119
Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN
25 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact shifted the vehicle into drive, and the vehicle unexpectedly went into reverse with no warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the instrument panel displayed that the gear shifter was in reverse while shifted into drive. The instrument panel also displayed that the gear shifter was in neutral while shifted into reverse. The contact stated that to prevent the vehicle from rolling away, the wheels were chocked, and parking brake was engaged. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
Aug 11, 2025
driving and transfer case locked up sending me in to oncoming traffic and guardrail
Nov 23, 2022
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
I HAVE AN 08 XTERRA AND WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT ONE DAY IT FELT LIKE IT WAS HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING UP HILLS AND ALMOST FELT LIKE IT WOULDNT DOWNSHIFT. THEN FINALLY WHEN AT A LIGHT HAD TO REALLY GAS IT TO GET THE CAR GOING. LIMPED THE CAR TO A FAMILY MEMBERS HOUSE TO LET IT SIT UNTIL I FIGURED OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. AFTER RESEARCH FIGURED THE CAR PUT ITSELF INTO LIMP MODE SO I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO DO A FULL RESET ON THE COMPUTER. WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME 25 MILES AFTER RESET. WE HAVE A SPARE/COMMUTER CAR SO I WAS ABLE TO LET IT SIT IN MY GARAGE FOR A FEW MONTHS WHILE I TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT WHEN I HAD TIME. FINALLY AFTER NARROWING IT DOWN TO THINGS THAT I HAD NEVER DONE BEFORE, I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO NISSAN. THEY TOLD ME THE NEXT DAY THAT IT WAS THE RADIATOR FAILURE AND PROCEEDED TO QUOTE ME $7000 FOR THE REPAIRS........OUCH ON A CAR THAT WAS NOW 11 YEARS OLD WHICH I HAD PURCHASED FROM THAT DEALERSHIP BRAND NEW. I DECIDED TO TAKE IT HOME BECAUSE IT WAS A BIG DECISION TO MAKE RIGHT AWAY. SO HERE I AM WITH A CAR THAT MISSED THE LAWSUIT AS I HAVE AN XTERRA THAT IS 11 YEARS OLD [!@#$%] NEAR 200000 MILES. I DID MY OWN MAINTENANCE, WHEN REPLACING MY HEAD GASKET I NOTICED I HAD THE NO CARBON BUILD UP ON THE HEAD, BASICALLY LOOKED LIKE A CAR THAT HAD 20000 MILES ON IT. SHAME ON NISSAN FOR NOT DOING A RECALL OR NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE. I LOVE MY XTERRA BUT I'M SURE THE COST OF THE FIX IS ROUGHLY WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Oct 11, 2019
COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION DURING RUSH HOUR. VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR AT A COST OF $5,500.
Dec 19, 2018
COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION DURING RUSH HOUR. VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR AT A COST OF $5,500.
Dec 19, 2018
+ 20 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
18 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available
Aug 22, 2023
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan XTerra. The contact's son was driving the vehicle at approximately 25 MPH when he hydroplaned on a wet road and crashed into a wall built along the side of the road. The contact stated that her son crashed into the wall head-on. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag had not deployed, and the passenger side air bag had. The contact's son had broken his left thumb and had an injury on his left leg below his knee that produced some nerve damage. The passenger had suffered four cracked ribs. Both driver and passenger were transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The police were on the scene and wrote a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact was informed by her insurance that the vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Mar 20, 2023
Crash: 1
Injuries: 2
AIRBAG LIGHT IS BLINKING. I'VE RESET THE ALERT AND THEN AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES, IT RETURNED. DEALERSHIP WAS UNSURE IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR IF NISSAN WOULD REPLACE THE AIRBAGS. I FOUND THIS SITE AS I WAS LOOKING FOR INFORMATION. THE AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK OR IS RUNNING.
Jul 05, 2019
+ 13 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
8 complaints
TIMING CHAIN NOISE UPON STARTING ENGINE GETTING VIBRATIONS AND NOISE--SIMILAR TO SPEED BUMPS ON ROADWAY-- IN VEHICLE DRIVE TRAIN AROUND 40 TO 50 MPH (TRANSMISSION?)
