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 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
102,852 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.

2005 Nissan Xterra drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Nissan Xterra Owner Comments (Page 9 of 18)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #194

Dec 042013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 75,600 miles

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

My 2005 Nissan Xterra with 75600 miles jerks when it shifts. After doing my own online research and bringing to the dealership, it was discovered that the radiator was leaking coolant and mixing into the transmission fluid. There is an extended warranty for this defect to 80,000 or 96months. I qualified for the mileage but not the service duration (6 months overdue). The dealership said it would be a $2500 copay to replace my radiator and repair my transmission. I talked to Nissan Consumer Affairs but they refused to help and said $2500 is my only option. This radiator is a known issue and should be a recall for all the damage it caused. I've owned many Nissan before and had great loyalty to them. Nissan should be held accountable for knowing about their faulty radiator and not fixing them before they caused further damage!

- Loudonville, NY, USA

problem #193

Nov 212013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 103,012 miles
My 2005 Nissan Xterra have this common problem where the radiator leaks into transmission and cause the transmission to stop working. And since I was over 100,000 Nissan dealers want to charge me a copay of $3000.

- Dania Beach, FL, USA

problem #192

Nov 172013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 94,500 miles
I began to have vibration in my vehicle when I reached speeds of 45 mph and got worse around 65 mph. I took my car to Nissan twice in Aug. 2013 and was told it was road vibration. In early Nov. I took my car to my local mechanic for this problem and was told the vibration wasn't road vibration and that it was either my drive shafts or transmission. On Nov. 17th I drove from altoona pa to upper marlboro md and arrived around 2 am. I went to drive my car into DC on the morning of the 18th and when I put it in reverse it backed up, but when I put it in drive it wouldn't drive forward. After shifting through the gears for a few minutes my car drove forward so I parked it in my driveway. My car hasn't been able to be driven since. When I put it in gear and press the gas the engine just revs. When I start my car I can hear the engine and transmission making a whining noise. My radiator also broke in late August of 2013 and needed to be replaced.

- Altoona, PA, USA

problem #191

Nov 142013

Xterra

  • 105,000 miles

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

I had a complete loss of motive power and needing to be towed to a shop. The shop diagnosed the problem as a failed transmission fluid cooler located in the radiator assembly that allowed coolant to mix with and contaminate the automatic transmission fluid, resulting in damaged internal transmission components and a damaged internal transmission computer. There were no warning signs leading up to or just prior to the failures. The transmission and radiator now need to be replaced.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #190

Oct 112013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 96,842 miles
My 2005 Xterra S-V6 4X2 had loss of power and had to be towed to a dealership. They diagnosed the problem as a failed transmission fluid cooler located in the radiator assembly that allowed coolant to mix with and contaminate the automatic transmission fluid, resulting in damaged to the radiator that had to be replaced and the transmission is now damaged. There were no warning signs leading up to the failures. When I spoke to Nissan they stated there was no recall. After I did some research, I found out there is a extended warranty. When I called Nissan back they stated it was only up to 80,000. So repairs are on me.

- Kenner, LA, USA

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problem #189

Nov 042013

Xterra

  • 97,000 miles
Transmission started slipping in high gear, because of a leak from a known faulty radiator letting coolant into transmission.

- Springfield, MO, USA

problem #188

Nov 282012

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 73,000 miles

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

Transmission kept slipping from 4th gear to 3rd, then back to 4th. It was brought in for transmission service and learned the radiator was leaking fluid into the transmission. The radiator needs to be replaced and the transmission rebuilt. Nissan is aware of the issue occurring in 2005-2007 models, but have done nothing to correct it, nor have they notified owners of this serious problem.

- Haydenville, MA, USA

problem #187

Nov 122013

Xterra

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan model Xterra. The contact stated that he replaced the radiator as a precaution to avoid radiator fluid from mixing with the transmission fluid. The contact had not experienced a failure. The current mileage was 83,000.

