2000 Nissan Xterra: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Oct 26, 2006 · Body, Engine · 96,650 miles · VA

Dt*: the contact stated while accelerating at various speeds, a rattling noise was heard coming from under the vehicle. Also, the contact noticed exhaust smell inside the cab. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that an loose underbody shield was the cause for the rattling. The manufacturer was not alerted. The contact noticed 14 similar complaints on the nets website regarding cracked right hand exhaust manifold, and expressed concern because inhaling carbon monoxide posed a serious risk. No repairs were made.

Filed May 17, 2005 · Engine · 40,000 miles · CA

I have about 70,000 miles on my 2000 nissan xterra. I had to replace the passenger side exhaust manifold around 40k miles due to a crack. I am now experiencing a crack of the driver exhaust manifold. This problem has me concerned because of the defects involved. I think that the exhaust fumes may enter the passenger area of the car through the firewall.

Filed Oct 5, 2004 · Engine · 90,000 miles · NY · 3 injuries

I have driven my 2000 nissan xterra for almost 2 years now with normal driving, no off road driving or abuse of my vehicle. Recently I discovered that after a few weeks of an overwhelming smell of exhaust in my passenger cabin that the exhaust manifold is in fact cracked. Now on many occasions I have a very young child in my vehicle so I've had to leave him outside till the exhaust smell has dissipated and I can only assume it's no longer making it's way into the cabin. I can't imagine that this could possible be good for anybody. In any event I figured I would just have to get the problem fixed but as I did some research I realized that I'm not alone and there are thousands of other owners with the same problem. I will have manifold replaced at my own cost so I can again feel safe that I'm not breathing in exhaust. I find it absurd that neither nissan nor the federal safety agency has made the public aware of this problem. I hope something can be done soon.

Filed Aug 5, 2004 · Engine · 50,400 miles · MO

My 2000 nissan xterra with less than 51,000 miles developed a crack in the passenger side exhaust manifold. I have maintained this vehicle at a very high level and even though it is designed to be driven off road my vehicle's off road experience is the occasional gravel road. The vehicle is not driven "hard" or beyond normal driving conditions. The cracked developed without any indication other than a strange "hissing" sound from the engine and a slight exhaust odor inside the vehicle. No one was injured but it appears that exhaust leaking into the driver/passenger compartment of the vehicle could be potentially dangerous on long trips or prolonged stop and go traffic during rush hour. The part has been replaced at my expense.

Filed Jul 2, 2002 · Engine · NV

Noticed exhaust smell in passenger compartment. Reported to department and was informed that vehicle had a cracked exhaust manifold. Was repaired by dealer under warranty. Discussions with other xterra owners at an online discussion group (www.xterraownersclub.com) has brought to my attention that this has occured to many other xterra's. I feel that this warrants an investigation as it seems to be a very common failure with potential to cause an accident if a driver were overcome by carbon monoxide from the leaking exhaust manifold being drawn into the fresh air intake during a moderate to long drive.