The clutch first failed at 2800 miles. Nissan replaced it but told me it was bad driving. I have had a clutch my entire life. The second failure was at 52000 miles. Nissan told me it was out of warranty so I had it replaced elsewhere with oe parts. It just failed again at 78000 miles and again they said it was out of warranty. I will now have the fourth clutch installed and am looking at other than oem equipment.
2005 Nissan Xterra transmission complaints
Page 13 of 15: complaints 341 to 370 of 412, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Interior components of the radiators (internal transmission coolers) break down allowing coolant to mix with the transmission fluid. As a result of the contamination, the transmission and other drivetrain components are damaged and fail causing possible accident.
Transmission shudders violently periodically between speeds of 40mph and 65mph. Brought truck to buckeye nissan in hilliard, oh where all of my repairs have been completed over the entire life of my vehicle and they informed me that I had coolant in transmission and transmission fluid in radiator. This problem can lead to sudden and catastrophic failure of transmission while in motion which could have lead to a serious auto accident.
I noticed a vibrating noise when I would reach 40-50mph. It sounded like I was driving on a rumble strip but was not. One day I pulled out into traffic and my transmission slipped, had my gas pedle to the floor but I was barely moving. I had to swirve into the ditch to avoid getting rear ended! I took it to my nissan dealship to have a diagnositc test done. They called and told me that there was a defect in the radiator causing fluid to leak into the transmission. The estimated cost will be about $1500, to replace my radiator and flush the fluids twice. They stated that this will be a 80-85% chance this would temporaraly fix the problem, but with them not really knowing how much damage there is to my transmission that if this doesn't correct the problem that I would need to replace my trasmission meaning an additional $5,000. I have searched on-line and found out on a website (carcomplaints.com) that there are many other people out there with my same problem. Nissan is very aware of this defect in the radiator and has done nothing about it. My warrenty ran out in april and the warrenty on the radiator ended at 80,000 miles. I am in a huge bind not knowing what to do. Being a single mom I am very tight on money. I would hope that there are enough complaints for nissan to recall all nissan xterra 2005 for radiator defects. I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for a miracle.
I purchased my 2005 nissan xterra less than 2 months ago and noticed about a month after I bought it that it had a rumble when driving it, especially when accelerating over 40 MPH or on an incline when driving over 50 on highways. I also noticed that upon starting the car there was a very loud thump in the rear end. About a week after these issues became noticeabe, my service engine light came on and when I went to accelerate the car did not move at all... I had to crawl to the side of the road and re start my car. I took it to my local repair show where I was told the code was in the transmission section and I should take it to a tranmission shop. The estimated repairs are very costly and it's obvious that so many other xterra owners have experienced this same problem. It is my only vehicle and I travel 80 miles a day to and from work and am forced to pay for this repair or be without a vehicle that I just purchased and still owe money on. There has to be some responsibility on the part of nissan to reimburse their purchasers for the costly repairs due to a problem that is evidently a design flaw in the radiator and transmission of the 2005 xterra. If so many people are complaining why is nothing being done to aid the victims of nissans poor design?
I first noticed a vibration in my 2005 nissan xterra like driving over speed bumps when letting off the accelerator the vibration stopped. I thought it was a problem with tires, driveshaft or rear end but found it would not happen if I turned off the overdrive. So I googled nissan transmission problems and found that people were having the same issue and said it was due to coolant mixing with the transmission fluid and causing transmission failure. I continued to drive the vehicle not having the money to do the costly repair and debating whether to trade in the vehicle. Yesterday the car left me broke down alongside the road. The vehicle started jumping like it was going to stall the check engine like came on and the temperature went in the red I pulled over to the side of the road and seen coolant mixed with some other fluid all over the engine compartment and street something must have burst. Contacted nissan they told me it was not covered due to being over the 80,000 mile extended warrant but to take it to a dealership to get a diagnostic to determine what the problem is to see what they can do to help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan xterra. The contact stated the vehicle started making a rumbling sound after having the oil changed at the dealers. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and was told that the transmission was slipping and coolant was leaking from the radiator into the transmission. The vehicle would need both the radiator and the transmission replaced. The failure and current mileages were 85,000.
