2007 Nissan Xterra Owner Complaints

I took my 2007 Nissan Xterra to the dealer on 08/04/2025 to complete the air bag safety recall. The dealer performed the recall service, but the recall status has not been updated in the system or on the NHTSA website. It still shows as “incomplete.” Because the recall remains listed as open, I am unable to pass my brake and light inspection or complete my vehicle registration with the DMV. I have contacted the dealer and Nissan customer service multiple times, but they have not corrected the recall record or provided a timeline for when it will be updated. The recall has technically been completed, but Nissan’s failure to update the record is preventing my vehicle from being legally inspected and registered. I am requesting NHTSA’s help to ensure the manufacturer updates the recall status properly.

NHTSA ID

11691704

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

Oil is getting into the radiator and causing a gray gunk build up in radiator and possibly the engine. I have had the car less than a 1 1/2 years And I've already had to have the same issue fixed 3 × first time. The heater hose blew out caused an air bubble in the radiator which caused us to have to burp the radiator Which is when we found it the first time had sent it to the mechanic. Had it flushed, had it fixed. it was fine or so we thought until about a month ago. Car overheats radiator fluid spews out everywhere. Fix the hose, add radiator fluid and start. The burping process again and out comes the gray gunk. Sent it back to mechanic had it flush had gaskets to the transmission cooler and Oil cooler fixed. Mechanic cannot find how it's getting into radiator. Break pads wear prematurely due to calipers constantly sticking. Rust is everywhere on frame, suspension, shocks undercarriage and body. Vdc/slip light will come on while driving causing the car to stall at any speed. Fixed those sensors 2 times since I bought the car in December 2023 from a used car lot. State I I've in has no laws to protect people buying from used car lots but they do for new cars even though new cars come with warranties. Should be the other way around protect the people who can't afford the 30000 dollar cars. There's a reason we go to used car lots. Paid 4500 after taxes and registration and have put almost 5000 into it. Nissan is aware of the problem just not enough to deem a recall.

NHTSA ID

11656933

Incident

Aug 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V690000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the air bag warning light was blinking. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The contact refused to pay for the diagnostic test and stated that the warning light was not illuminated prior to the recall repair being performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA ID

11625920

Incident

Mar 18, 2024

Mileage

167,000 mi

The vehicle was driving just fine, then about a month later the heat gauge started to fluctuate, i replaced the radiator caps, thermostat...it ran good for another month, started to overheat....i made sure water was in radiator and overflow...about a month went by the gauge started to fluctuate again, i had it towed to sayre auto parts in sayre, al to have a water pump installed and the mechanic told me their is now there is water in my oil, meaning a cracked head gasket...the vehicle never got over the 3/4 mark on gauge and this is the 2nd vehicle ive purchased that the same thing has happened to.

NHTSA ID

11594708

Incident

Apr 12, 2023

My 07 Xterra has extreme rust in the door jams and rear panels. The rack-n-pinion, power steering system leaks fluid.

NHTSA ID

11577919

Incident

Apr 1, 2017

There is usual rust on body of truck. There is some kind of electrical problem rather it’s the security system or wiring. There’s a clicking sound coming from dash area. There is a suspension problem, has to change leaf springs, struts and shocks often.

NHTSA ID

11562845

Incident

Dec 3, 2013

The recall has been in place with no solution presented by the manufacturer since February of 2023 with no remedy for the steering wheel emblem issue, making airbag deployment potentially unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11548155

Incident

Oct 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and produced codes: B1049 and B1054. Additionally, the contact indicated Part Number: 4790453X10A needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that they were not responsible for the individual dealers and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact stated that there were 3 parts that needed to be replaced but the parts were unavailable. The contact paid a bill from the dealership, yet the vehicle was returned back without any repairs being made.

NHTSA ID

11524425

Incident

May 3, 2022

Mileage

110,000 mi

2007 Nissan Xterra- Consumer refers to recall on airbag. Consumer had driver side front airbag repaired prior to recall. Parts removed, one part no longer made, and airbag not replaced. Copy of consumers letter to Nissan Consumer Affairs attached.

NHTSA ID

11522395

Incident

May 6, 2022

The contact owned a 2007 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact lost control of the steering wheel causing the vehicle to flip three times; however, the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to her head and neck. The contact received medical attention. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11515780

Incident

Jan 23, 2022

Mileage

200,000 mi

The airbag warning light came on. The vehicle is registered in a state that uses heavy amounts of salt on the roads in winter. Nissan had a recall campaign for this exact thing that they closed. Now, they refuse to diagnose or repair the issue and expect me to pay for it completely. They refuse to fix a problem they already admitted was their fault due to the fact they thought everyone should have gotten it fixed already. However, the vehicle is new to me and only started having the problem this winter.

NHTSA ID

11457997

Incident

Mar 23, 2022

The radiator has cracked at the top which caused me to break down because the car stopped moving.

NHTSA ID

11436726

Incident

Oct 6, 2021

Aprox. three years ago, I reported a problem with the fuel gauge not giving true readings. After taking the car to be tested, I was advised that the sending unit was faulty, and the mechanic believed that there was a recall on the matter (he had heard of many people having the same problem). After doing online research, I came across hundreds, if not thousands of Xterra owners reporting the same problem. I called Nissan, and I was advised that there were no recalls on this matter. That does not make sense, for it seems obvious, based on my research, that this--among other common problems (such as the Airbag light coming on)--are very prevalent, and seem to be due to a manufacturing/design problem.

