2000 Nissan Xterra: engine failure

Filed Oct 16, 2015 · Brakes, Visibility · 147,300 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan xterra. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel seized and made an abnormal noise when turned to the right. In addition, the brake pedal had to be depressed with force in order to bring the vehicle to a stop. The contact also stated that the driver side window would not close. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the diagnosis was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 147,300.

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 40,000 miles · TX · crash

In a 2000 nissan xterra an event similar to the recent toyota problems occurred (several times) about 7-8 years ago. In one case the car jumped a curb and hit a tree. It was drivable, so no police report was filed- as no damage was done to anything other than the car- which had about $2000 body damage. The car was repaired and nissan said they were unable to duplicate the problem. As a result our insurance went up and we had to pay the deductible (about $500). It happened once more a few months later, with no damage resulting. In both cases the car was slowing from <20mph to a stop, and pavement was slick but not real wet- when the accelerator revved up for no reason. It has not happened since. The engine was replaced about 2 yrs later. Nissan has a record of a complaint filed, but I lost the number. The date listed below is for one accident that happened (I think it's the one, but it might be another).

Filed Dec 30, 2008 · Brakes · 105,000 miles · TX

I recently purchased a 2000 nissan xterra. While I seldom use the emergency brakes, I needed it for parking on a hill that particular day. I discovered that the brakes did not grab as they should. Upon investigation, it was determined that a pulley within the brake drum assembly was seized. The materials of the pin and pulley did not appear to have any corrosion or abnormal damage. I have since learned that there are quite a few other people on the internet who have experienced this issue. As a matter of fact the dealership was on back order for the entire rear brake assembly with a one month lead time (p/n: 44000-7z2000, 44010-7z200). I have also written to nissan with no response. I strongly feel that this is the result of a design error by nissan where the parts seize over time. Because this is a safety related device, it should be investigated and addressed. My truck is currently at the dealership for repair and I have requested for the defective parts to be saved as reference.

Filed Jun 11, 2004 · Engine · 68,700 miles · CA

Check engine light went on while driving to truckee, california from sacramento.. I had the radio on and did not hear an engine noise. It was 11:00 clock at night and I was a woman alone driving in a rural area. There was no where to stop until I got to my home town of truckee . When I started the car in the morning, to go to work I heard a rather distinct noise in the engine. I called my local mechanic and he took the car in immediatley.. He replaced the timing belt and the noise continued. He recommended towing it to the nissan dealership in reno. Which is what I did. They listened to the motor and said it was the # 5 piston which meant the I needed a new engine at a cost of $6500.00 , I declined repairs. My xterra only had 68,000 miles on it, and could not understand why a car with such a good reputation had engine failure with so little mileaage. When I bought by car which was used at 32,000 miles I took it to my mechancic. He said that thhis car should last me well into the 200,000 plus miles as did my former car a isuzu rodeo (240,000). This is the first time I have ever purchased a used car and felt confident in getting a nissan product. Unfoutunately this was not the case. Luckily the car made it back to my home town and did not break down in the middle of nowhere in winter. I was making this trip to sacramento twice a week for a class in obtaining my special educaation credential, and I will have t do it for the next several years. I was depending on this car for safety and reliable transportation. Buying a car with 32,000 mioles seemed like a new car to me, considering my old car had 240,000. I take care of my cars, and I am not abusive to them. They last me a long time.

Filed Apr 8, 2003 · Engine, Transmission · 54,844 miles · MD

At 5,000 miles pre warranty expiration my 2000 nissan xterra broke down while pulling out from a stop. After an investigation by nissan, they've concluded that the crankshaft had broke and thus the engine would be rendered useless. They have also stated that they will not cover this under their warranty and will bill me for the new engine. They've said that the engine got sludge due to infrequent oil changes. After providing proof of regular oil changes nissan says that they still will not cover the vehicle. These fraudulent accusations are an outrage and should be covered under nissan's warranty. Furthermore, my rights as a consumer have been violated. After contacting the federal safety agency over the phone I discovered that their had been a recall on my vehicle and that the recall could have had some affect on the resulting problems concurred, I'm not sure as I was never contacted regarding any recall issue. Anyhow nissan says that they will not cover my engine under their warranty. They are also trying to charge me for additional investigation fees that they've already billed me for to see if this could after all be an issue of warranty, so far the total concurred with no repairs is $420, with the added investigation it would be an additional $480, $1000 of worth of work with no repairs made! I'm refusing to pay any fees regarding this issue as it is not my obligation under nissan's warranty. I will not be a scapegoat for a defective crankshaft or any other part causing this failure, as this is a breach in warranty. I'm prepared to pursue this issue to the fullest extant. Thank you for any help.