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I've owned two 2nd gen 4x4 Xterras. The only issue I've had was a bad front wheel bearing, which was a $50 part and easy to fix. They're very reliable trucks. I've taken mine offroad weekly.

I own a 2000 XE & a 2015 Pro 4-X. So far, regular maintenance. I love them.

As the owner of a 2015 Xterra Pro 4x for the past two years, I have to say that I have never had a single problem with mine. It's currently sitting at just under 95k miles and I religiously change the oil every 3000 miles and only buy premium gas. It runs like a dream. I just shelled out $1000 to put all brand new Goodyear Wrangler Trail Runner tires on it and it has never driven better! Best SUV I've ever owned, and I've had quite a few.

Park on a driveway that’s has an incline. When the radiator is cool take off the radiator cap. Start the car let it heat up with radiator cap off. You should see air bubbles. When they stop put cap back on.

The radiator (auto trans only) and timing chain (all pre '10 vq40) issues were fixed in the 2010 model year, so if you get a 2010-2015 you should be good to go! It'll run forever. The Xterra and Frontier both come with an external transmission cooler on the automatic. I haven't heard about the intake coolant leak, but I have had to replace both of the lines that connect to the heater core. Both are dealer parts too! The air pocket issue in the cooling system is common and there is a special long neck funnel that attaches tightly to the radiator to help bleed the system. Easy fix.

Pretty much all the problems I found in researching the X in a nutshell.

Great video. Wish I had seen it before I had to replace the transmission and radiator in my 2007 SE at 138,000 miles because of problem #2. Nissan admitted to a known design flaw specific to the 2nd Generation 2007 model but said it was not widespread enough for a recall and would not cover any cost based on the mileage. I bought it off the showroom floor and still have it. Now at 204,000 miles. I had problem #1 and replaced the sensor unit in the gas tank. Now I have problem #5. At least that one is easy enough to fix myself. Even with these problems, I do love the vehicle. It honestly runs great and the repairs were still cheaper than a new car. The motor is solid and gas mileage is still 17-19 mpg city and 23-25 highway. I plan to hit 300,000 miles with it.

From what I have read on Xterra forums, Nissan has fixed all these problems since the 2010-2012 models

Check to make sure your 2nd generation xterra doesn't already have a secondary transmission cooler. Most 2nd gen automatics have 2 coolers for the transmission. Factory coolerl is located front of the condenser, radiator on the passenger side. Simply do a bypass of the radiator cooler

My 05 has been a workhorse. I've put over 53k miles on it in the last 20 months. Had the common issue with primary chain tensioner guide, causing slack in chain which made the chain to make a lot of noise(rattling). Drive it that way for quite awhile and finally I decided to repair it, while I had a chance to do it myself. It's been a very good vehicle and very versatile.

Thanks for tip number 5! My vehicle is experiencing those same symtoms as you describe in regards to heating issues in the cabin. Blows cold air at idle. Blows hot air while driving then blows cold air at idle again...

As a 2nd gen Nissan Xterra owner, I do have to mention the issue mentioned in #2 is called SMOD aka Strawberry Milkshake of Death. This problem does not occur in models starting at 2011. SMOD is most susceptible in the years ‘05-‘10. If you want to avoid this issue, just buy an ‘11-‘15 or immediately replace radiator on the purchase of your ‘05-‘10. SMOD can quite literally annihilate your trucks entire functionality so this issue should be a priority check. My 2011 is sitting on 214,000 miles and still going strong and looking to v8 swap it soon.

2011 to 2015 Xterra does not have what were mentioned as top 5 problems.

I have a 2007 Xterra with 4 out of 5 of those problems (all except the strawberry milkshake of death...knock on wood). I couldn't believe you just rattled off of the issues I have with it without even seeing it...lol.

awesome video. my xterra had pretty much all of these ailments.... some are resolved, some we're still working on. even with all the issues and 180K I wouldn't want any other SUV.