Faulty radiator leaked antifreeze into transmission which rendered the transmission useless.
Driving vehicle when transmission dropped into lower gear and would not upshift. Cause found --- radiator cracked and leaked coolant into transmission- . Which ruined the transmission.
I seem to be having the same problem as everyone else with my 2005 nissan xterra. Started feeling a vibration around 40 to 60 MPH. It felt like I was riding on a rumble strip except I was not. The radiator fluid leaked into my transmission which cased my transmission to go out. I have only had this vehicle for 2 months.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, she heard a rumbling sound. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostics, where the technician stated that radiator fluid leaked into the transmission and the radiator needed to be replaced. There were also parts within the transmission that needed to be repaired, but the contact was unaware of the specific parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan xterra. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle hesitated and would not accelerate over 15 MPH. A loud noise was also heard coming from the engine area. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who performed a diagnostic test and stated that the radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. The dealer replaced the transmission, radiator, and drive shaft. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but denied assistance with the repairs because the warranty expired. The failure and current mileages were 87,000. ..updated 09/15/11
Defective transmission cooling design causing 2005 nissan xterra leaking coolant into transmission resulting in transmission and radiator failure. Nissan has not corrected the design problem for consumers resulting in putting consumers risk of harms way and extreme costs to repair.
2005 nissan xterra transmission/ radiator. Radiator leaks into transmission and causes transmission to seeze. Nissan is aware of this issue they have not entered a recall on the part.
I was entering onto the freeway about 60mph when the vehicle started vibrating violently. I wasn't sure if I blew a tire or hit something and I instinctively braked hard and drove onto the shoulder of the road. I inspected the front end and could not determine what had gone wrong. I drove at minimum posted speed to the next ramp and exited. On a dirt road on the way home the vibration and shaking started again at around 40mph. When I slowed down the shaking stopped. I nursed the car home. I learned later there is a defect in the transmission of this model caused by radiator fluid leaking into the transmission which corrodes the components. I never received a recall or other notice from nissan. This is a dangerous condition because it causes the driver to take immediate and severe action as it feels like a catastrophic failure of some sort. At high speeds it could cause an accident.
I am writing to complain about my 2005 nissan xterra. Otherwise a very sound car, I have been informed by the dealership that the timing chain guide is wearing down and will eventually fail. The dealer informed me this is common in nissan and my research concurs. My car only has 85,000 miles on it and this repair is estimated to cost me $1900.00. I feel this should be a safety recall item as there has already been numerous safety bulletins on this issue.
05 nissan xterra radiator leaked antifreeze into the transmission causing the vehicle to not move until RPM's reached a certain speed. Car had been vibrating prior to incident which was thought to be tires. Car was towed to transmission shop and at a cost of $4800 for repairs. I understand this is a problem that multiple owners have had and that nissan is not accepting responsibility for. I was put at risk as I drive 35 miles each way to and from work and a majority of this driving is done on the highway. My drive time is very early in the morning and very late at night. If the car had broke down I would have been stranded on the side of the highway.
I purchased a new 2005 nissan for my daughter six years ago.....I have the exact problem that everyone else seems to have....a faulty radiator caused coolant to ruin the transmission now nissan wants thousands to replace the transmission and radiator. Also the cadillac converter needs replacing and experiencing the same fuel gauge problem....since I have 109000 miles it is out of warranty....I have not received any recalls in the mail and I have always been the titled owner since I purchased it brand new. I am disgusted that nissan is aware that there was a faulty radiator, this is not caused by wear and tear....but intends on doing nothing. They charged me $100 just to diagnose the problem. My daughter doesn't have thousands for these kind of repairs and the car slips out of gear while driving which is dangerous. It seems nissan should be forced to make these specific repairs since they are aware of the defect.