Jun 05, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILL ROBERTSON NISSAN (928 N 28TH AVE, PASCO, WA 99301, (509) 545-3000) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A RENTAL. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER STATING THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AND HE NEEDED TO RETURN THE RENTAL. TWO WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE RADIATOR OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT A NISSAN DEALER RATHER THAN AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 29163686. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Feb 27, 2018
PURCHASED A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA X VIN [XXX] MILEAGE 77107 ON JUNE 6, 2015. AFTER OWNING THIS VEHICLE FOR JUST OVER 2 YEARS WE HAD VERY BAD EXPERIENCE MY WIFE WAS DOING HER DAILY ERRANDS AS SHE WAS RETURNING HOME WITH OUR CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT HERE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND LOOSE ACCELERATION POTENTIALLY CAUSING HER TO BE ACCIDENT. WHEN SHE RETURNED HOME THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THIS HAS A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR COOLER TANK THAT RUPTURES AND FORCES COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION THROUGH THE COOLER LINES AND SUBSEQUENTLY I WAS LOOKING AT OVER $3500 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. FOR A KNOW PROBLEM REPORTED NISSAN HAS BEEN AWARE OF. ITS VERY DISHEARTENING $3500 IN REPAIRS FOR A KNOW PROBLEM IT HURTS IN FACT ITS AFFECTED EVEN MY SURROUNDING FAMILY MEMBERS, MY MOTHER IS OR WAS PROUD OWNER OF NISSAN ALTIMA 2015. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND I DON'T HAVE PROBLEM MAINTAINING A VEHICLE OR SPENDING MONEY FOR REPAIRS THAT ARE STANDARD THAT COMES WITH OWNING ANY VEHICLE BUT THIS IS JUST OUTRAGEOUS. HOW DOES START UP FAMILY...1ST FAMILY CAR END UP IN THIS POSITION. IS THERE ANYTHING NISSAN CAN DO TO HELP ME AND MY FAMILY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 12, 2017
CRACKED RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION COOLER DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSMISSION COOLER, AND RADIATOR AT ABOUT 109,000 MILES IN TRAFFIC. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH 2005-2010 NISSAN XTERRAS, FRONTIERS, AND PATHFINDERS. AS PART OF A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT, NISSAN OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 10 YEARS / 100,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST (ALTHOUGH AN INTERNET SEARCH SAYS THE AVERAGE MILEAGE AT WHICH THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IS 95,000 MILES). NISSAN NOR ITS DEALERSHIP NEVER NOTIFIED ME OF THE DEFECT OR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SO NOW I'M TRYING TO DECIDE IF I FORK OUT $6100 FOR THE REPAIRS OR TRADE-IN THE VEHICLE.
Jun 06, 2016
TIMING CHAIN.I WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUT A LETTER OF COMPLAINT ON MY 2008 XTERRA. I'M ONE OF THE HUNDREDS WITH THE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE TIMING CHAIN SHOE AND TENSIONERS MENTIONED IN YOUR 2009 SERVICE BULLETIN EM09-007; NTB09-128; NOV. 16, 2009. SUBSTANDARD PARTS. YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS NO CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR
Dec 12, 2013
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
7 complaints
COOLANT LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL
Jul 18, 2019
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (HIGHWAY DRIVING). I BEGAN TO HEAR A WHINNING SOUND AT ANY RATE OF SPEED.THE SOUND NEVER WENT AWAY. IT BECAME LOUDER DURING ACCELERATION. I CHECKED ANY RECALLS ON THE XTERRA MODELS AND FOUND OUT THAT IT HAS A FAULTY TIMMING CHAIN ISSUE. I HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AND INDEED, THE PROBLEM WAS THE TIMING CHAIN.
Apr 04, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED ROYAL NISSAN AT (225) 924-0400 (LOCATED AT 9325 AIRLINE HWY, BATON ROUGE, LA 70815) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 34416631. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Feb 07, 2019
Fire: 1
THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS IN THE ENGINE OF THIS CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD WHINING SOUND, WHICH IS A TYPICAL PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES. NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THESE FAULTY TENSIONERS BACK IN 2004, WHEN THEY ISSUES A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. HTTP://WWW.NISSANPROBLEMS.COM/TRENDS/TIMING-CHAIN/
Nov 04, 2016
I WAS TOLD THE TIMING BELT TENSIONERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT ONLY HAS 60,800 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER QUOTED ME 1400.00. THERE IS A HIGH PITCHED WHINE FROM THE ENGINE, MOST NOTICEABLE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE RUNS OK BUT I'M AFRAID IF THE TENSIONERS FAIL, SO WILL THE TIMING BELT AND SO WILL THE ENGINE.
Jul 06, 2016
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS HOME. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND 4WD WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CAME TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. THE CONTACT INSTALLED THE RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,316.
Jul 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE RADIATOR, AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jan 14, 2015
WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND CAR WAS SMOKING (OVERHEATED) DUE TO A RADIATOR LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS NEARLY KILLED ON THE JAMES RIVER BRIDGE. I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW AND HAVE KEPT THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. *TR
Feb 12, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER CAUSING ME TO GET REAR ENDED. VERY MINIMAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE BUT MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION AT A SHOP IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE LOSS OF POWER WAS DUE TO A FAILURE IN THE TEAMS FLUID COOLER CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Dec 12, 2013
Crash: 1
SMELLING RADIATOR FLUID AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. *TR
May 13, 2013
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaints
ACTION REQUESTED: 2008 NISSAN XTERRA FUEL GAUGE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND IS SAFETY CONCERN. ISSUE: 2008 NISSAN XTERRA FUEL GAUGE READING IS ERRATIC, INACCURATE AND, AT TIMES, INOPERATIVE. WHEN FUNCTIONING, FUEL GAUGE IS INCONSISTENT. THE PROBLEM BEGAN AT APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES AND HAS PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 70,400 MILES. THUS FAR, NISSAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF A RECALL. YET, LETTER FROM NISSAN'S SENIOR MANAGER FOR TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE ACKNOWLEDGES DEFECT IN THE FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM (SEE ATTCH 3) AND A RECALL INITIATED IN MAY 2010 (ATTCH 5) AND SUBSEQUENT BULLETINS (ATTCH 4). I'VE ENCLOSED A PROOF OF OWNERSHIP THAT I'VE PROVIDED TO NISSAN (ATTCH 1) AS WELL AS A PHOTO CONTAINING THE MANUFACTURERS' DETAILS. WILL CONTINUE TO ENGAGE NISSAN AND RESPECTFULLY REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE IN ADDRESSING THIS SAFETY CONCERN BY ADDING THE VEHICLE TO THE RECALL AND ENABLING NISSAN TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PART. PLEASE ADVISE IF FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED OR REQUIRED.
