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.

9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,500
Average Mileage:
102,100 miles
Total Complaints:
13 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (11 reports)
  2. replace radiator, transmission (1 reports)
  3. replace transmission (1 reports)
2005 Nissan Xterra transmission problems

transmission problem

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2005 Nissan Xterra Owner Comments

problem #13

Mar 202017

Xterra SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

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

Transmission failed in the morning traffic. It was working fine the day before. Had already replaced the regular radiator and the one inside the engine. This really sets me back. Repairs estimated at 4,000.00

- Jaime B., Toa Alta, Puerto Rico

problem #12

Apr 272016

Xterra SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,051 miles

Taking to the Coggin Nissan where I purchased for diagnosis. Appears to be the same transmission problems as reported by other owners. I have used this dealership for all service since purchase. In the past few visits, the service department has been very pushy and attempts to coerce me into having them do multiple additional services. Costs are much higher than non-dealer and it seems like gouging to me.

- Linda B., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #11

Jul 162015

Xterra SE 4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,982 miles

Reported jerking and jolting when shifting into gear and driving on highway. Dealer could not verify when test driving it. Nothing done except new transmission fluids as reported in last complaint.

- Wendy E., Prince George, BC, Canada

problem #10

Aug 042013

Xterra 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,300 miles

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

NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THE CROSS CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION BUT FAIL TO TELL THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. THEY PUT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE ISSUE WHICH EXPIRED ON JUNE 25, 2013 OR 80,000 MILES . MY CAR STARTED ACTING UP AUGUST 2013 WITH MILEAGE OF 65.000 MILES. THE POINT I AM TRYING TO MAKE IS THAT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM AND THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO EAT THE COST.

- Andrea R., Roswell, GA, US

problem #9

Nov 132013

Xterra ES 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

I wish that a company ass big like NISSAN would be more respondent to their customers and not hide the major problems we are having. I think this is the first and last time I buy NISSAN. it's the second time they don't take care of the problem. thank you very much sorry NISSAN

- jsejera, Grand Prarie, TX, US

problem #8

Nov 092013

Xterra V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

I own a 2005 Nissan Xterra. I purchased it in 2008 with 22000 miles. I know have approximately 62000. Driving on a 4-5 highway at 60-70 mph, the truck began slowing down. I noticed it right away, I immediately, pressed on the accelerator but nothing. All of sudden all my warning light came on and the truck began jerking. I made my way over to the breakdown lane and at this point, my inside lights began flickering as well as my headlights. As I made it into the breakdown lane, the truck stopped, everything was flickering and then it shut off completely. It's dark and I have no lights. Due to loss of power, I couldn't even turn on the hazard lights. Now that it is at the dealers, they are informing me that it could be the valve going into the transmission, but the transmission was not contaminated with radiator fluids. This could be replaced for $2200,00. However they are not sure this will solve the problem. I could get a new transmission for $4500+ and that may solve the problem. The timing chain went approximately 2 years ago, but at least the warranty was in effect. Now the warranty has expired, but they did provide and extended warranty, but it states that the coolants being leaked into the transmission would need to be involved. I was told that was not the case. Now I am contacting Nissan headquarters for a solution. I deem myself very lucky that I was not killed or caused a horrific traffic accident with this thing just shutting down suddenly.

$2200 valve replacement or $4500+ for a transmission

- Robin P., Weymouth, MA, US

problem #7

Aug 152012

Xterra V6 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

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

I came to this web sight to find out why my xterra felted like i was going over a strip of speed bumps every so often, definitely got my answer by ALL the Complaints on the same thing. Unbelievable!!!!! Don't understand why a recall hasn't been done yet with so many of the same complaints...............GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!!

- patsywalkup, Inola, OK, US

problem #6

Jan 162013

Xterra SE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,025 miles

i own a nissan xterrra 05 and i haver problems with it when i rich the 40 mph the car vibriates feel like its coming brom the back bottom of the car like when you pass my road strips. and i dont have no idea what it could be i just been reading online that it could be the u joints or the torque coverter even the antyfrezee getting into the transmision. there is so many complaints around the web i just dont see y there is no recall???????? this is the first time i buy a nissan, be the last.

- joseparedesmorelia, Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #5

Feb 282013

Xterra Sport V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

My car has now been in the shop for 2 weeks. It's been in the shop 3x since we've bought it in 12/10.

It's jerking while driving and stalling out. It won't let me shift out of first gear. I took the list of recalls/the investigation into the radiatior into the mechanic. They don't know what's wrong with it and no scanner will pick up on it. It's a pain in the ass and frustrating as hell to not have a car for 2 weeks now.

I figured I'd complain so HOPEFULLY Nissan gets off their ass and makes this problem a recall already.

- Jenn M., Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #4

Jun 222012

Xterra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

This past week while driving, the transmission, when changing gears will jerk, but then go into gear and drive fine. Today while driving I will get up to about 15 and the transmission will not change gears, max speed 15-20 and only in 1st gear, press the gas sounds like it is gonna blow. I was lucky I was close to my house and could drive less than 20 to avoid AAA. Everybody says "transmission is screwed". Can't even get a regular shop to look at it, only the dealership. And both dealerships in my town have horrible service departments. My extended warranty ran out 12000 miles ago. So now I have a car that from all the posts I read going to be >$4000 to fix and a horrible experience with the dealership, probably a month for repair, because service at dealership sucks. AND all these problems could have been avoided with a recall. For years I have been telling my husband Nissan is the best, looks like I was wrong.

- kelliemtx, El Paso, TX, US

problem #3

Mar 032012

Xterra V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

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

I join this club by circumstance. It is very frustrating being stranded 90 miles away from home. I am feeling so many things. Anger, Frustration, Confusion and abandoment. My car has only 82K miles. I may not know a lot about cars, but I believe that a 7 yr old car with such low mileage should not have a TRANSMISSION problem. And to leave people out there with no help is absolutely awful! I am still processing this soI'm still pretty upset. I pray we find some help because we've spent our hard earned money for a product that is broken and we had nothing to do with it. I am really at a loss for words.

- JoAnn C., Memphis, TN, US

problem #2

Nov 142011

Xterra SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

On our way back from a road trip in November '11, I noticed the vehicle have some jerking motions when the car would accelerate or decelerate at certain speeds (in town driving) and rpms (when on the highway). It was noticeable but not troublesome. For the holidays, we were on another road trip and noticed the vehicle do the jerking and vibrating, like I was riding over the reflectors, more consistently at the mention speeds and rpms. It stopped for a little while, then on our way back home the vehicle did it more often and vibrating intensified. I took the Xterra to the mechanic thinking it was the U joints, unfortunately it was not it or the drive shaft. I am being referred to a transmission shop to have it looked at later in the week. I inadvertently came across the plethora of complaints for the same thing I am looking into on my Xterra. I have put in a call to Nissan Customer Service line (800) 647-7261. Of course, I have been referred to the dealership's Service Department for a diagnostic and to find out that the Xterra has ECM Relay recall that needs to be addressed, which I was never notified about either.

- Genevieve M., Rio Rancho, NM, US

problem #1

Jun 152010

Xterra SE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 141,941 miles

I have taken this car to Aamco on at least three occasions. It still is not running as it should. It surprised me because I always thought nissans had a good reputation.

- Montrell J., Memphis, TN, US

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