The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V517000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The worst 2005 Nissan Xterra problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission412
- Fuel system323
- Engine280
- Electrical39
- Airbags19
- Acceleration12
- Steering10
- Driver assistance8
- Suspension8
- Visibility5
- Body4
- Brakes4
- Lights3
- Locks1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Nissan Xterra
Fuel gauge 262Check engine light 143Transmission failure 115Stalling 48Overheating 28Slipping 28Jerking 23Loss of power 21Won't shift 17Won't start 16Fuel pump 13Shudder 13Airbag light 11Hesitation 10Grinding brakes 8Engine failure 8Knocking 7Whining noise 6Water leak 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2005 Nissan Xterra mention
P0463 44
Recalls 3
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.
- Risk
- This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 10V517000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, a mixture of snow/water and salt can enter into the front crash zone sensor (czs) housing. If this occurs, the czs may internally rust resulting in a signal interruption. If this happens, the red air bag warning light will illuminate to alert the vehicle operator.
- Risk
- This issue could result in the non-deployment of the driver and passenger front air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front czs with a redesigned sensor. The recall began on january 26, 2009. Owners in the other states will receive extended warranty coverage for the sensor to 10 years. These owners will be notified of the warranty extension by mail and will receive a sticker to place in their warranty booklet explaining the extended warranty coverage. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 08V690000 · Recall details
Trailer hitches
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a nissan accessory tow hitch, inadequate quality of some welded joints in the hitch assembly may result in separation of the hitch from the vehicle when being used to tow.
- Risk
- This could result in the trailer separating from the vehicle and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the tow hitches. On october 17, 2005, owners were sent an interim letter advising them not to use the tow hitch until it can be repaired. Another letter was sent out on november 21, 2005, notifying them to bring their vehicles in for repair. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 05V458000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2005 Nissan Xterra
Defect investigations
Transmission Failures
On February 29, 2012 the federal safety agency received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.the federal safety agency conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
DP12004
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Nissan Xterra 91
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Voluntary service campaign body control module sub-harness
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN...
- CAN communication codes – diagnostic tips and guidelines
- CAN communication – network diagnostic flow chart
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
2005 Nissan Xterra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 20-21 | 16-17 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 19 | 16-17 |
What 2005 Nissan Xterra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The front airbag crash sensor on my 2005 Nissan Xterra failed and is currently unavailable due to an extended backorder. Firestone Auto provided a work order confirming the need for replacement. The airbag warning light has been flashing continuously for the past four months, indicating a system malfunction. My advisor contacted Nissan dealers three times, and they confirmed the part remains on backorder. This ongoing issue poses a significant safety risk, particularly with the increased driving expected during the upcoming winter season. The sensor has not been replaced or inspected by Nissan, a technician, insurance representatives, or other parties. The part failure has been confirmed by Firestone, but not inspected directly by the manufacturer. I would love to have it solve so I can take my wife to DMV road test.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle stalled with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle moved forward and stopped suddenly intermittently. On another occasion, the A/C became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and unknown repairs were performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not insured due to the several failures, and the not being able to be repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23E012000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. No information on parts availability was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The plastic on my sun visor broke and with the use of it the wires inside the mirror light become exposed and almost caused a fire
I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra and the transmission failed due to my transmission fluid and radiator fluid mixed
I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra. I am the original owner and have been driving it over 16 years. Two years ago, in 2020 while driving my car on the road and with kids inside (with a 1 year old and a 6 year old child), the car began to shake and turned off (we were stranded in the middle of the road, at a traffic light). Since it was my only means of transportation I kept driving it (no kids inside anymore--which was another HUGE inconvenience having to coordinate and at times pay for babysitters). During my continued usage, it will continue to fail to accelerate causing great danger on the freeway and or on public roads. After a while, I managed to drive it to a transmission shop, who told me they had to either hold onto the car or have it towed--as it was deemed unsafe to drive. Upon inspection, the transmission shop confirmed "coolant bypassed into transmission," among other issues (vehicle does not accelerate, chick engine light is on, etc.) I paid with credit card, $4359.34. Once paid and transmission shop fixed issue, I continued to drive the car with family inside. Now two years later July 2022--I am experiencing the same "vehicle does not accelerate" issue.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled after driving 50 feet. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was also informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Transmission Failure Due To Internal Cracks In The Radiator's Oil Cooler Tube
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact that while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled. The contact was immediately able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle kept stalling. The contact restarted the vehicle however while entering a parking garage the vehicle stalled again. After several attempts the vehicle restarted. The contact emphasized that the failure was most evident while stopped or driving at slower speeds. On one occasion the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact connected a DTC scanner and retrieved a fault code regarding the fuel gauge sensor that was contacted to the submersible fuel pump. The contact stated that after removing the fuel tank from the vehicle and while changing the internal fuel tank submersible fuel pump, he became aware that the positive wire of the wiring harness on top of the fuel pump and the fuel pump housing above were both charred. The contact was concerned that excessive heating and sparking had caused the failure. The contact purchased a new fuel pump to replace the defective one. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Compare the 2005 Nissan Xterra
Other model years
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Questions about the 2005 Nissan Xterra
Is the 2005 Nissan Xterra reliable?
Owners have filed 845 complaints about the 2005 Nissan Xterra, 11.7 times a typical Xterra model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2005 Nissan Xterra year score?
The 2005 Nissan Xterra scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Xterra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Nissan Xterra?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 412 complaints, typically around 104,000 miles. Next is fuel system (323).
How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Xterra have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, air bags and trailer hitches.
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).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Nissan Xterra get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Nissan Xterra range from 16 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 20-21 highway.
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