Feb 23, 2017
AS I WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A HIGHWAY AND IN THE INTERSECTION, MY VEHICLE DIED. HAD TO BE PUSHED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHILE TRAFFIC WAS BEING HELD BACK IN 5 LANES. THE GAS TANK REGISTERED AN EIGHTH TANK OF GAS BUT IT WAS, IN FACT, OUT OF GAS. I HAD TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AT A REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE I WAS NOT NEAR A DEALER. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(CAMPAIGN ID# PC 042, NHTSA# 10V-075) BUT FOUND OUT LATER THERE WAS ONE ON CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE DEALER CLAIMS IT SHOULD BE COVERED BUT NISSAN SAYS THIS VIN # IS NOT COVERED. REGARDLESS, I HAD THE DESCRIBED PROBLEM WITH THE MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. PERHAPS THEY NEED TO ADD MORE VIN #'S TO THEIR RECALL LIST AND GET ON THE SAME PAGE AS THEIR DEALERS. THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR ME TO ABSORB. I WAS TO LEAVE ON A ROAD TRIP IN 2 DAYS. THANKFULLY IT HAPPENED BEFORE I WAS TRAVELING.
Dec 09, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY WHEN THERE WAS FUEL PRESENT IN THE TANK. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK SHELLS MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jun 16, 2015
THE GAS GAUGE NO LONGER WORKS. I HAD IT CONNECTED TO DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS TOLD THE SENDING UNIT IS BAD(NO LONGER WORKS). *TR
Feb 09, 2015
IN PREPARING TO TRAVEL, I WENT TO FILL UP MY GAS TANK. UPON GETTING BACK INTO MY VEHICLE AND TURNING IT ON MY GAS GAGE DROPPED TO "0" AND THE FUEL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON , INDICATING THAT THE TANK WAS EMPTY, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE WAS WRONG. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS ISSUED A CASE NUMBER, AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP NEAR MY HOME. ON 10/1/14, I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN, DESCRIBED INCIDENT TO SERVICE CLERK. THEY EXPLAINED THAT THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT AND WOULD DO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY CONFIRMED THAT WAS INDEED THE ISSUE. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND QUOTED OVER $400 TO REPLACE THE PART. SINCE I HAD NO CHOICE, I PAID FOR THE TESTING, BUT DID NOT HAVE THE PART REPLACED. OVER A MONTH LATER, I'M STILL DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE. I FOUND THAT THE USDOT HAD ISSUE A RECALL IN 2010 FOR 2006 -2008 NISSAN XTERRA'S. MY VEHICLE IS A 2008 MODEL, PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2007. *TR
Nov 11, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
6 complaints
2008 NISSAN XTERRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE INACCURACY ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY, EVEN THOUGH THE TANK READ A QUARTER TANK REMAINING. *JB
Dec 08, 2015
I RECEIVED A WARRANTY NOTIFICATION LETTER AROUND 2011 , STATING THAT NISSAN WAS PROVIDING THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF PRODUCT QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. THIS LETTER STATED THAT NISSAN WAS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR THE FUEL SENDING SENSOR THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND INCORRECTLY GIVE A WRONG READING ON THE FUEL LEVEL. THEY WHERE EXTENDING THE NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR 36 MONTHS/ 36,000 MILES TO 72 MONTHS 72,000 MILES. SO I PUT THE STICKER AND LETTER IN MY WARRANTY BOOKLET. I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND GAVE THEM MY VIN NUMBER AND THEY STATED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE "CAMPAIGN RECALL" AND YOU DONT NEED TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER. SO IT IS NOW 2014, 3 YEARS LATER AND WHAT HAPPENS ........ THE FUEL SENDING SENSOR IS BROKEN, I SPOKE TO THE DEALER AGAIN ON 2-17-2014, AND AGAIN THEY STATED TO ME THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE CAMPAIGN RECALL AND WHEN I SHOWED THEM MY LETTER , THEY STATED TO ME THAT YES IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF RECEIVING THE LETTER.....BUT THEY SAID TO ME IN 2011 THAT NO NEED IF YOU DONT HAVE A PROBLEM YOUR VEHICLE DOESNT NEED TO HAVE THIS REPLACED ....... SO I GOT TOLD WRONG TWICE ONCE WHEN YOU GET THE LETTER UNLESS IT IS BROKEN THEN THEY WONT FIX IT.....AND NOW THAT IT IS BROKEN MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE "CAMPAIGN RECALL" SAD THAT NISSAN DOES THIS .....THEY SHOULD HONOR THIS RECALL FOR ALL VIN NUMBERS THAT SHOW THIS PROBLEM. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW FROM THE DEALER AND WILL NOT GIVE OUT 600.00 FOR THEM TO REPLACE AN 80.00 PART. I WISH MORE PEOPLE COMPLAIN SO THIS GOES TO RECALL. WITHOUT FIXING THIS YOU CANNOT PASS INSPECTION FOR YOUR CAR. AT THE TIME OF RECEIVING THE LETTER THEY SHOULD HAVE FIXED IT BUT IT WASNT BROKEN. 3 YEARS LATER THEY WONT FIX IT MY VIN IS NOT PART OF CAMPAIGN RECALL????? *TR
Feb 17, 2014
OUR NISSAN XTERRA WAS RECALLED FOR THE FUEL GAUGE DEFECT IN MARCH 2010. IT IS NOW NOVEMBER 2010 AND NEITHER THE DEALER NOR NISSAN USA HAVE BEEN RESPONSIVE TO OUR RESPONSE TO THEIR RECALL. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER THREE TIMES, AND NISSAN USA ONCE WITHOUT ANY RESULTS. *TR
Nov 22, 2010
FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILURE HIGH LEVEL SENSOR HIGH CURRENT. *TR
Sep 16, 2010
FUEL SENSOR ON MY 2008 NISSAN XTERRA IS BROKEN. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS IS IN MY TANK. IT HAS OCCURRED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS. SOMETIMES THE TANK WILL READ EMPTY OR OTHER VALUE. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR UNDER A WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD! I AM PAYING OUT OF POCKET TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER. *TR
Apr 22, 2010
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaints
The brake master cylinder failed multiple times, leaving the system in bypass mode. The resulting delay in braking led to potential collision on multiple occasions.
