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.
I bought a 2006 Nissan Xterra after reading good reviews on Consumer Reports for many factors, especially reliability. I had previously owned a 1995 Pathfinder (bought off lease around 1998) and after immediate engine and transmission problems nearly buried me, I went on the drive it up to 240,000 miles! So, I felt good about Nissan. Not any more.
The Xterra had the transmission/radiator cross-contamination problem which Nissan did not tell owners about and they settled a class action lawsuit about resulting in a "discount" on a brand new transmission. $$$! Then, they have "u joint" problems that are apparently not worthy of a "recall" ($$) and now I have "wheel bearing problems" ($$).
I wish I never bought this car. I have 3 months worth of payments left on the car and I keep having to put money into it just to keep it on the road. I'm operating at a loss now and feel caught between a rock and hard place about selling it or keeping it. Avoid these models and Nissan for that matter.
Had to replace both front wheel bearings and the hub. My xterra was making an awful roaring sound in the tire over the summer. This lead to a vibration in the car and eventually figured out both front wheel bearings had went bad and had to be replaced bc the car was running awful.
- Nick M.,
Lexington, KY, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I bought a 2006 Nissan Xterra after reading good reviews on Consumer Reports for many factors, especially reliability. I had previously owned a 1995 Pathfinder (bought off lease around 1998) and after immediate engine and transmission problems nearly buried me, I went on the drive it up to 240,000 miles! So, I felt good about Nissan. Not any more.
The Xterra had the transmission/radiator cross-contamination problem which Nissan did not tell owners about and they settled a class action lawsuit about resulting in a "discount" on a brand new transmission. $$$! Then, they have "u joint" problems that are apparently not worthy of a "recall" ($$) and now I have "wheel bearing problems" ($$).
I wish I never bought this car. I have 3 months worth of payments left on the car and I keep having to put money into it just to keep it on the road. I'm operating at a loss now and feel caught between a rock and hard place about selling it or keeping it. Avoid these models and Nissan for that matter.
- thebrowndog!, Kings Park, NY, US