NHTSA ID

11418553

Incident

May 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFILLED THE FUEL TANK HOWEVER, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V075000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT RECALLS WERE VIN SPECIFIC AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11404194

Incident

Mar 21, 2021

Mileage

90,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE SUV STARTED LOOSING SPEED UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETELY STOP IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE BALTIMORE BELTWAY 695 WHICH MADE A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME. CARS FLYING BY ON BOTH SIDES OF ME. HAD A POLICE OFFICER STOP TRAFFIC SO THAT I COULD DRIFT IT BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. FOUND OUT IT WAS THE DDEFAULTY RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT. IT DIDN'T GIVE ME ANY NOTICE THAT IT WAS ANYTHING WRONG. EXCEPT LEAVING ME STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COSTS ME THOUSANDS TO GET A REPLACEMENT RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT THE NISSAN DEALER. MY VEHICLE HAD 105,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID

11395808

Incident

Apr 1, 2018

Mileage

105,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN PINK FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT CALLED NISSAN OF ST. AUGUSTINE (2755 US-1, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32086, (904) 447-2960). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000.

NHTSA ID

11395607

Incident

Dec 7, 2020

Mileage

149,000 mi

EXACT SAME ISSUE AS ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 10V075000 IS APPLICABLE TO MY 2007 NISSAN XTERRA AS WELL. NISSAN MUST RECALL THE PART ON 2007 XTERRAS AS WELL. THIS IS A WIDELY REPORTED ISSUE BY OTHER CUSTOMERS ON THE INTERNET AS WELL.

NHTSA ID

11395208

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11388623

Incident

Jan 15, 2020

Mileage

101,123 mi

THE TRANSMISSION COOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR FAULTED, CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION INTERNALLY.

NHTSA ID

11377925

Incident

Dec 3, 2020

Mileage

147,257 mi

RED COLOR IN RADIATOR (SEE PHOTO) . WHEN DRIVING TRANSMISSION WOULD RACE LIKE IN OVERDRIVE. LET OFF GAS TO LIKE CATCH UP.

NHTSA ID

11341499

Incident

Jun 30, 2020

Mileage

241,300 mi

TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ANTI FREEZE LIQUID MIXED IN BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION AND DISABLED THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID

11339162

Incident

Jul 5, 2020

Mileage

144,600 mi

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE JULY 2019 FROM OWNER. AFTER 3 WEEKS TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING WEIRD WHILE ON VACATION TRANSMISSION SEIZED DUE TOO COOLANT LEAKING FROM RADIATOR COOLER INTO TRANSMISSION. TOTAL REPAIRS TOW COSTS AND RENTAL CAR RENTAL EXCEED $5000.00. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR TRANSMISSION AND COOLING SYSTEM RELATED PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAD APPROX. 100,000 MILES ON IT WHEN PURCHASED. AND ONLY HAS APPROX. 128,000 ON IT. NOW. CAN I GET ANY TYPE OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS PAID OUT OF POCKET???? *TR

NHTSA ID

11327823

Incident

Jul 24, 2019

Mileage

110,000 mi

THE CORNER CUTTING DESIGN FLAW THAT CAUSED THE ISSUE COMMONLY KNOWN AS SMOD (STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE OF DEATH, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE COOLANT MIX IN BOTH THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION) HAS CAUSED THE TCM TO BECOME DAMAGED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER TO THE WHEELS GOING UP A HILL THEN WOULDNT START AFTER TURNING IT OFF, WEVE CHANGED THE FILTER, FLUID AND SOLENOIDS ON THE VALVE BODY, BUT THE TCM STILL ISNT WORKING. WE CAN START THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT AROUND A BIT, ONCE IT GETS TO 3RD GEAR IT RUNS FINE, BUT IN LOWER GEARS (EXCEPT FOR WHEN IN REVERSE) IT STRUGGLES, THEN AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS BECAUSE THE TCM ISNT WORKING PROPERLY, THIS ISSUE PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING AGAIN WITHIN ABOUT 1 HOUR OF TURNING IT OFF. AS STATED EARLIER THIS TCM ISSUE CAME TO LIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO GO UP A HILL, IF TRAFFIC WERE ANY WORSE THAN IT WAS THIS COULDVE POTENTIALLY LED TO A DISASTER THAT WOULDVE MADE HAVING TO WAIT ABOUT AN HOUR FOR PICKUP SEEM LIKE NOTHING. THIS ISSUE WAS CAUSED BY NISSAN CUTTING CORNERS AND ITS A COMMON ISSUE THATS LED TO MANY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVING TO COVER REPAIRS OR JUST GIVE UP ON THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11319694

Incident

Mar 7, 2020

Mileage

179,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF FUEL, HOWEVER, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A QUARTER TANK OF FUEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. FUEL WAS ADDED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT VISITED THE MCLARTY NISSAN OF BENTON LOCATED AT (19960 I-30, BENTON, AR 72019) AND WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V075000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000.

NHTSA ID

11317760

Incident

Feb 17, 2017

Mileage

136,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11301032

Incident

Jan 18, 2020

Mileage

190,000 mi