Oct 12, 2021
WHEN THE BREAKS IS PRESSED IN AN EMERGENCY TO STOP IT PUSHES THE VEHICLE FORWARD AND DOES NOT STOP WHEN IT SHOULD.
Dec 09, 2017
Crash: 1
VEHICLE FRONT BRAKES OVERHEAT. WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL AT ANY RATE BRAKES WILL SOFTEN CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL HAVING TO PULL OVER FOR FEAR OF SAFETY. WHEN BRAKES WERE CHECKED BY DEALER THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE AT 75% AND SHOULD BE WORKING FINE. EVERY TIME I BRAKE GOING DOWN HILL I FEEL SOFTNESS IN BRAKES. BRAKES ALSO WILL START TO SMELL AFTER BRAKING DOWNHILL.
Nov 16, 2015
4WD AND BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON FEELS LIKE AIR IN THE LINE. PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR
May 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO CAUTIOUSLY RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07E105000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR) AND 07V528000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Apr 29, 2015
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
THE RADIATOR HAS TAKEN IN FLUIDS FROM THE TRANSMISSION OR? THE RADIATOR FLUID APPEARS MILKY AND LOTION LIKE CONSISTENCY FROM THE RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW TANK IT HAS BEEN SHIFTING VERY LOUD AND HARD..
Sep 30, 2020
I'M HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DUE TO THE KNOWN DESIGN FLAW IN THE 2008 XTERRA RADIATORS THAT CAUSES COOLANT TO MIX WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. NISSAN ADMITTED THE FLAW AND YET THE NHTSA, WHO IS SUPPOSED TO HELP PROTECT US, HAS CONCLUDED THAT NISSAN ISN'T LIABLE FOR THESE PROBLEMS. WHAT PROTECTION DOES A CONSUMER HAVE BESIDES TRYING TO TAKE A MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANY TO COURT IF THE GOVERNMENT BODY WHO LOOKS INTO THIS WON'T ACT? PLEASE REVISIT THIS "RADIATOR INTERMIX" PROBLEM!
Jan 25, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
LESS THAN 45,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, NO ENGINE LIGHTS WERE ON AND NO OTHER ISSUES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. TRAVELING ON I75 AT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND RAPIDLY SLOWS DOWN AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY GO ABOUT 25-30MPH SO I HAD IT TOWED HOME. I LATER HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND PAID FOR A DIAGNOSIS, THE SERVICE TECH SAID AN AFTERMARKET MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR CAUSED THE ALL THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS TO GO BAD AND THEY WANTED $3,500 TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS BEFORE THEY WOULD CONTINUE DIAGNOSING THE VEHICLE. I CALLED MY SAE CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HAD IT TOWED TO HIM. HE SAID THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR WAS THE FACTORY SENSOR THAT CAME ON THE CAR, AND SHOULDN'T HAVE CAUSED A FAILURE IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ESPECIALLY WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HE SAID THAT NISSAN HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS GOING BAD AND CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE, SO UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE ENGINE HAS DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDERS AND VALVES AND WILL NEED REPLACED OR AT LEAST OVERHAULED. I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR AN ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH A RECALL AND PREVENTED THE ENTIRE ISSUE. NISSAN HAS AN INTERNAL BULLETIN ABOUT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURES AND ENGINE DAMAGE PROVING THEY HAD PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUES INCLUDING ISSUES WITH THE TIMING CHAINS THAT FAIL WHICH IS ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE THAT I HAVEN'T COME ACROSS YET.
Mar 26, 2018
I PURCHASED MY 2008 NISSAN XTERRA ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO AND DID NOT KNOW ABOUT ALL THE DEFECTS THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR HAD. I AM HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS NISSAN. IT LEFT ME STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD JUST SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING. WORST PART WAS THAT IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WITH A PARTY OF 5. THE CONDITIONS WERE UNSAFE AND HAD TO WAIT FOR DAYLIGHT TO BE ABLE TO BE TOWED. ITS IS VERY UNFORTUNATE THAT I CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BAD VEHICLE AND IT WILL COST ME CLOSE TO 4K TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED. AT THIS POINT IM JUST STILL IN DEBT SINCE I HAVE NOT FINISHED PAYING THIS OFF AND CAR LESS. ITS VERY UNFORTUNATE THAT NISSAN WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HORRIBLE AND UNSTABLE VEHICLE THEY CREATED.