Transmission failure caused by radiator leak, which causes vibration in vehicle which can be hazardous and costly. Internet comments suggest problem is known by manufacturer but warrantees have not been extended, and dealer quoted full price for repair: $5,000+ on vehicle worth $11,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan xterra. The contact stated that the vehicle would jerk while shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission and radiator fluids were mixing, causing the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but would not offer any further assistance due to the mileage being above 80,000. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 86,000. Updated 09/20/2011 *ln
In september, 2010 I was driving my 2005 nissan xterra at 55 MPH on a two lane highway when it the temperature spiked overheating the engine after pulling over and checking it I discovered I had transmission fluid in the radiator. Come to find out there is a known defect on 2005 thru 2010 nissan xterra's, pathfinders, and frontier's in which the radiators internally leak water into the automatic transmissions and causes the violent shaking at high speeds. Nissan is aware of the issue and has only chosen to extend the warranty on the radiators and not recall the vehicles. In fact the letter sent to the consumers doesn't even reference the transmission (in which it destroys). While my family and I were not hurt, it was a close call and could have easily been worse at the speed I was going and the effect the failure has on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a garage and the radiator replaced and transmission flushed. While servicing my vehicle the mechanic discovered that the engine head had cracked. I incurred over 2,400 dollars in repairs...using a used replacement engine. Nissan corporation after 9 weeks of waiting has informed me that they have opted not to assist in the repair of the vehicle nor provide reimbursement. On june 23, 2011, my transmission began to fail.
My 2005 nissan xterra suddenly developed a lack of acceleration nearly causing an accident at a stop sign. When taken to my mechanic I was told that the trouble code indicated the TCM and or the front brake solenoid, both of which are in the transmission and they would cost at least $2000 to fix. The dealer would not talk to me or return my calls after letting me know that a fix would cost @$5000+ I cannot afford to replace this and after finding that it happens with nearly all 05 xterras I will not.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the transmission began to shake excessively. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the transmission was flushed. The mechanic also stated that the radiator was cracked and leaking transmission fluid into the engine. As a result, severe damage was being done to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
On or about may 14th 2011 I observe fluid leaking from my nissan 2005 xterra. I sought professional advice. It was mandatory that I replace the radiator, thermostat and flush the engine and transmission. It became very apparent that this was a manufacture defect. I then contact five towns nissan, who indicated that my vehicle was out of warranty (80,000). I did receive an undated 'warrant notification' from nissan north america inc which did compromise any extended warranty especially if it is a manufacturer defect. Nissan north america inc did acknowledge that there was a manufacturer defect on the radiator assembly that will cause leakage of the engine coolant (antifreeze) to mix with the transmission causing the transmission to be rebuilt. This will cost over $6,000.00 to repair. What became obviously suspicious is that nissan sent the 'warrant notification' after the fact knowing that all and or most of the affected vehicles were out of warranty. It became apparent that nissan was fully aware of the defects, hence, being liable for their negligence. Amidst all the complaints nissan refuse to recall and or fix the defects. Secondly, I do have problems with the emission system of the said nissan 2005 xterra, of which, I did reported to nissan. In june 2009 it was determine upon paid inspection by nissan service center, that both #1 and #2 catalytic convertor, fuel level sensor and gas gauge were all defective. I had the gauge replace, but both #1 and #2 catalytic convertor, fuel level sensor will cost over $4,000.00 to repair. It now has a manufacturer defect of the timing chain that can be disastrous, and will cost $2,500.00. I am most respectfully asking your office to launch an immediate investigation about the manufacturer defects that I have listed, and would like nissan to fully compensate me for the repairs. I would like you to take into consideration of all the consumers who are frustrated by this dilemma, and have no possible alternative.