- Stuart , FL, USA

problem #186

Nov 082013

Xterra

  • 79,200 miles
I was slowing down at an intersection to prepare to stop when I heard a clunking sound from under my car and then service light came on. When I pressed the gas pedal to go, I heard my engine rev but only got very little acceleration before it moved forward. It happened again at another intersection so I drove home carefully. Speculating that it had to do with the transmission, my husband and I did the research and found that there was a class action lawsuit regarding to engine coolant in the transmission. We were surprised that I was never alerted to this serious problem by Nissan. We called the dealership to see what could be done. At first they lied about the problem but when confronted with the knowledge that we knew about the lawsuit, then they acknowledged there was problem. Then they weren't going to help us because they claimed that my VIN was not part of the recall. My husband told them that the class action lawsuit, did not say it was for select VIN numbers. We were told to bring it in, which we did and then they informed us we still had to pay $2500. If I had been informed of the problem, I would have had it fixed before it became serious. This website gives the best info to what happened: www.ncconsumer.org/Nissan%20frontier%20pathfinder%20xterra%20oil%20cooler%20transmission%20defect.html. We were never told about this issue even when we had the dealership do the oil change previously. The worst part is that they knew about the issue but did nothing to help fix the problem before it became a serious issue. This type of negligent practice should be investigated and Nissan should be held accountable and the victims should not have to pay at all since it was preventable and is dangerous for the driver, passengers and all vehicles on the road should it stall in traffic. Thank you for your time and consideration.

- Kaneohe, HI, USA

problem #185

Oct 282013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 85,500 miles
We have learned that sometime in late 2007 Nissan motor corporation issued a warranty extension for the transmission oil cooler / radiator assembly for the subject vehicles to 8 years, 80000 miles ? up from the standard 3 year, 36000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Nissan motor corporation, to our knowledge, has not been conducting any preventative inspections of the subject vehicles to help consumers prevent catastrophic transmission failure. Consumers report that Nissan motor corporation is denying their warranty claims and as a 'courtesy measure' will offer to replace the failed oil cooler at a discount. The additional two years or 20,000 miles with a $3000 deductible is, at most, a sad joke at the expense of consumers. Nissan has been aware of this problem since 2007 and has undertaken no preventive measures to protect consumers from failure.

- La Habra, CA, USA

problem #184

Jul 072013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 10,000 miles

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

Just bought auto from used car dealer day before. Drove it 30 miles pulled in visited then went out to start auto. Would not start traced back to blown fuse, changed fuse tried starting again, blew fuse again, one more time then when auto started smoke came out from under hood. After 3 months of replacing electrical wiring from frying narrowed down to radiator and transmission (fuse that blew) the coolant had backed up and tore up transmission. If it had been on the road there would have been a full blown fire on a highway with possibility of human damages.

- Hamersville, OH, USA

problem #183

Oct 202013

Xterra

  • 95,825 miles
This is a common problem where the radiator leaks into transmission and destroys transmission. I just learned of this issue last week, and have an appointment with Nissan dealer tomorrow. My Xterra is starting to shift erratically. I fear it has been compromised. I don't see how they can get away with not recalling this. It is irresponsible and unethical. Please help.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

problem #182

Jul 172013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 106,000 miles
The car began to vibrate at 40 mph. I took it to two mechanics who could not figure out the problem. I tried regular maintenance and tire rotation and balance but the vibration continued. Finally, while I was out of town, a mechanic dropped the transmission pan and discovered the engine coolant had entered the transmission system. He discovered that this is a problem with the Nissan Xterra 2005 - 2010. Nissan even has a bypass part to be installed. This piece was installed and the transmission flushed and new transmission fluid put in. The radiator appears to be fine, no cracks as often reported with this problem. Now, three months later, I have serious transmission problems. The car jerks violently at 40mph on acceleration and deceleration. The mixing of engine coolant with the transmission has obviously caused serious damage to my transmission. I am devastated. I love this car but have no financial means to fix this problem.

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

problem #181

May 122011

Xterra

  • 99,000 miles
Was driving while my transmission went out. Dealer said the transmission and radiator fluid were mixed. My vehicle had 99,000 on it. Had it fixed then at 140,000 it happened again. Nissan wants me to pay $5500 but I refuse. This vehicle needs to be recalled.

