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:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
159,184 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.

2006 Nissan Xterra drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2006 Nissan Xterra Owner Comments (Page 8 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #98

Mar 142013

Xterra

  • 150,000 miles

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

Started over a year ago that while driving the motor would just stop running, would have to coast to the side if the road without power steering or brakes. I took it into the shop and they couldn't find out the problem. Now that my transmission is starting to shake and make noise, I took it to the dealer. They told me that my radiator is making into the transmission and that makes the motor quit and loss of power. I am informed that I need a new radiator and transmission. Looking online I see that there are a lot of people with this sane safety issue and that there is no recall. I think that there should be a recall because it's safety alone! I almost hit a car and a pedestrian while trying to steer off the road and stop. Please help with a recall!! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Menan, ID, USA

problem #97

Feb 182014

Xterra

  • 109,000 miles
The transmission started to slip, turns out the atf was contaminated by the radiator failing and leaking coolant into the transmission. This was determined by the dealer and of course it was out of warranty. I replaced the radiator and the transmission is being worked on by a transmission shop to the tune of several thousand dollars. The contamination ruined at least all clutch plates, the bands, and the torque converter.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #96

Jan 152014

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 144,000 miles
While driving in traffic, automatic transmission slipped out of gear causing loss of speed and near collisions from following vehicles. Diagnosis was a flaw in the radiator that allowed coolant to enter the transmission causing the transmission to fail.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #95

Feb 012014

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 109,000 miles

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

Transmission went out. While driving on highway, rpms went up and car would not move. Diagnosis was new transmission and radiator. Seems to be a problem with 2006 Nissan Xterras with low mileage.

- Arvada, CO, USA

problem #94

Jan 202014

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
I have a 2006 Nissan SE Xterra 4.0 4X2 automatic -I started noticing when gets speed up to 45 miles it is making a hard shifting and when slowing down making a hard down shifting as well. I mostly notice this when the vehicle is already warmed up and stop and go traffic is when it starts acting up, like a clunk noise and feel like it is loosing power in the transmission. It was a cold day and when leaving work and I backed up and then put in drive and started to move forward all of a sudden the service engine light came on and it felt like I had lost power to the transmission. (bogged down feeling) I had to press further down on the peddle to get the Xterra to drive. I drove home slowly with my flashers on praying to god I would not break down within the 7miles. The next day I drove 2 miles to oriellys to pull the code P1754 with several others.I drove to a transmission shop and was given a "worse case scenario" charge of about $3300 -I still owe $6000 for it! I started to investigate the issue online with all of the forums/parts/rebuilds and such and found that the transmission is the issue with the coolant line in radiator cracking and leaking atf into transmission causing problems with corrosion in the valve body and transmission (O rings/seals) causing to be replaced which is (faulty engineered/manufactured highly expensive defect) at around 100,000 miles and cost is $1100 for body valve, rebuilding transmission ($2800-($5000 for new) and replacing the radiator $ $260 and lets not forget about the labor at about $110 an hour for around 13 hours. Who has this kind of money for this repair?? I love my Xterra but not at this cost since I found out that every 100,000 I will have to replace the $1100 transmission valve body (solenoids failing)!! I am very disappointed with Nissan.

- Austin, TX, USA

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problem #93

Sep 052012

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 106,673 miles
The transmission in my vehicle began to slip. I had aamco and Nissan investigate the problem and both companies determined that the coolant from the radiator had leaked into the transmission. This caused the vehicle to become inoperable.

- Salem, MA, USA

problem #92

Jan 282014

Xterra

  • 164,000 miles

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

Transmission failure on highway. Car stopped working going 65 mph. Radiator fluid leaked into transmission.

- Wallkill, NY, USA

problem #91

Jan 102014

Xterra

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle began to violently shake and was hesitant to shift into the next gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 95,000.

- Arcata, CA, USA

problem #90

Jan 022014

Xterra

  • 137,000 miles
My transmission began slipping all of a sudden and I lost all ability to accelerate despite my ability to rev the engine. Luckily I coasted into my local "kwik kar" at the end of the street. They looked at the car and informed me that they believe the radiator is leaking into the transmission and that both the transmission and radiator would need to be replaced to make the vehicle functional again. Had this occurred on the highway my life would have been in serious danger.