6 months ago, I begun to lose my hand brake that was slipping on an upgrade. Had it adjusted with my local mechanic. It worked again after the adjustment. Notice about 2 months ago that even on a level ground the hand brake was slipping. Since I have 6 spd manual trans, would just leave vehicle on 2nd or 1st gear to prevent the car from moving at park. Had the hand brakes checked and even had new brake shoes on hand if it needed to be replaced. Mechanic discovered that differential gear fluid was sipping out of the 2 wheel seals and have caked on the brake shoes and surrounding area. The tech discovered that the release pressure valve located on the upper passenger side was clogged and not releasing pressure of gear oil as the vehicle travels. Gear oil had no place to go but through the wheel differential seals. It would take a lot of work to replace the wheel seals as the 2 rear axles have to be pulled out and differential gear box have to be opened to unlock the 2 axles. Tech removed the pressure release valve and installed hose in place of the spring cap to release pressure as temporary fix. Hopefully wheel seals are not broken. Will use vehicle in meantime to see of diff wheel seals need not be replaced with the pressure release valve in open position. Accident can happen should vehicle run out of gear oil and ruin gear box that has the drive shaft attached. Pls let me know of similar incident. Thank you for looking into this. That price of that pressure release valve can only cost less than $20 from a dealer in my estimate.
Car overheating, wouldn't run on highway, jerking, couldn't catch speed, radiator blew due to coolant problem which went into transmission needing new transmission. Holding up traffic, had to keep my hazards on. Extremely dangerous driving conditions. Radiator reimbursed by nissan but wouldn't pay for transmission despite clear documentation that it was due to a recall. Had to pull over several times on highway to get out of harms way.
2005 nissan xterra. Highway driving and car began to shake violently. It was hard to stay in control for a bit there. Hard to figure out what it was but I have. Nissan xterra's have a problem with the radiator failing and leaking coolant into the transmission, thereby ruining it. My car has been overheating and the transmission giving out while I'm traveling at highway speeds with my wife and two children in car seats. Nissan voluntarily extended warranty on the radiator. That is no help to the consumer as once the radiator fails you also have a bad transmission. Please make them accountable for their unethical dodging of a serious problem --- and a dangerous one! Thank you.
My vehicle rumbled a little as if I was going over a rumble strip. Then after a little bit of time, I lost all gears with the exception of 4th, this became a safety issue in traffic as slowing down caused the car to almost stop completely in traffic situations. Following this, I have researched and found this to be the case for many of the same vehicles. The radiator leaks into the transmission causing transmission failure. Something needs to be done!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan xterra. The contact stated was driving 30 MPH when the transmission slipped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the transmission fluid abnormally mixed with the radiator coolant. The radiator initially malfunctioned and caused the failure and the dealer advised replacing the transmission. The contact called the manufacturer yet the manufacturer did not offer any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,000.
When getting to a speed of 55 MPH and above I would start to hear a rumbling sound. I had my local nissan dealership take a look at it and they told me it was the front right u-joint. I had them replace the u-joint and when I picked it up and was on my way home the same rumbling sound was still occuring. I took it back to the dealership and they kept it a two days and then told me the rear axial was causing the noise the it needed to be replaced. I had them replace it which cost me $2000.00. Again, when I picked it up and was on my way home the rumbling noise was still occuring. I went back to the dealership got the sevice manager to go for a ride with me so he could here the noise because no one at the dealership ever took the car out to hear the noise. He said they would have to keep it again to see if they could figure out the problem. They called me 2 days later and told me that a crack in the hose that runs through the radiator to the transmission was allowing antifreeze to get into the transmission and the transmission was causing the rumbling noise. They told me I needed to have the readiator and transmission replaced and it was going to cost me $4200.00. Needless to say I was not convinced they knew what was wrong with the car since they were wrong the first two times, so I took it to a local transmission repair shop and had them look at it. They said it was the radiator and transmission so I had them replace both at a cost of $3900.00.
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