Mar 09, 2017
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
REAR LEFT DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS COULD BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IF THE CAR WAS TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND AN OCCUPANT NEEDED TO GET OUT VERY QUICKLY.
Feb 04, 2016
SOME OF THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE WIND DEFLECTOR AND ROOF RACK ON THE ROOF JUST SPIN. *TR
Jul 01, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND VDC WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Aug 05, 2014
ON AN '08 NISSAN XTERRA S WITH ONLY 17,000 MILES, THE RIGHT FRONT INNER BRAKE PAD WAS COMPLETELY WORN DOWN AND MADE METAL TO METAL CONTACT WITH ROTOR, RUINING THE ROTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING BADLY TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. ONLY THE INNER PADS WERE AFFECTED,THE OUTER BRAKE PADS LOOKED LIKE NEW, SHOWING THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS STUCK ON THE BRACKET. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE 2 INNER PADS, LEFT AND RIGHT, WERE STUCK IN THE BRACKET, WHICH STOPS THE CALIPER FROM FLOATING OR MOVING. AT 17,000 MILES THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. NISSAN HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AND REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY INVOICE SAYS "BOTH INNER PADS STUCK IN CALIPERS". *TR
Mar 05, 2010
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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.
Apr 23, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, she heard an abnormal sound while depressing on the brake pedal. The contact stated that the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) & the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 07E105000 (Service Brakes, Air) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Dec 21, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
Total transmission and radiator failure. a dealership "fixed" the coolant contamination problem when nissan offered the warrantied coverage for what's known as SMOD. all the dealership did was flush the transmission and radiator. they did not repair or replace any components even after being berated by my husband to do so and to do it under the covered warranty.($5k for tranny replacement that we couldn't afford) they claimed the flush had fixed the xterra. less than 3,000 miles later I was driving on the highway with my 2 children in the car and the vehicle just shut off. no warning lights or behaviors just shut off at 70+mph on the highway. while sitting broke down [pulled off highway edge as far as I could after vehicle died and before it coasted to a complete stop] we were then rear-ended and my 2 kids spent 2 days being monitored in a children's hospital. 1 of which had a concussion. although the xterra only needed a new rear hatch and bumper and etc insurance didn't consider it totalled so it was cosmetically repaired. after reaching out to nissan about the incident they refused to even offer us any sort of discounted repair costs on tranny replacement[car was still under extended coverage warranty] nor would they offer any kind of anything regarding a discount on a replacement vehicle. so here we were still paying on a car loan for a car that was still under warranty, but could not be drove. or even starred for that matter. it ended up wrecking us financially. the car never showed any signs of any mechanical problems prior to dealer flushing trans. the car didn't show any signs of anything afterwards until that day on the highway. the problem ended up being metal pieces from coolant contamination shorted out something in transmission and I guess shorted so strong that it blew the trans fuse and blew fuse links on positive terminal which caused car to just shut off. nissan needs to take responsibility for their bullcrap.
Jul 25, 2021
Crash: 1
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED FALSE READINGS. THE GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD LESS FUEL THAN WHAT WAS ACTUALLY PRESENT. ALSO, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. LATER, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Aug 13, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TURNS OFF. BLINKS. DOESN'T TURN ON UNLESS CAR IS RESTARTED.
May 18, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SURGES AND SPUTTERS AND RPMS SKYROCKET AND THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SHUTS DOWN. THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, TOWN STREETS AND COUNTY ROADS. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO LOSE POWER AND SHUT DOWN WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE IS NO WAY TO STEER OR RESTART WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND I HAVE DEPENDED ON HAZARD FLASHERS TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS OF DISABLED VEHICLE UNTIL I CAN GET ASSISTANCE TO GET VEHICLE OFF OF HIGHWAY. AFTER 20 MINUTES OF BEING DEAD, VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES RESTART AND GO A FEW MORE MILES BEFORE SAME THING HAPPENS AGAIN. AFTER 3 WEEKS AT A DEALERSHIP AND A COST SO FAR OF $3,000, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN PINPOINTED AND FIXED. DEALERSHIP HAS CONTACTED NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO HAS TWO OPEN CASES OF THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS IN ONLINE FORUMS OF THE SAME ISSUE SAME MODEL AND STILL NO FIX FOUND FOR THE ISSUE. I HAVE NOW OPENED MY OWN CASE WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER CARE AND AM AWAITING FURTHER INVESTIGATION FROM THEM. MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD.
