2005 Nissan Xterra recalls and problems

The 2005 Nissan Xterra has 3 safety recalls and 845 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
845
Crashes / fires
7 / 6
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Nissan Xterra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Nissan Xterra recalls

Recall 10V-517: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 28, 2010 · 747,480 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 08V-690: Air Bags

Reported Dec 29, 2008 · 242,720 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-458: Trailer Hitches

Reported Oct 5, 2005 · 12,500 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train418
Fuel System, Gasoline244
Engine and Engine Cooling168
Engine114
Fuel System, Other49
Electrical System39
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Unknown or Other25
Air Bags20
Vehicle Speed Control12
Steering10
Suspension8

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 52
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 23
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 16
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 8
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 4
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank — 4
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 3
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 89,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Nissan Xterra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 130,000 miles · reported Feb 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V517000…
Air Bags · reported Jul 21, 2025
The front airbag crash sensor on my 2005 Nissan Xterra failed and is currently unavailable due to an extended backorder. Firestone Auto provided a work order confirming the need for replacement. The airbag warning light has been flashing continuously for the past four months, indicating a system malfunction. My advisor contacted Nissan dealers three times, and they confirmed the part remains on backorder. This ongoing issue poses a significant safety risk, particularly with the increased driving expected during the upcoming winter season. The sensor has not been replaced or inspected by…
Air Bags · at 50,000 miles · reported Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle stalled with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle moved forward and stopped suddenly intermittently. On another occasion, the A/C became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and unknown repairs were performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not insured due to the several failures, and the not being able to be…
Air Bags · reported Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. No information on parts availability was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Exterior Lighting · reported Feb 15, 2023
The plastic on my sun visor broke and with the use of it the wires inside the mirror light become exposed and almost caused a fire

Other Nissan Xterra years

Compare all Nissan Xterra years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Nissan Xterra: 10V-517 (engine and engine cooling), 08V-690 (air bags), 05V-458 (trailer hitches). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Nissan Xterra?

Owners report power train problems most often (418 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (244). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 89,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.