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Nissan Xterra transmission failure problems

279 of the 3,098 owner complaints about the Nissan Xterra describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
279
worst model year
2005
typical repair cost reported
$4,900
typical mileage
109,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Check engine light 29Overheating 26Stalling 14Slipping 13Jerking 13Won't start 11Loss of power 10Won't shift 8

Trouble codes mentioned

P0717 3U1000 1P1807 1P1716 1P0700 1

What owners say

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Transmission · WA

I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra and the transmission failed due to my transmission fluid and radiator fluid mixed

Filed Apr 23, 2022 · Transmission · CA

A leak developed in the radiator that allowed engine coolant into the automatic transmission and visa versa. Engine coolant in the automatic transmission can cause sudden failure of the transmission which could cause an accident. This is a known design flaw of Nissan transmissions. Nissan has refused to issue a recall and class actions have been successful, but are not extensive enough to cover all Nissan buyers. I have filed a complaint with Nissan and they offered zero help in covering repairs. They just say that it is out of warranty. I had my Xterra worked on at the dealer 18 months ago and they could have recommended a new part be installed to keep the transmission failure from occuring, but said nothing. The result is that now I have to replace the transmission and radiator at a $9,000.00 price tag out of my pocket because they refused to recall the parts (<$1000.00) involved and will not give owners any warning or guidance on how to prevent this totally preventable catastrophic transmission failure. Nissan Case # 46218952.

Filed Feb 7, 2022 · Transmission · WA

Transmission Failure Due To Internal Cracks In The Radiator's Oil Cooler Tube

Filed Aug 27, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · VA

Cracked cooler tube caused transmission oil & coolant to mix causing transmission failure.

Filed Jan 18, 2021 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 101,123 miles · AL

Catastrophic transmission failure.attempted to leave my home,put vehical in drive.applied accelerator,transmission will not hardly pull,put in reverse.operates in reverse properly, parked my vehical.turned engine off.attempted to start the engine to get my vehical to level ground to check fluids,attempted to start the engine,engine now will not turn over at all.

Filed Jan 12, 2021 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan xterra. The contact stated that the vehicle loss motive power while driving. The contact stated that while attempting to move from a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle revved up between 2,000 - 3,000 RPM however, the vehicle failed to respond with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to and independent mechanic and was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the transmission and that the transmission failed due to the coolant contamination. The mechanic informed the contact that the transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2020 · Engine · 128,000 miles · NC

Transmission failure. Started car and had no power when pulling out into street. Seemed to drive in 4th gear.

Filed Jul 21, 2020 · Transmission · 260,000 miles · NY

A faulty radiator caused my transmisson and coolant to leak together causing damage to the transmission. Now my transmission needs to be replaced

Filed Jan 22, 2020 · Transmission · 190,000 miles · TN

Transmission has been making a loud noise, a loud "clunk" periodically when in motion and more prevalent going uphill. The mechanic stated the transmission needs replaced due to radiator fluid leaking into transmission and has ruined transmission.he stand transmission fluid is contaminated.

Filed Oct 17, 2019 · Transmission · 127,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 nissan xterra. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the transmission failed and needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

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

Questions about the Nissan Xterra transmission failure

Which Nissan Xterra years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (115 complaints), 2007 (77 complaints) and 2006 (69 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Nissan Xterra?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,900 (median of 109 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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