I love my 2011 x, 175k and currently replacing UCA,LCA, in/out tie rods, new sway/end links, new front suspension, new front drilled rotors, and rear add a leaf. I love this car, it’s built solid, hasn’t ever let me down and I will drive it till she dies. The transmission cooler issue is the 05-07 years I believe.. years before and after 05-07 issues weren’t very common. I might be off which years but I know mine on don’t really have that issue due to a different design. Xterras are great trucks, they will last Forever If you take care of it..

Air bag crash sensors, EVAP issues, they rust like it's going out of style, water in the tailgate...a few i've encountered.

I bought my 2009 Xterra SE new and I have never had any type of problem beside replacing my battery. Very reliable.

I would add one more issues most people don't talk about. This really affects higher mileage or older Nissans with the VQ40. The oil gallery seal gets brittle with age and heat cycle. The seal crack and even in some case small pieces break away. This will cause your oil pressure to drop. Most noticeably at idle. I seen plenty of these engine get ruined by this. Not 100% sure if Nissan up graded the material in the later models or not. If you do the timing chain upgrade go head and replace the oil gallery seals while your in there. Good metal upgrade kit is like $45. Cheap insurance.

I got an 05 4x4 w/ the hard to find 6spd manual so I never had the coolant & Trans fluid mixing problem but man did the timing chain issue happen 3 times. After the third time, I pulled a low mileage engine out of an 08 Frontier and dropped it in. I’ve been about 40k miles on the new engine with no major problems. The alternator and AC compressor went around the same time but I just pulled the ones off my old engine. I did have to buy a 4x4 actuator and my fuel hand just recently quit working.

ive long known about the issue with the coolant getting into the transmission and ruining them. that single design flaw is what always kept me from getting one of these trucks. shame because I think they look cool as hell.

The u joints on the drive shaft is another issue as well.

Belts inside the transmission? I think he meant to say fibers where the coolant will dissolve the glues used to glue the fibers to the steels.

Nissan had a major recall on that transmission issue. Cost me around $3,000 to repair. Plus i also had the fuel sensor go as well. That was hundreds of dollars to fix as well,.

Wish I saw a video like this in 2010. My 2008 Xterra got the Strawberry Milk Shake of Death, just got it home from the mechanic 2 days ago, after spending $2,800 to fix it. Hopefully I don't run into the timing chain problem next, but every other problem, I already have lol. I used to have to park on a steep hill to burp it to get the heat going during winter. Great vid.

I paid 600.00 to have the Dealer replace the radiator for piece of mind on my 2010 Xterra with 71k. I'm not happy that Nissan knew this vehicle had this potentially catastrophic plus very expensive issue and did not recall the vehicle to replace the defective part!

I love mine. 2008 Off-Road. Never had problems, but might get the transmission cooler mod

2007 Xterra here with 209,000 miles. None of these issues and just regular maintenance. Bought it brand new back then. Lucky I guess.

The transmission fluid mixing with the coolant is known as the "SMOD" issue, which stands for "Strawberry Milkshake Of Death" since it kills the automatic transmission if you don't nip it in the bud right away. Nissan finally fixed it with the 2011 models. If you have a model before that, get it bypassed before it happens. This issue does not happen with manual transmissions. I own a 2015 Pro-4X which now has 75,000 miles. There has only been two warranty issues so far: The A/C condenser went bad, and the right rear axle seal was replaced. That's it. Great vehicle so far!

I just had the coolant leak into the transmission fluid problem. Fixed it. 2 days later we find out we need a whole new transmission. 220,000km on it. Never had a problem. Now a death blow.

mixing coolant liquid with transmission liquid also happened on pathfinder as well but not for newer year models i think starting from 2009 or so they have changed system and this issue was resolved on pathfinder. how about xterra ?? was xterra was changed as well?? does anyone know??

First thing Mentioned is one of My issues. The gas gauge. I reset the trip odometer every time I fill up so I know how Many Miles I can get Out of a tank of gas. The radiator and coolant issue- their was a class action lawsuit that Nissan lost. Was reimbursed for my radiator

Well done… never had SMOD explained and demonstrated clearly… cheers!