May 08, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AND RUNNING ROUGH WHILE DRIVING AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS AND SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIPS THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSISTENT. THE MECHANICS SEEM NOT TO UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE ISSUE ANY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED
Apr 23, 2019
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
NOTICED SHUDDERING AT FIRST, THEN A STUMBLING UPON HITTING GAS 120000 MILES TOOK TRUCK IN AND HAD EXT. COOLER PUT ON, FLUSHED OUT TRANNY FLUID, NEW RADIATOR, NEW GASKETS AND FILTERS IN TRANNY $1,100.00 JOB. 1 MONTH LATER SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND TRUCK WOULDN'T START. TCM MODULE IN TRANNY STARTED BLOWING FUSE, TRUCK SMELLED LIKE IT WAS BURNING UP AND WOULDN'T ALLOW TRUCK TO START. 2,000.00 TO REPLACE MODULE AND SECONDARY BREACH. ITS NOT JUST IN RADIATOR, THERE IS ANOTHER BREACH PROBLEM THAT PUTS THE TRANSMISSION AND COOLANT TOGETHER. 2ND BREACH. SHOP WONT GUARANTEE 2000.00 JOB, NEW TRANSMISSION 5800.00. MY BEAUTIFUL TRUCK LEFT ON A FLATBED TO SALVAGE YARD. SINGLE MOM OF 4. THANKS NISSAN, YOU SUCK. ALSO ISSUES WITH AIRBAG COIL. 600.00 FOR THAT. NISSAN I LOVE MY XTERRA AND ITS SO SAD WE HAD TO PART WAYS TODAY, I WATCHED MY 18000.00 VEHICLE LEAVE WITH NO JUSTICE BUT TEARS AND HOPING THE ZERO DEGREE WEATHER BREAKS, WALKING THE KIDS TO SCHOOL, ONE WITH DISABILITIES IS JUST ROTTEN. NISSAN GET A CONSCIENCE. BECAUSE MY XTERRA SAT ON A DEALERSHIPS USED LOT, NO ONE WAS NOTIFIED OF CLASS ACTION AND WARRANTY ISSUED. I GOT DOUBLED F**CKED.
Jan 07, 2018
Fire: 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
COOLANT MIXED INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING ELECTRONIC MODULE TO BURN OUT. THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO STOP OPERATING CORRECTLY AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ENGINE TO RESTART.
Dec 29, 2017
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,WHEELS
1 complaint
THE DIFFERENTIAL BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AWAY FROM MY HOUSE BUT FIRST IN WEIGHT WITH THE LIGHT OF THE TIRES I WENT TO CHECK IT AND NOTHING AFTER THE MUFFLER TILL THE LAST ONE BROKE THE DIFFERENTIAL AND NOW I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT.
Dec 11, 2017
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKS AND HORN DOES NOT WORK. I CONTACTS NISSAN AMERICA CASE # 21920897. BECAUSE VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY NISSAN DOES NOT ANT TO COVER ANY COST INCLUDING THE DIAGONIST TEST THAT IS A MINIMUM CHARGE OF 300 DOLLARS. THE REPAIR CAN ONLY BE MADE BY NISAN.
Mar 16, 2016
AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
AIRBAG BLINKING, NISSAN DEALER CHECK BUT BLINKING CAME BACK. TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ON EVEN AFTER TIRE PRESSURE IS CHECK AND CORRECTED.
Jan 31, 2016
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT THE DEALER HAVING A TIRE ROTATION PERFORMED, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AXLE BEARING SHAFT AND SEAL WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Aug 06, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA WITH 146K MILES. I TOOK MY CAR INTO SUTHERLIN NISSAN AT THE MALL OF GEORGIA AS THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS ON AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED AND LEAKING FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION THAT BOTH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE COST WOULD BE OVER $4K TO REPLACE BOTH. I TOOK IT SOMEWHERE ELSE AND HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED. HOWEVER, IM STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT TO A KOREAN SHOP VOTECH WHERE THE OWNER VO IS VERY FAMILIAR WITH ALL TYPES OF CARDS. I EXPLAINED TO VO WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND HE SAID THAT OVER 90% OF THE NISSAN REAR WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS THAT COME IN HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT NISSAN SHOULD BE IN A LAWSUIT OR ISSUING A RECALL REAL SOON ON THESE VEHICLES. IM A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO AND IM UNEMPLOYED, SO OF COURSE I CANT AFFORD TO PAY $4K TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION. I HAVE PAID NISSAN ALL OF THIS MONEY TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, THEN THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR FAULTY PARTS IN THEIR VEHICLES REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY MILES ARE ON THE VEHICLE. IM VOICING MY CONCERN AS A CUSTOMER AND I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW NOT TO BUY NISSAN IF THEY ARE NOT GOING TO TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS UNFAIRLY
Jun 29, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING XTERRA 4X4 ON THE STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE SHUT ITSELF OFF. WAS ABLE TO LUCKILY TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON BUT WHEN WE ARRIVED HOME THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER START. HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN WHO DISCOVERED THE CAR HAS A DEFECTIVE ECM UNIT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY VERY DANGEROUS AND I BELIEVE MANY OTHER NISSAN XTERRA/FRONTIERS/PATHFINDERS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED AS EVIDENT BY SEARCHING GOOGLE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. NISSAN WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE AND WANTED 1400 DOLLARS TO REPLACE ECM. THIS DAY AND AGE AN ECM SHOULD LAST MUCH MUCH LONGER AND SHOULD NOT SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE NOR, IMPAIR ITS ABILITY TO DRIVE. *TR
Apr 06, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY NISSAN XTERRA IS A VICTIM OF THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHERE THE COOLANT IN THE RADIATOR MIXES WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, DUE TO A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION COOLER, CAUSING COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND DRIVING IS ERRATIC, CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE REPAIR IS QUOTED AT $6,000 DOLLARS AND IS NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL ITEM. NISSAN HAS EXTENDED COVERAGE ON VEHICLES UP TO 100,00 MILES ONLY, BUT THIS IS STARTING TO HAPPEN TO NEWER VEHICLES OVER 100,00 MILES. A RADIATOR REPLACEMENT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SOON! *TR
May 02, 2013
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LEAKS AND DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Apr 23, 2013
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A FILM OF OIL ON THE REAR BRAKE SHIELDS. LATER WHILE UTILIZING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO LOCK THE BRAKES BY DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 10 MPH AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, THEN PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED TWO SEPARATE DEALERS AND NEITHER OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WAS LEAKING GEAR OIL FROM THE RIGHT AND LEFT HAND AXLE SEALS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 88,600.
