2005 Nissan Xterra Engine Problems
NHTSA has 287 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2005 Nissan Xterra, 34% of all 845 complaints for this model year. That is the highest engine complaint count among 11 Xterra model years. These complaints report 3 fires. Median mileage at failure: 103,000 miles.
- Engine complaints
- 287
- 34% of 845
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 103,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
When 2005 Nissan Xterra engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 29, 2005, latest Feb 25, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2005 Nissan Xterra
- 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.
Engine complaints by Xterra model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2005 Nissan Xterra have engine problems?
- NHTSA has 287 owner complaints about the engine in the 2005 Nissan Xterra, 34% of all complaints for this model year. Median mileage at failure is 103,000 miles.
- Which Nissan Xterra year has the most engine complaints?
- The 2005 Nissan Xterra has the most engine complaints (287), compared with 287 for the 2005.
- Is there a engine recall for the 2005 Nissan Xterra?
- Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2005 Nissan Xterra concerns the engine: 10V517000.