2006 Nissan Xterra: whining or grinding noise

Filed Dec 4, 2021 · Engine · NE

My engine self destruct because Nissan used cheap made plastic tensioners that shredded metal into my engine causing it to self destruct. Nissan knew about this problem and continued installing these tensioners from 2005-2015. I could have crashed into anything while driving or someone could have hit me if my engine would’ve died while driving. My safety was not prioritized by Nissan. The warning light was a whining noise coming from the engine while startup and pressing on the gas pedal. So they knew the problem existed but didn’t care.

Filed Mar 2, 2018 · Engine · 225,000 miles · AZ

Nissan knew about an issue with the timing chain tension system tcts even in early testing of the motor and pre-production dating back to 2004. The tcts ensures that the pistons and valves are properly timed and eliminate the coming in contact with each other or causing catastrophic failure. Nissan even issued beginning in july of 2007 the tsb technical service bulletins instructs technicians to replace the faulty tcts components if there is a whining, clicking or buzzing sounds. For the actual case against nissan north america and nissan motor company here is the link to the court documents: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/cacdce/2:2013cv00686/553274/166/

Filed May 15, 2017 · Engine · PA

Please read letter to nissan it explains everything. As the original owners of a 2006 nissan xterra 4wd with 89,000 miles, we are writing you to ask for assistance in resolving an issue we have been dealing with for quite some time. Please know we are also a current owner of a nissan titan and are loyal to the nissan brand. In 2011 the original transmission with roughly 50,000 miles failed due to a faulty design associated with a cooler assembly. This transmission was replaced at no cost to us by liberty nissan located in hanover, pennsylvania. After said transmission was replaced, we started to notice a constant whining that we thought was somehow attributed to the new transmission. We returned to liberty nissan to have them investigate the source of the noise and it was their determination that the noise was due to wore out timing belt sprockets. We explained to the dealership that this anomaly had not existed prior to the installation of the new transmission as it was and remains quite noticeable. However, this explanation seemed to fall upon deaf ears. Subsequently liberty nissan informed us that if we would like to address this issue the costs would be roughly $1,200.00 dollars. This was something that we could not afford at the time and furthermore felt this was not something that would occur under normal wear and tear for a vehicle with only 50,000 miles. To this day we remain skeptical of this diagnosis. We are now left with a vehicle that lost its appeal due to this constant, aggressive whining instead of one that in the past drew positive attention from onlookers and passersby's for its appearance. We hope nissan stands behind its product and repairs issue that occur prematurely at no cost. We thank you in advance for your time and consideration on this matter and look forward to your response.

Filed Apr 5, 2017 · Engine · 106,000 miles · CA

Whining noise from engine from worn secondary tension guide. Nissan allegedly knew of problem since 2004 and withheld info from public.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Engine · 94,000 miles · CA

Began hearing a whining noise from engine, increasing with RPM. Took to dealership, who indicated it was bad timing chain tensioner shoes/guides. Service advisor indicated this is a very common issue, and nissan redesigned the parts since the originals were found to wear through, allowing the timing chain to rub directly on the metal post of the tensioner. The timing chain system should last for the life of the engine, not require a $1700 repair only about halfway through the engine life. This is also a very unsafe situation, since a timing chain failure could quickly destroy the engine, leaving the car without engine power out on the road. This should be a recall.

Filed Dec 5, 2013 · Transmission · 137,743 miles · WA

Financing and noticed the loud whining gears when car was cold. Almost like a after market racing tranny. Truck being quick and having a powerband it seems, I went with it!! We've had truck just over a year. 6 months ago, heater only blew heat when in motion. It still does both of these things but periodically the heat works like normal. Yes, this truck is still running!!!! But when I leave in the morning, it feels like the e brake is on when its not!! Serious restriction. And on freeway, over 50 MPH, grinding sound gets louder by the day. The loud vibrating that if windows are up, your head seemingly could explode!!!! All the same symptoms of coolant in the tranny. Best part is, it was sold to us by a dealership with symptoms obviously nissan knows about. Heading down to trade it in for one over 2010!!! Please make it there xterra!!!! Wow. It still gets up and goes tho. Red light with a new v8 titan, green means go, xterra wins !!! Sad day because we loved this truck. Buh bye baby

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 Jan 18, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 65,000 miles · AZ

Told the timing chain tensioner plastic part failed; only indication is a whine sound from the engine. Nissan issued a tsb to their dealers about this issue, but nothing to the consumer. If the timing chain fails it will cause a catastrophic failure of the engine and a possible crash. An unknowing consumer has no idea about what this sound means (just sounds like a noisy engine) and might have little warning prior to a timing chain failure. This is a common issue on the type of engine in the xterra, it affects other model also, and at a very low mileage 50-60k mi. Consumers need to be notified of this defect and to listen for the noise. Not everyone takes their vehicle to the dealer. Most mechanics know that timing chains are supposed to last well over 100,000 - 200,000 miles and would never suspect the defect. A safety recall or at least a notification to consumers would be advisable.

Filed Oct 20, 2012 · Engine · 55,000 miles · CA

Engine began to make a whining noise. Was not noticed by the dealership while still under warranty, however, it was noticed after the warranty was up. Was told that the engine noise is due to the plastic timing chain guides that wear down and then the timing chain begins to rub on metal. Failure to change out the entire timing chain kit may result in the timing chain breaking and rupturing the oil pan. I was told by the service department of the local dealership that the plastic guides were a faulty part but it was not a recall, if the car was still under warranty they would have fixed the problem. I don't think any car with less than 100k miles should need such a pricey "wear and tear" fix and I believe this part is faulty and should be recalled. In addition, since I have purchased the car in 2010 I have had a differential seal leak and a rear axle seal leak. All of which I have been told are normal "wear and tear" with a repair price tag of a few thousands of dollars.

Filed Jul 26, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

-fuel system has a problem registering the amount of fuel in the tank, the problem is associated with a faulty fuel level sending unit that nissan refuses to recall. -whining noise coming from inside the engine, noise comes from a faulty timing chain tensioner guide that nissan refuses to recall.

Filed Jul 11, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 75,678 miles · WA

The vehicle has a whining noise. When taken to the dealership, it was diagnosed as a worn down tensioner for the timing chain. If neglected it could cause engine damage and malfunction. The dealer claims the repair includes removing the tensioner and replacing with an upgraded part as they know the original part is faulty. Nissan is aware of the issue and issued a service bulletin in 2009 ntb07-042a, but refuses to fix this part in their vehicles. This should be recalled!