- Wonder Lake , IL, USA

problem #180

Sep 272013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
My transmission just stuttered and stopped working while in traffic.turns out the radiator leaked coolant into the transmission causing it to fail. This is a known issue from Nissan, however the cost of the repair fell to me. Luckily, I did not incur any injury when the vehicle just stopped working during 5pm rush hour on a Friday.

- Missoula, MT, USA

problem #179

Sep 272013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 124,356 miles
While turning back into traffic my 2005 Nissan Xterra jerked as I began to accelerate over 20 mph. Once I got the vehicle to the speed of traffic it began to have troubles shifting gears and accelerating. While the vehicle was at a steady speed I didn't notice any other issues. As I slowed to an exit the vehicle started to jerk and not shift properly. It also had trouble accelerating. After having these issues I checked my fluids and found a milky like substance was in my transmission and my coolant. I researched the problems I was having with my Xterra and found that it was very common and realized that their is a crack in my radiator which is causing the contamination of my transmission and coolant. I have had this vehicle for just about two months and it is very upsetting to know that I may have to pay for a new transmission and radiator which is more then what I paid for the vehicle.

- Lock Haven, PA, USA

problem #178

Jul 152013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 117,000 miles
Car was not running as it should. We thought it was tires and had the tires looked at. Then the service engine soon light came on but then went off. Cruise control stopped working. Then service engine soon light came back. Monday made appt for Nissan dealer (scheduled for Wednesday). By Tuesday morning, could only use 3rd gear so dropped off to dealer on that Tuesday. Nissan diagnosed: Radiator and transmission mixed and contaminated which damaged the tmc. Recommendation: Replacing transmission and radiator assembly (est $6600). We took to a transmission place who was well aware of the defect of this model and indicated that Nissan would be fixing the problem but they are just repeating the issue and the problem could occur again. A flaw in Nissan's design is what we have heard and read about. We didn't want to risk it with Nissan so we had repaired elsewhere. We only had 117,000 miles.

- Bear, DE, USA

problem #177

Sep 252013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 158,000 miles
Suddenly the car (automatic) was revving high and not shifting into next gear and starting making ahigher pitched noise and the service engine light then came on. I drove to a gas station and before fully pulling in, my car would not go into drive, revved high and started smoking. I had to get towed and my car is now going to need a complete transmission and radiator. Nissan is saying since I am passed the extended 10 year warranty or 100,000 miles, there is nothing more they will do about it. Currently am being transferred to see if someone else cares enough about Nissan image as well as their drivers to do something about this. I have been quoted it will cost $5100 to repair this Nissan known issue.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #176

Sep 252013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 118,830 miles
I was informed by the dealership service department that radiator fluid had contaminated transmission fluid in my 2005 Nissan Xterra. This defect in the radiator was known to occur in high mileage vehicles such as mine and was known to Nissan as they extended a service warranty to 100,000 miles. Unfortunately, my vehicle's mileage is over the extended warranty and I am now responsible for the cost of the repairs. This is a huge safety issue as the transmission plays a vital role in the ability for the vehicle to accelerate into and across traffic on busy highways and roads. The inability to do so properly with a defective transmission may lead to accidents. Not to mention that the contaminated radiator coolant may not accomplish the intended goal of cooling engine components leading to over heating and engine dysfunction. I feel strongly that Nissan new about the defect and did not take appropriate action to notify consumers to have the radiators replaced prior to having complications from the defective parts.

- Rosharon, TX, USA

problem #175

Sep 182013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 105,689 miles
Driving Xterra on highway when SUV started to hesitate when moving forward in traffic....SUV would hesitate, rev...and not shift out of gear easily upon acceleration. Took SUV to mechanic and found out the radiators engine coolant was leaking into the transmission fluid causing the problem. I lucked out and did not damage the transmission, however; I am having to replace the radiator due to the Nissan known defect. I was never given any letters or notified about this mechanical problem and now will be paying under a $900 for fluid flush, new radiator and new fluids. This is not ok for Nissan to not notify the vehicle owners!!!! I expect repayment from Nissan on their faulty mechanical equipment.

- Pantego, TX, USA

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