- Denton, TX, USA

problem #89

Dec 302013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 103,949 miles
We noticed a higher pitch noise from the vehicle in August 2013 during all running times (cold start, warm running, etc) in my pregnant wife's car with about 90,000 miles on vehicles (inspected fluids, belts, and engine area without notice to any issues- assumed it was the sub-freezing temperatures ~5-16). Regular maintenance has bee conducted on the vehicle since purchase (original owners), had the heater core repaired and vehicle inspected at Nissan dealer in Texas in 2011 without knowledge of transmission problems (heater core is leaking again 2yrs later). There was no impact to driving at the time. Figured it would only need a tune-up back from Colorado to Georgia before finally getting it checked and was diagnosed with transmission and engine coolant cross contamination requiring $4,500+ in repairs (now at 103,000 miles -Dec 2013). Automatic transmission was completely flooded/contaminated with engine coolant ruining the internal components. Mechanics stated that is a known problem with Nissan Xterra's and other models, that they didn't know how our transmission didn't already fail with the amount of exposure, and it would be a short time before the transmission becomes completely in-operational. After some research, we have discovered that many people have had a similar issue across Nissan models, and we do not qualify for the class action law suit (which you had to claim by Jun 2013 and have document/diagnosed transmission contamination >100,000 miles). Nissan should be required to recall/fix their design flaw and safety hazards for protection of the consumer!

- Harlem, GA, USA

problem #88

Nov 252013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 94,673 miles

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

The vehicle would stall or rather the transmission would not shift mostly out forth to fifth, or even third to forth. The engine seems fine. Pull the transmission dipstick, the fluid is dark and smells burnt.

- Broken Bow, OK, USA

problem #87

Dec 162013

Xterra

  • 80,600 miles
Driving South on the Florida turnpike, our Nissan X-terra would not change speed at 40 miles per hour and it appeared that the transmission could not change. The slip indicator light went on. This situation happened approximately three times, after each incident we had to stop on the side of the highway. Finally after the third attempt the vehicle picked up speed. When we got home, I checked the transmission fluid and it had what appeared to be water. I checked the radiator cap, and instead of liquid the mixture seemed to be a creme paste, like it had oil. Searching in google, I found that there was a lawsuit brought again Nissan for this defect. However today at bill seidle's Nissan in miami, I was told that there is a co-payment of $2,500. This is outrageous, since the problem was created by Nissan and not by the owner of the vehicle.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #86

Feb 122011

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 96,347 miles
I really do not know where to begin. My truck would not start 8/26/13. I learned that the dreaded radiator coolant leak had finally destroyed my transmission computer system and transmission. I first learned that this could become a problem in February of 2011 when my vehicle was at about 96,300 miles. The Nissan dealership gave me a number to call, I did and was told at that time that I could pay $6000 out of pocket and possibly be reimbursed later as my vehicle VIN was not in the current list of vehicles being offered the "special warranty coverage". I was given a case number and told I would be mailed information about all future matters regarding this problem. I did not have $6000 then, I do not have $3000 now. That is the amount of the deductible the Nissan dealer says I would be responsible for paying if Nissan honors the time I initially reported this problem to them. I need some help. My husband is active duty navy and I kept this vehicle serviced and did everything I was supposed to do to make sure this vehicle stayed in great condition and now I have a vehicle that is no longer working. I hope you can help us.

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #85

Dec 062013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 99,950 miles
On December 06, 2013, while merging onto the highway, my gray in color, 2006 Nissan Xterra, completely lost all motive power & failed to shift gears, simply revving out in 2nd gear. It should be noted, my 2006 Nissan Xterra is the 4X4, automatic transmission & had around 99,950 miles at the time. The incident put myself, my wife, and my eight month old baby girl in danger due to the fact we had no where to exit the highway & were quickly slowing down in traffic. This incident almost caused an accident because I was unable to accelerate to get out of the way of the faster highway traffic. It has since come to my attention that Nissan is aware of this issue and that it is caused by the radiator leaking coolant into the transmission causing the transmission fluid to mix with the radiator fluid, effectively destroying the transmission. I was able to slowly work the rpms up & get the transmission to shift up a few gears so we could make it off the highway. I then contacted my local Nissan dealer who advised that Nissan was aware of the issues and have extended the warranty to 100,000 mi. He informed me that to replace the transmission & the radiator it would cost approximately $7000, however, if I was under 100,000 mi, I would only have to pay a $3,000 deductible. Because I had passed the 100,000 mile mark by driving my vehicle back home, I was no longer eligible for this extended warranty. I've owned my Nissan Xterra for over 6 years & have made sure to stay current on all the routine maintenance. The fact that Nissan is not only aware of these issues (which have allegedly affected thousands of Nissan owners), but also that they have failed to take any corrective action, is simply unacceptable & also downright dangerous. It is one thing for Nissan to not stand behind their product, but it is wrong for them to knowingly allow their product to put people's lives in danger.