Jul 17, 2012
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING AT 65 MILES PH AND SUDDENLY MY CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 40 MILES PH AND I WAS VERY LUCKY NOBODAY WAS RIDING MY BUTT I HAD TO EXIT THE HWY AND PULL OVER. *TR
Jul 11, 2012
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS. HAD CODE CHECKED. CODE LISTED AS P0462. CLEARED CODE THEN RESTARTED CAR. UPON STARTING CAR NONE OF THE GAUGES WORKED ONLY THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER WORKED. FUEL, TEMPERATURE, OIL, ODOMETER, TRIP ODOMETER AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS DID NOT WORK. UPON DRIVING GAUGES WOULD REGAIN POWER, BUT THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. SEEMS THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL # 10V075000, EVEN THOUGH THE EXACT RECALL REPAIR WAS DONE TO MY CAR TO FIX THIS ISSUE. WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE NOW WORKS, NONE OF MY OTHER GAUGES WORK. I WAS TOLD THE COMBO METER THAT CONTROLS MY CLUSTER OF GAUGES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE UNTIL THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL STATED ABOVE, AND I FIND IT HIGHLY SUSPECT THAT ALL OF MY GAUGES GO OUT AT THE EXACT SAME TIME, BUT ACCORDING TO NISSAN THESE ARE TWO SEPARATE UNRELATED ISSUES. I HAVE HAD TO PAY $488 TO REPAIR WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, AND NOW NEED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $590 TO REPAIR MY GAUGES. MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR OTHER 08 NISSAN XTERRAS. *TR
Nov 08, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I HAVE AN 08 NISSAN XTERRA THE VDC/SLIP/ENGINE/TIRE PRESSURE/ AND AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE ON. THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE STALLING AT TAKE OFF. THE FUEL INDICATOR IS NO LONGER WORKING AND HAD MADE ATTEMPTS TO GET THIS FIXED AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WASN'T ON MY VEHICLE. I DON'T THINK THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IS HANDLING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THESE VEHICLE. THERE IS SO MUCH GOING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE FOR IT TO BE THREE YEARS OLD. THE ENGINE STALLING SEEMS TO BE AT LOW SPEEDS AND IS POTENTIALLY THE MOST DANGEROUS. *TR
Oct 01, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
TODAY, WITH JUST OVER 19,000 MILES ON MY 2008 XTERRA , I HAD TO REPLACE MY FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. BOTH ROTORS WERE BADLY GROOVED ESPECIALLY ON THE INSIDE SURFACE AND THE INSIDE PADS WERE NEARLY COMPLETELY WORN. I HAD JUST HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED 2 MONTHS AGO AT MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPORTED NO PROBLEMS. IT MAKES ME WONDER HOW MY INSPECTION WAS REALLY DONE AND ALSO THE QUALITY OF THE PARTS THAT NISSAN IS USING IN IT CARS, AS I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BREAK PADS MUCH LESS ROTORS UNDER 20,000 MILES. I ALSO EXPERIENCED THE DIFFICULTIES WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS. TWO OF THEM HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING AIR. I ALSO HAD READINGS OF LOW PRESSURE WHEN THE TIRES HAD JUST BEEN INFLATED TO THE PROPER SETTING AND THE LIGHT REFUSED TO TURN OFF. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID MY TIRES WERE JUST UNDER INFLATED. I DID NOT BELIEVE THEIR EXPLANATION. *TR
Mar 09, 2011
TIRES
1 complaint
THE 4 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM VALVES (TPMS) FAILED ON THE SAME DAY ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THE FAILURE OF THE TPMS VALVES IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2008 NISSAN XTERRAS. THE FAILURE OF THE TPMS VALVE POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE EITHER BY MISLEADING SOMEONE TO BELIEVE A TIRE IS GOING FLAT OR BY NOT ALERTING THE DRIVER A TIRE IS GOING FLAT. *TR
Jan 20, 2011
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE VDC AND SLIP LIGHT ARE CONSTANTLY ON WHEN THE BATTERY HAS EITHER DIED, OR HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED. ONCE THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED THE VDC IS OFF AND THE SLIP SYSTEM IS OFF AS WELL. AFTER THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED ONCE AGAIN THE VDC, SLIP SYSTEM, AND NOW MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS NOW CONSTANTLY FLASHING AND ILLUMINATED. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS THAT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IT GIVES YOU A VERY VAGUE DESCRIPTION OF HOW TO RESET THIS LIGHT. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE MANUFACTURE TO BE RESET, THEY SAY IT'S THE VEHICLE'S STEERING ANGLE SENSOR THAT HAS TO BE RESET, EVERYTIME YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY, BATTERY DIES, ALTERNATOR GOES OUT, ETC. IT'S $100+ EVERYTIME YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT RESET. SURELY THIS MALFUNCTION IN THEIR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS NOT SAFE, ESPECIALLY IF IT MEANS NOW MY AIRBAGS WON'T DEPLOY. *TR