Great video! Please do one of these on the First generation Xterra/Frontier. Thanks

Got a 2012 Xterra Pro-4x with 105k miles. Recently had to replace the valve covers due to leaking gaskets and leaking spark plug tube seals. Apparently, that's a common problem too right around the 100k mark. Other than that, it's been an incredibly reliable vehicle.

God bless, sir. Helped me a lot while selecting a offroad project car.

I have an 08 that I bought new with 70k miles now. The only thing that worries me is the SMOD. I will probably bypass the radiator cooler if I have the secondary cooler. I should check it now, actually.

I got a 2002. They run forever. Regular maintenance... Take quiet some gas. 3.3 ltr turbo. Great car, and very strong... It's a real jeep

I have had several minor patchable issues with my 2012 Pro 4-X. Timely maintenance is key, love my truck.

Yup had all those issues with my 05 X 😆

I got 60k miles on mine. Haven't had any issues yet. A lot of people I know who has one says the problems starts to show after 100k But those 5 things are nothing. Compared to the fact it runs forever.

Question about this car. I have a 2012 Xterra, drives and runs well, doesn't overheat but i do have engine fluid in the coolant. My transmission coolant is bypassed. Anythoughts what might be the issue or where to look at ? it has 100k miles on it

The bigger killer for the transmission is the water entering into the transmission valve body . Most automatic xterras already have a secondary transmission oil to air cooler. Simply bypass the coolant transmission section , you are good to go

I have a 2012 with 190k on it. It’s been a super reliable truck. Until now, my biggest issue was a failed driver window motor- super easy fix. In the last 10k miles, I’ve had two instances of the trans not shifting above 2nd gear and a P1774 CEL. I’m planning to do a trans fluid and filter change (and solder any broken tracer lines) as well as a radiator replacement (even though the 2012 doesn’t have the trans cooler inside). Would it be advisable to try and do the timing chains and tensioners when the radiator is removed?

I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra. Number 1 problem is , it’s a rust bucket with wheels. Damn thing rusts so easy.

I have an issue where I get no air coming from the foot warmer vents.

I have a 2010 Nissan Xterra 4x4 w/118k miles on it & that heat issue you mention is happening to mine. When idle no heat but when I'm driving I have heat but as soon I get to a stop light, no heat.

I have a 2007 Xterra running hot the temperature gauge says it's normal loses coolant but no leaks at least I can find it but it does smell a little like antifreeze in the engine bay I replace timing chain and water pump 2 years ago

2008 Xterra. Bought at 7,000 miles. Now at 120,000 never abused or rode hard. Sadly I think its biggest POS I ever owned. VDC and ABS control module failure almost immediate (and 2x). Red milkshake of death at 51,000 only partial warranty from Nissan, $2500 for me, new trans and rad. Drivers p-window motor failed($70 rock auto). One rear door decided it wouldn't open for a year but fixed itself! Rear hatch door handle fell apart($40 amazon). All Cats replaced($400)and CEL still on, don't care. Heater resistor module failure ($50 Amazon). Front wheel hubs/bearings/ABS sensors on my 3rd set. Plus all regular maintenance such as brakes and exhaust, battery etc. If you don't do your own repairs, don't buy a Nissan.

Thanks for the video. I have a 2010 Xterra. I haven't had any issues with it except I had to replace the window motor on my driver's side. But, I thought I should watch the video as the car is aging and, when you hit #5, I had to laugh because I have this problem and didn't even realize it. I remember waiting in my car at the bank line last winter, freezing my butt off, and wondering why I wasn't getting any hot air, despite the car being warmed up. I will fix the problem now. I see a less cold winter on the horizon!

Apparently some say to make sure timing chain is metal and not made of rubber when u buy a used xterra. Any advice on what year is most reliable between 2006-2012?

‘05. I did those tensioners! What a bear!!