- Prescott Valley, AZ, USA

problem #84

Dec 062013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
As I was driving along the highway, I felt a jerk from the vehicle. The vehicle then over heated. Pulled over and let set for a minute. Restart and limp to work place. After calling dad found radiator fluid in transmission. The rest is history!!!!

- Saucer , MS, USA

problem #83

Jul 062011

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 144,000 miles
We have an 2006 Nissan Xterra and the radiator leaked into the transmission and caused a cross contamination. We had to replace the radiator and have the transmission rebuilt. We participated in the Nissan class action lawsuit, but unfortunately we received a denial letter in the mail earlier this week because we were over 100,000 miles. I am highly disappointed with Nissan for being so greedy and not taking responsibility over this issue. This problem happened to occur the winter of 2011 when I would go out to start the car and it would blow cold air and never heat up unless the car was running. If I was to sit at red lights the car would blow cold air again. That spring I noticed the car jerking and driving a little rough but didn't think much about it because we had just replaced the universal C joint back that prior fall. The summer of 2011 and at first I noticed the RPM's revving up but the car wouldn't go anywhere. Then the air went out and would cool down the car. Meanwhile I am driving my kids around in a car with no ac in 100 summer heat and humidity. Eventually the car got so bad it wouldn't run. It would rev up but go no where. I finally took it into a shop when I noticed it leaking a reddish, brown/green fluid. Come to find out there was cross contamination between the radiator and the transmission. I had been driving months with this car like this it really messed up my Xterra. It cost me $4500 to fix this issue on top of many inconveniences. I't super disappointed in Nissan for not recalling this faulty part they knew about. Apparently a letter was sent out asking customers to bring the cars in to be checked. We never received this letter. All I want is Nissan to fess up and pay hard working people back the money they owe them. My Xterra was paid off and I had to sink $4500 into a 6 year old car. Nissan has lost a customer for life. Ill never buy another.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #82

Dec 052013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 137,743 miles
Financing and noticed the loud whining gears when car was cold. Almost like a after market racing tranny. Truck being quick and having a powerband it seems, I went with it!! we've had truck just over a year. 6 months ago, heater only blew heat when in motion. It still does both of these things but periodically the heat works like normal. Yes, this truck is still running!!!! but when I leave in the morning, it feels like the E brake is on when its not!! serious restriction. And on freeway, over 50 mph, grinding sound gets louder by the day. The loud vibrating that if windows are up, your head seemingly could explode!!!! all the same symptoms of coolant in the tranny. Best part is, it was sold to us by a dealership with symptoms obviously Nissan knows about. Heading down to trade it in for one over 2010!!! please make it there Xterra!!!! wow. It still gets up and goes tho. Red light with a new V8 titan, green means go, Xterra wins !!! sad day because we loved this truck. Buh bye baby

- Lacey, WA, USA

problem #81

Oct 312013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 105,168 miles
I was driving on the freeway when all of a sudden my car would not accelerate. I tried to quickly merge to my right shoulder. I had plenty of gas and my car would not provide any power past the 2300 RPM. As I was merging, I noticed the car in the next lane behind me was approaching fast. I tried to accelerate and could not, he had to quickly move to the next lane and I think he hit another car. At this time I was already in the exit lane when I looked over, got lucky I wasn't hit hard and barely made it out of freeway.

- Saugus, CA, USA

problem #80

Oct 312013

Xterra

  • 105,000 miles
I was coasting on the freeway at around 50 miles, was in low RPM about 2500. I hit the gas to change lanes and as soon as I did, I have no power to the back wheels. My engine RPM shot up and felt as if I was in the neutral. Eased off immediately and tried gassing it very lightly. I was able to make it off the freeway; however, I could not gas it past the 2500rpms. Very scary on the freeway, lucky I have great reflexes to avoid an accident. Took it into the shop and verified it is a leakage from the radiator to transmission problem.

- Saugus, CA, USA

problem #79

Sep 272013

Xterra 6-cyl

  • 104,000 miles
My 2006 Nissan Xterra's transmission has been significantly damaged due to the issue of contaminated transmission fluid / radiator fluid. It started to exhibit symptoms shortly after reaching 100,000 miles, which is just out of reach of the extended warranty.

- Denver, CO, USA

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