right shoulder where other cars could have hit me. Nissan's failure to recognize the seriousness of this faulty radiator that has affected the transmissions of both the Xterra's, pathfinders, and frontiers is unacceptable. I was told that since I am over 100,000 and that I am not covered under this warranty for Nissan's issue. I want to make sure you are aware that this could possible lead to a more serious accident with these transmission issues.

- Chevy Chase, MD, USA

problem #7

May 122015

Xterra

  • miles
On December 17, 2012, 2007 Xterra with 63,200 miles was taken to Nissan dealer in Oregon. The complaint: At 50-55 mph the transmission skips and catches like a bump on smooth surface. Also asked that dealer check whine from the engine compartment. Service dept recommended no repairs for radiator/transmission at this time just recommend routine service of transmission fluid as per 60,000 interval fluids not contaminated. Engine whine was diagnosed as timing chain issue. Secondary timing chains and tensioners were replaced. Total cost: $1,185.81. Service personnel said hang on to receipt, Nissan may issue recall on chronic timing chain problem. On May 12, 2015 same vehicle with 88,500 miles, was taken to Nissan dealer in Tennessee. Complaint: At speeds between 40-45 mph vehicle vibrates as shifts gears. Also, gas tank fuel-level sensor not functioning. Service dept. Replaced gas tank sensor and diagnosed vibration as insulating shield on driveshaft that had broken loose. Radiator also replaced as preemptive way to avoid Nissan Xterras ticking bomb of catastrophic transmission failure. Vehicle picked up after repair and vibration when transmission shifting resumed within half mile of dealership. Returned vehicle to dealer. Diagnosis: Must not have been driveshaft problem, must be the transmission is already gone. One week later picked up vehicle with new transmission. Was told transmission fluid looked like chocolate milk contaminated by failed original radiator. Total bill: $3,178.99 including a $2,500 copay under warranty extension to address chronic defective radiator causing transmission failure.

- Pulaski, TN, USA

problem #6

Apr 242015

Xterra

  • 132,000 miles

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

A hesitation in the vehicle's acceleration began occurring frequently upon depressing the accelerator after a full stop at a stop sign or red light, but not at any other time in driving the vehicle. The problem was first noted when departing the dealership after which a new timing chain had been replaced. When reviewed by the dealership upon return to the service area (another appointment had been made at later time), a loss of over one quart of transmission fluid was detected (over what time period was unclear), but no known source of external leakage was found. This led to the conclusion that internal leakage was very likely occurring. Due to the many instances of radiator cracks and toxic mixing of fluids among similar year models (mid-2000 model years of Nissan Xterra), the dealership recommended that the radiator be replaced and the transmission thoroughly flushed, which might prevent the transmission from requiring a complete overhaul in the future - although there are no guarantees. This work was completed for a total of $1500 including discount; the incident occurred well after the extended warranty provided by the manufacturer for resolving issues that had been experienced by others, hence the dealership's charges. A request was nonetheless made to get reimbursed by the manufacturer (Nissan), currently under review. It is possible that this issue was dealt with at a very early stage and might therefore result in a lower probability of transmission problems in the future, which could cost several thousand dollars ($6-7,000 or more). Other drivers/owners have typically experienced more severe issues, such as shaking/stalling vehicles and/or illuminated dashboard lights indicating engine problems.

- Palm Springs, CA, USA

problem #5

Mar 122014

Xterra

  • 139,000 miles
I took my car in for an oil change in April 2014 and they found a milky substance in my radiator and replaced the radiator cleaned the lines and replaced the antifreeze. They also drained the transmission fluid, cleaned the lines and replaced the trans fluid. In March 2015, I noticed the hesitation when the car was switching gears from 45 to 50 mph. I took it to aamco and they advised this is a known defect that Nissan is being sued about. I contacted consumer affiairs with Nissan and filed a case. I took my Nissan to a Nissan dealer and they confirmed it needed a new transmission and radiator at a cost of $7000. They also advised given the mileage that Nissan would not do anything and they were right.

- Riverside, MO, USA

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problem #4

Apr 232015

Xterra

  • 117,000 miles
We bought a 2007 Nissan Xterra in 2010 from autonation in denver. We bought a warranty effective until 8/29/2015 or 120,000 miles. We have been bringing it to autonation for service for the last five years. Apparently there was a class action lawsuit against Nissan regarding a flaw in the radiator that leaks fluid into the transmission. This is not good for the transmission to say the least. Needless to say that is exactly what happened and we were never informed of this problem. If we would have known, we would have fixed the radiator years ago and our car would not be need a new transmission. Our car has been having transmission issues for the last month at 117,000 miles. Nissan is refusing to help with this problem and the transmission is covered under the warranty we purchased.

- Silverthorne, CO, USA

problem #3

Jun 072014

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 139,000 miles

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

I purchased a 2007 Nissan Xterra 200 miles away from my home and while driving it home the vehicle transmission stopped working properly. The vehicle drove ok at highway speeds but once I slowed, to in town speeds, the vehicle lost the gears ability to drive the vehicle. If this occurred to me while on the highway I could have been in a much greater danger. This more than likely has occurred to others that own these types of vehicles, putting them in a very unsafe environment. If there was fluid loss or overheating it could lead to a vehicle fire as well. I would like a recall to occur for the transmission/radiator crossover to the 2005-2010 Nissan - Xterra, pathfinder, and frontier.

- Grand Canyon, AZ, USA

problem #2

Sep 062013

Xterra

  • 70,300 miles
The airbag lite began flashing on the dashboard. Took vehicle to the dealership and the only fix action was to begin replacing parts that Nissan recommended until it was fixed. No exact fix was given only the following: Visually check wiring harness for connection and damage. All ok. Next step in procedure is to replace driver's airbag module. Subsequent procedures are to replace spiral cable, then diagnostic unit, and related harness. These are all costly steps and the parts being replaced may not be bad. The dealership couldn't determine exactly which portion was failing. In conclusion: The fix action was being replacing parts (extremely costly) until the problem is fixed. Computer code: B1054 (driver airbag module open).

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #1

Dec 012011

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 145 miles
My check engine son light came on, I went to autozone and I was told the error code stated fuel sending unit/sensor. I was told that Nissan recommends you keep a half a tank of gas in the tank. My Xterra guage is very unpredictable 90% of the time even when I fill the tank up the guage doesn't register, and it's stuck on E with the gas light on constantly, which has caused me a single mother of 3 to run out of gas twice. I have done some research and found that there was a voluntary recall, but I've been told that there wasn't. I also live in a city where there is emissions testing which I can't pass because of the check engine light, I cannot receive my vehicle tag, which means I can't work or drive. I would like this sensor replaced at no charge to me because as reading online there has been 53,000 people with the same issue. I would like to know what are my options and the next step I can take to get this resolved.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

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