I have a 2005 xterra. The OEM radiator was replaced by a previous owner already. The problems I've had so far is: Broken timing chain tensioner guides (only one was still intact... I think I got lucky). Replaced almost everything in there. Don't need to remove the engine, but you'll need a second pair of hands for part of that job. Shattered plastic coolant fitting while alone in the hills. Made for a long limp back home. Old cracked rubber hoses that caused some minor codes. Fuel level sensor working only at half a tank and above, but I keep extra fuel on hand anyways. I'll get around to that one maybe. Some evap canister problem that I've never been able to figure out, but never put much effort into. That thing is in the most inconvenient spot. That said, I have been very happy with my xterra and enjoy exploring the woods with it. I've even managed to get all 4 wheels off the ground one time. I probably deserved some of those broken parts. I did the repairs myself, though, so I suppose these problems have cost me a lot less than it would for others. Check your inside brake pads as well as the outside ones. I've have the metal indicator break off along with uneven pad wear on one of my wheels.

I had a 1st gen 2001 Xterrra. Only came up with the first issue and, fortunately, I only had to replace the gas sensor. I miss that truck.

This helped a lot. I really am looking forward to buying a first suv/truck and this specific one catches my eye and it makes me feel a whole lot better knowing i can fix these issues if it currently has any before it could get worse.

Xterra 2005, only issue i had was with the chain tensioner... Apparently the metal chains rub against plastic parts which worn out and then you are only rubbing metal against metal which causes the noise.

Thank you for the information because I'm having two of those issues. I wish you stayed in my state. I will pay you to fix mine...

HOW OFTEN DOES THE BLOWER FAN DIE IN THESE VEHICLES ?? WERE IS THE BLOWER FAN LOCATED SIR ?? THANKS V

Great vid , thats why I got the manual trans 💪.

Yeahhh I have a '15 Pro4X and had the no heat at idle ...burped the cooling system and viola!!! Fixed!! So far great vehicle. They said it drives like hell on the highway...I say...hogwash!

NEED ADVICE: I just bought a 2007 X Terra with 218,000 miles on it. Any suggestions on further maintenance and repairs before things could go bad?

Xterras pathfinder & frontiers ask have external transmission coolers, all you have to do is bypass the radiator one. Quick 5min job

The transmission/coolant issue only happens between the years of 2005-2010 and onlu automatic transmissions, not manuals. The timing chain tensioners are a problem between the years of 2005-2011

My transmission just died in my 2010 due to previous owner ignoring coolant atf mixture. Gears were going crazy and rpm was off the wall. Hooked up the obd scanner and it showed up gear 4 incorrect ratio.

Another common issue If Cruise control doesn't work on these just replace the clockspring assembly. Engine mounts wearing can cause the catalytic converters to go bad

Do the Jeep Liberty 02-07 top 5 problems!

Thanks for the information 👍

I was a factory sales rep covering the Western US in 2006, I bought a 2007 Xterra "S" 4WD with 13,000 miles (rental car fleet sale) and I sold it for $6,800 in 2012 with 175,000 miles after I had to rebuild the transmission (the radiator cracked and destroyed the transmission $4,200 P&L). I replaced the radiator because of the crack ($150 parts only), replace the shocks ($540 parts only), brakes ($640 parts only), fuel pump sensor ($190 fuel pump only) and tires ($1,200 Michelins when I sold it). It was a money pit!! I called Nissan in 2011 about the radiator/transmission failure and I was told that they never heard of the problem, then in 2014 after I sold the POS, I received a letter from Nissan that said because "some" 2007-2010 Xterras had "bad" radiators, my Xterra warranty would be extended to 100,000 miles. I had to put $5,400 into it to sell it at $6,800. I'll never buy or drive another Nissan product, too bad I didn't look up problems associated with them before I bought it.

I was going to get a 2006 xterra when I got my drivers license. My older sister ended up getting it from my parents and I went and bought a crown victoria lx. I drive the xterra occasionally and its a really good vehicle. It has over 300000 kms and still running good. It wasn't maintained all that well and it has some minor rust, a small leak on the transmission, and now when turning while the vehicle is in 4x4, it seems like a wheel is locking up and jumping instead of rolling which could be a differential issue.

My 2005 Pathfinder made a milkshake for me. I’m in the process of replacing the complete trans and crappy radiator.

I have a 2007 Xterra and I guess this explains why I have no heat unless I’m driving.

I love this car tbh.

I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra and I don’t had any problems with it

Outstanding information! Thanks!