Dec 16, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. GAS, TEMP., AND OIL PRESSURE WERE ALL NORMAL. A PRIVATE GARAGE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE IN THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTOR MODULE (IPDM), AND ALSO THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. BOTH PARTS WERE REPLACED (AT MY EXPENSE) AND THE CAR NOW RUNS WELL. *TR
Apr 12, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE IS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. IT WAS FEBRUARY 15,2010 AND I WAS LETTING MY WIFE OUT OF THE CAR NEAR THE STORE, THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE AND MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK. SUDDENLY BEFORE MY WIFE WAS TOTALLY OUT OF THE CAR IT LUNGED FORWARD AND THE ACCELERATOR ON ITS OWN STARTED REVVING UP AND THE CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND IT WAS REVVING AT A VERY HIGH RPM. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT SHUT IT OFF. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR MEMO'S ABOUT THE PROBLEM. MY SON SAID SOMETHING LIKE THAT HAPPENED TO HIM ONCE BEFORE BUY NOT AS SERIOUS. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME IT EVER HAPPENED TO ME. *TR
Feb 20, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
PLASTIC TRAY THAT THE BATTERY SITS ON BROKE, CAUSING THE BAR THAT HOLDS THE BATTERY IN PLACE TO ARCH OVER AND SET THE PLASTIC FUSE HOLDER ON THE BATTERY TO CATCH FIRE. THE VEHICLE STALLED THE DIED. I SAW WHAT I THOUGHT WAS "STEAM" COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I POPPED TO HOOD FROM INSIDE AND SAW FLAMES. I GOT OUT AND TRIED TO OPEN THE HOOD, WHICH IS VERY DIFFICULT SINCE THE LATCH IS SMALL AND BLACK. I GOT MY GRANDKIDS OUT OF THE CAR AND TRIED ONCE MORE TO OPEN THE HOOD. I FINALLY GOT IT OPENED AND REALIZED THE BATTERY WAS ON FIRE. I POURED THE ONLY LIQUID I HAD ON IT, "A&W CREAM SODA" AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. IT TOTALLY MELTED PART OF THE BATTERY AND THE BATTERY CONNECTOR. AMAZING ENOUGH THE VEHICLE STARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO OPEN THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BURNT TO THE GROUND ALL BECAUSE OF THE CHEAP PLASTIC BATTERY HOLDER BROKE. *TR
Dec 28, 2009
Fire: 1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MULTIPLE NISSAN DEALERS ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR A SAFETY PROBLEM ON MY CAR AFTER 4 ATTEMPTS. VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL AND ABS FAIL WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUE TO COME ON RANDOMLY. OCCASIONALLY THEY GO OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME BUT THE FIRST 4 EVENTS LIGHTS REMAINED ON UNTIL THE DEALER WORKED ON THE CAR. NISSAN IS STALLING IN ADDRESSING VEHICLE BUYBACK OR ANY SOLID RESOLUTION. I AM STUCK WITH A CAR I CANNOT DRIVE SAFELY AT THIS TIME, AND HAVE ASKED NISSAN TO TAKE IT BACK SINCE THEY CANNOT FIX IT IN OVER A YEAR. *TR
Sep 16, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
2008 NISSAN XTERRA, CHRONIC FAILURES OF THE VDC TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, ALSO CAUSING FAILURES IN ABS AND AIR BAGS 7 REPAIR ATTEMPTS SINCE PURCHASED NEW 6 MONTHS AGO INCLUDING COMPUTER REPROGRAMMING, BATTERY REPLACEMENT, STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENTS, REPLACEMENT OF AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE AND REPLACEMENT OF ABS CONTROL MODULE. THESE FAILURES CAUSE TOTAL FAILURE IN MULTIPLE ELECTRONIC SAFETY SYSTEMS REPRESENTING A SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE OR BODILY HARM. MULTIPLE INCIDENTS - THE DATE BELOW REPRESENTS DATE OF BRAND NEW PURCHASE WHICH WAS THE DAY OF THE FIRST MALFUNCTION FOR ME. THE DEALERSHIP NOTICED A MALFUNCTION AT THE TIME OF THE PDI (BUT DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS AT THE TIME OF SALE TO MY GREAT OUTRAGE). *TR
Feb 20, 2009
EQUIPMENT,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND THE VDC/AIRBAGS/SLIP LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY 2008 NISSAN XTERRA SE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE HUB SENSOR WAS BAD AND NEEDED REPLACED. *TR
Jan 09, 2008
4.3/5.0
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2008 NISSAN Xterra have?

The 2008 NISSAN Xterra currently has 119 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2008 NISSAN Xterra?

The most common problems reported for the 2008 NISSAN Xterra are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2008 NISSAN Xterra problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2008 NISSAN Xterra comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

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