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2000 Nissan Xterra transmission problems

22 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 72,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
22
of this car's complaints
10%
typical mileage
72,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    14
  • Driveline: differential unit
    1
  • Clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
    1
  • Clutch assembly
    1
  • Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
    1
  • Automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
    1
  • Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Xterra transmission problems in other years

2000200520102015

Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Nissan Xterra transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Slipping 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 2, 2000 · 76,652 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect. " these vehicles could have a shift cable lock plate that is too brittle and can break. The gear shift lever and the "prndl" indicator may move, but the transmission will not shift out of the park position. Over a period of time, the transmission could shift out of the park position, but the gear indicated on the display may differ from the gear engaged in the transmission.
Risk
If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift cable lock plate.

Recall number 00V288000 · Recall details

What 2000 Nissan Xterra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 16, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · CO

My car keeps stalling out like it's not getting gas.

Filed Dec 30, 2010 · Transmission · 190,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 nissan xterra. The contact stated that the transmission began to slip out of gear. Whenever the failure occurred it was very difficult to take the vehicle out of park. When the contact was able to shift out of park, the vehicle would not be in the same gear as shown on the gear shift indicator. The vehicle was not inspected, but the contact stated that the federal safety agency recall campaign number 00v288000, power train:automatic transmission was identical to his failure and it was also related to the cable lock plate on the transmission. The manufacturer told the contact that his VIN was not a part of the recall. The failure and current mileages were 190000.

Filed Oct 3, 2007 · Transmission · 46,820 miles · FL

With 46,820 miles on our 2000 nissan xterra, we were out of warranty by 1 month when the transmission simply went out. The engine ran fine but the transmission would not engage. Had the vehicle towed to nissan dealer for service. They told me the transmission needed to be replaced and was not covered under warranty. Contacted nissan corporate in california and they took my information. After a week of pressuring for a response, they finally told me they would not cover the repair and that if I had made all of our repairs at the local dealer that maybe they would have discounted the repair. We had all the service performed at the local dealer with the exception of 4-5 oil changes that were performed at jiffy-lube. All service & maintenance had been performed on schedule and they still refused to honor the warranty. We never towed anything (no hitch installed) and live in a flat topographical location (miami). We had the car towed to a local transmission shop and had a rebuilt transmission installed. We later sold the car as soon as possible and will never buy another nissan product - ever! We always had a problem with the A/C and could count an a regular replacement of hoses every summer. We are very upset with nissan and this has been 3 years ago. Today we received a letter that the car may be included in a recall campaign. Ha!

Filed Dec 5, 2006 · Transmission · 81,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated while parked, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The vehicle stopped after the brake pedal was depressed five times. The service dealer was not able to find the problem. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 00v288000, regarding the power train: automatic transmission. The owner did not receive any notification about this recall. Updated 12/28/06.

Filed Jul 5, 2006 · Transmission · 113,702 miles · VA

For several years there has been a "rattling" noise and the vehicle has had a problem shifting gears at times. The dealership told me that they didn't see anything wrong (of course this is the same dealership that forgot to put the oil cap back on after changing the oil one day). Finally the transmission just broke. I was driving down the road and heard a horrible scraping metal noise and my car basically just lunged forward. It seemed to stay in 1st gear but wouldn't go into any other gear including reverse. Thankfully I was less than a block from home and was able to park it in front of the house until I had it towed. I had it towed to don irby's transmissions llc (the best transmission place in town) and they rebuilt the transmission (re4r01a). I know that the 2000 nissan xterra's had a recall on the transmission and I really wonder if/why mine wasn't included...because I really do feel that this has been an ongoing problem. My xterra drives like a new car again! It hasn't driven and performed this great in years!!

Filed Apr 5, 2006 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · SC

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle will not shift out of park. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic, but there is a the federal safety agency recall, # 00v288000, regarding the automatic transmission. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.

Filed Sep 1, 2005 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · MO

I own a 2000 nissan xterra with an automatic transmission. On aug 19, while on a trip, the transmission shift lever became stuck and the lever would not move. After consulting the manual for a procedure to disengage the shift lock mechanism, I discovered that the shift lever would move freely without engaging the transmission. After additional time, I was able to engage the transmission into "d", but the shift indicator displays "n". I was able to complete the trip, and return home. Upon returning, this sequence of events recurred. After investigating the problem, I discovered the federal safety agency campaign id: 00v288000 which describes a very similar issue with the 2000 nissan xterra, that indicates nissan should correct this defect. I contacted a nissan dealer in my area and brought the vehicle in for an assessment. I informed the dealer of my concern about the recall, but the dealer claimed they were unable to locate this recall, and suggested that I contact nissan directly. I contacted nissan, and after several conversations was referred to "chad" who is a regional service representative (chad can be contacted at 310‑771‑3853). The dealer diagnosed the issue as a defective shift lock, and after two conversations with chad at nissan, I was informed that my vehicle was not under warranty, and not part of the recall, therefore I was required to pay for these repairs. Based on the information in the federal safety agency 00v288000, I fail to see how nissan should not be responsible for these repairs.

Filed Feb 18, 2005 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · NY

Consumer stated vehicle will not go into first gear. About one month ago when consumer would put vehicle into first gear it made a lot of noise. Then, it would go into gear, but it would slip out again. About a week later, she had to hold it in gear. Currently, the vehicle will not go into first gear. Consumer will be taking this vehicle to the dealer, but felt this vehicle was too new for transmission to malfunction. *ak after the testing the consumer was told that the transmission and the clutch would have to be replaced.

Filed Feb 7, 2005 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · NY

Continuing poor clutch operation. Pedal often binds; had to release pedal fully to get cruise control to operate; pedal is nearly to the floor at first start on cold morning. Just spent $1200 to repair clutch. Dealer claims binding clutch is no problem. I have spoken to other 2000 xterra owners that have had the same problem earlier in their ownership and had the pedal replaced under warranty...my thought is the binding clutch is causing other problems...

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · NJ

The consumer was driving when the car stopped, upon trying to shift the gear it would not move. When finally putting it in drive the vehicle went into reverse. *jb *sc

Questions about the 2000 Nissan Xterra transmission

Does the 2000 Nissan Xterra have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the transmission of the 2000 Nissan Xterra, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2000 Nissan Xterra transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 72,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2000 Nissan Xterra transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V288000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Xterra have bad transmission?

The Nissan Xterra model years with the most transmission complaints are 2005 (412 complaints), 2006 (268 complaints) and 2007 (231 complaints).

Other 2000 Nissan Xterra problems

Fuel system 66Engine 35Electrical 26Airbags 15Brakes 14Wheels 11Acceleration 9Suspension 9Visibility 9Body 7Steering 6Tires 6Seat belts 5Lights 3

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