I “had”and 05 Xterra that had literally of these problems.

I wonder why Nissan didn't do a recall on that transmission fluid mixing with coolant issue.

I have a 2011 with 109,000 miles and only have 1 of these problems

as always great yet fast review of a 2007 X

Are these are some of the last good Nissans ever built. They have real transmissions not cvts parts are pretty cheap one thing they didn't mention is the catalytic converters tend to go bad you can get two for 500 bucks and hopefully it'll fix the problem.

If your fuel sensor is going bad here is how to fix it. 1. Buy a new fuel sensor on amazon I think I paid 40 dollars for mine. 2. rear driver side passenger pick up the seat that is where the fuel sensor is at. 3. Get some snips and cut a hole under the body exposing the fuel tank sensor. 4. Replace fuel tank sensor and JB weld the snip seams. good as new there are some videos on youtube how to do this. On the automatic transmission fluid mix with coolant one of the main reasons why I bought the manual model.

Anyone had issues with the CA31 axle group with C200K differential? Thats what's on my '08 X model and I'm about to destroy my second rear axle group in 3 years. Stock diff pinion gear teeth literally fell apart catastrophically, I assumed it was due to towing abuse by the first owner. Picked up a low mileage rear axle group from another X and swapped the whole thing, and second damn differential is about to shred itself. I dont tow, and I drive very deliberately and controlled. Seems impossible.

Great stuff, thanks for the video

Hello, I had a leaf break on the rear spring, 3000 miles apart one leaf, warranty replaced them but do one on each side ,from one oil change to another

I definitely have a heater/coolant leak on my 2010 Xterra. Heater doesn't work when stopped

I had a 2000 and have a 2011 Pro4X. Both had leaf springs that cracked and needed to be replaced with less than 80K on them.

Thanks, that was very helpful!

Sir I had an issue with my Nissan Xterra 2010 dvc was deactivated

The transmission problem only occurred in the 2005-2010 models. Nissan settled a lawsuit over that issue.

Great job as usual young man vary informative indeed

My 2007 Xterra bought brand new. In 2011 when it had around 50,000 miles. The timing chain guides had to be replaced under warranty.

Timing chain bad? Time for an LS swap! 👍

Great video. Do you have a video for installing external transmission cooler?

Thank goodness my 2015 Xterra Pro-4X is a six-speed manual....

I have a 2015 Xterra Pro-4X and it the driver's side window seems to love going out every couple of years... other than that it's a torque-y tank and I love it.

I like the video. I just wish I would have seen it in 2018 when I bought this vehicle. I hate it and regret wasting my money. It's been sitting collecting dust for 6 months. I paid it off and just bought something else.

Does this 1Aauto radiator for 2nd gem Nissan Xterra already incorporate the new design to prevent coolant from getting into the transmission fluid?

KEY WITH THESE NISSANS. dont let them sit, they have GOT to drive OFTEN. If they sit, without being turned on, you will have faliure after faliure. These machines cant sit for too long without something fouling, and that shit causes other shit to foul too later. Mine sat for one year. Replaced crank and cam sensors, which was why my mom parked it, and even though I told her to make sure to turn it on and stuff, she didnt touch it for a year and a half or so, and let me just tell you. Man, I even after the checking and new battery and all the 9 yards, adding a few gals of non eth to clear the injectors a bit etc, they hate coming back from hibernation. Out the gate, it turned on and ran fine. After that, threw the fuel meter sensor which is whatever it seems the gas light works fine. Still though, engine code on. Washer fluid light was on so I just disconnected it and pulled the res out lol Tpms is on but probably just needs air, brand new tires were put on like a month before it was parked. Worst case dead tpms battery in one of the tires. Its idling bad and leaking oil out of nowhere and like a lot I guess up front off the scrape plate, and when I brake to a stop, it whines hard 3 times as it comes to a stop. Fucking weird and Im sad, its literally mint condition with like 180k and my mom put like 80 hard thousand freeway miles on it so we will see. Ran great before parked and sounds good still, just scared is all.

Is the transmission/coolant mixing a issue with the standard transmission as well?

Wow man you’re the best 👍