2005 Nissan Xterra Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
90/100
#2 most-complained of 11 Xterra years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Nissan Xterra has 845 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 90 out of 100 — #2 highest of 11 Xterra model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (412 complaints, 49% of the total). Complaints report 7 crashes, 6 fires, and 8 injuries.
- Complaints
- 845
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 6
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16.5
- 14.5 city / 19.5 hwy
Top 2005 Nissan Xterra problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain412 (49%)
- Fuel System323 (38%)
- Engine287 (34%)
- Electrical System42 (5%)
- Other32 (4%)
- Airbags19 (2%)
- Brakes12 (1%)
- Steering10 (1%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (1%)
- Structure & Body8 (1%)
2005 Nissan Xterra recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V517000Oct 28, 2010Engine747,480 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.
Risk: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 08V690000Dec 29, 2008Airbags242,720 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, a mixture of snow/water and salt can enter into the front crash zone sensor (czs) housing. If this occurs, the czs may internally rust resulting in a signal interruption. If this happens, the red air bag warning light will illuminate to alert the vehicle operator.
Risk: This issue could result in the non-deployment of the driver and passenger front air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front czs with a redesigned sensor. The recall began on january 26, 2009. Owners in the other states will receive extended warranty coverage for the sensor to 10 years. These owners will be notified of the warranty extension by mail and will receive a sticker to place in their warranty booklet explaining the extended warranty coverage. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 05V458000Oct 5, 2005Structure & Body12,500 vehicles
Trailer hitches
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a nissan accessory tow hitch, inadequate quality of some welded joints in the hitch assembly may result in separation of the hitch from the vehicle when being used to tow.
Risk: This could result in the trailer separating from the vehicle and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tow hitches. On october 17, 2005, owners were sent an interim letter advising them not to use the tow hitch until it can be repaired. Another letter was sent out on november 21, 2005, notifying them to bring their vehicles in for repair. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2005 Nissan Xterra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14.5 MPG
- Highway
- 19.5 MPG
- Combined
- 16.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,925
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Nissan Xterra a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Nissan Xterra ranks #2 of 11 among Xterra model years (Complaint Index 90/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 845 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Xterra?
- The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (412 complaints), fuel system (323 complaints), and engine (287 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 89,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2005 Nissan Xterra, most recently reported 2010, covering engine, airbags, and structure & body.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Nissan Xterra?
- EPA rates the 2005 Nissan Xterra at 16.5 MPG combined (14.5 city / 19.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,925. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.