2006 Nissan Xterra: engine failure

Filed Apr 30, 2019 · Engine · 134,700 miles · FL

This vehicle was designed with plastic tensioner guides to the secondary timing chains. The engine is designed with an "interference" timing chain which means that if the timing chain breaks, it results in catastrophic engine failure without warning. Although nissan did not design the timing chain as a maintenance item, the plastic guides wear out long after the vehicle warranty expires. Although they corrected the problem in subsequent model years, they never contacted or notified the affected owners of the problem that unless these guides are replaced they will eventually result in the secondary timing chains wearing out the guides causing the secondary chains themselves to run metal on metal against the tensioners. Because of this continued wear, the secondary timing chains may fail at any time the engine is on without warning and destroy the engine. Nissan issued a technical service bulletin on the problem but failed to notify owners that as the vehicles approach approximately 100,000 miles or more, the secondary timing chains may fail. I have attached photos of the secondary timing chain tensioners removed from my vehicle which show the plastic guide on one nearly completely worn through, and the other one broken with only half of the plastic guide still in place on the tensioner. I also included my repair receipt for the $2,123.40 repair. Finally, I included the nissan technical service bulletin for this problem. It is my understanding they recalled the v8 engines with this type of issue, but not the v6 engines (I have not confirmed that however,) nissan should immediately issue a recall on these vehicles and cover the cost of repairs already made by consumers.

Filed Apr 4, 2016 · Engine · 130,000 miles · NJ

Engine died on the way to work because of a recall unknown to me but shared with me after my mechanic found information on radiator and transmission

Filed Mar 25, 2015 · Engine · 101,000 miles · DC

Driver was heading at approximately 45 MPH, and engine died. Had towed to nissan mechanic. The issue was diagnosed as a timing chain failure, which LED to catastrophic/un-repairable engine failure. Needed complete engine replacement.

Filed Jan 10, 2014 · Engine · 67,000 miles · NJ

Premature wear of the secondary timing chain guides could lead to engine failure durring use and incurs expensive repairs well before the end of life of the timing chains which is much longer than the useable life of a belt.

Filed Aug 5, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 96,500 miles · VA

I had been noticing a whining noise associated with transmission 'flare' on acceleration for some time, but only in march 2013 was it diagnosed at 96k miles by the dealership as faulty timing chain guides, a known problem with the 4 l engine. The dealer said the faulty parts needed to be replaced soon. I contacted nissan USA consumer affairs about having nissan partially cover the cost of replacing the faulty parts. Despite having the dealership's original report and estimate, nissan's regional rep insisted that the dealership had to reconfirm the diagnosis, which was done. The rep then refused to return my calls, and did not respond to dealership queries about the repairs either. The engine noise was getting worse, and fearing a catastrophic engine failure, I had the dealer repair the vehicle. The dealer said the timing chain was slapping and about to fail. The dealership urged me to report the problem to appropriate federal, local and nissan officials because the problem is potentially very dangerous.

Filed Nov 15, 2011 · Engine · 69,000 miles · GA

My 2006 nissan xterra is showing symptoms of the timing chain wear that so many other xterra owners have filed complaints about. I called nissan with reference to their technical service bulletin #ntb09-128 that acknowledges there is a problem with the timing chain. They told me they couldn't find it in the system and I would have to take my car to the dealer and have it replaced (at cost to me). I do not know why this is not a recall - if the timing chain snaps it will cause catastrophic engine failure that could lead to significant bodily injury if the car was driving.

Filed Oct 7, 2011 · Engine · 61,000 miles · PA

Premature timing chain wear before and after 60,000 miles. Premature wear is caused by faulty design, specifically teflon coated guide-chain tensioner. Failure to the timing chain will result in engine failure and possible accident if operated on roadway. Nissan refuses to acknowledge problem and or recall. Prior service bulletin circulated by nissan (ntb07-042a) and generated on 4/17/2009 verifies same problem with this make and model and several other nissan years and models affected. Respectfully request investigation into this issue.

Filed Jul 18, 2007 · Engine · 1,577 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 nissan xterra. The contact stated that he has taken his vehicle to the dealer four times or more regarding the air conditioner not working. When the A/C was activated in april of 2006, hot air blew out. He took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the A/C system was never charged. The dealer charged the system and stated that it should work. On may 9, 2006, at 2,128 miles, the contact returned to the dealer because the ipdm controller was not allowing the A/C to remain on cycle and cool the vehicle. On june 19, 2006, the A/C was not producing enough cold air and the vehicle was taken to the dealer once again. The dealer stated that there was minor engine failure. Two seals were replaced for the high and low side from the previous visit because they were not placed back on during the previous visit. On july 17, 2007, at 10,753 miles, the compressor was short cycling and shutting on and off too quickly. The dealer discovered that the system was a half pint low on refrigerant and they replaced the o-ring. The contact believes there is a leak, but the dealer stated that there was not. The current mileage is 10,760 and failure mileage was 1,577. The consumer provided repair invoices pertaining to the defect and also legal documentation in reference to the incident. Updated 09/05/07