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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-NISSAN-XTERRA NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2005 · Nissan

Nissan Xterra problems

845 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Xterra?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

fuel system
283 reports · fails ~64,029 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
powertrain
271 reports · fails ~106,144 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
193 reports · fails ~101,480 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
17 reports · fails ~81,287 mi · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
16 reports · fails ~96,090 mi · avg $850
severe
steering
10 reports · fails ~95,414 mi · avg $700
severe
cruise control
4 reports · fails ~126,250 mi · avg $600
moderate
suspension
4 reports · fails ~53,000 mi · avg $900
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2005 Xterra's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2005 Xterra?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Xterra · powertrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan xterra. The contact was driving 20 MPH when the vehicle started to jerk violently and there was an abnormal increase in engine rpms before shifting into gear. The contact also mentioned that the air bag warning lamp was illuminated. The vehicle…
12/30/2011 · at 70,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10441761.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2005 Xterra · engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan xterra. The contact stated that he heard knocking coming from under the hood while driving approximately 30 MPH. The contact also stated that the temperature gauge would display that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an…
12/30/2011 · at 80,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10441802.0 · see engine pattern →
2005 Xterra · engine
My 2005 xterra with 82k miles started vibrating badly when accelerating over 50mph. It felt like I was driving over rumble strips. I called Nissan assist on 12/29/2010 and was told my radiator had failed, leaked into the transmission and totally destroyed it. My only option was…
12/30/2010 · at 82,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10373420.0 · see engine pattern →
2005 Xterra · fuel system
Couple weeks ago my check engine light came on while I backing off my driveway. Then my battery died a week after so I thought the reason why my check engine light came on is because of my battery is running out of juice. So, I replace my battery but then the following day my…
12/30/2009 · at 75,145 mi · NHTSA ODI #10297630.0 · see fuel system pattern →
View all 845 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2005 Nissan Xterra? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 05E062000 September 30, 2005

Certain valley industries hitch-class iii receiver trailer hitches p/n 82850 manufactured between march and september 2005 sold for use as replacement equipment for 2005 Nissan xterra passenger vehicles

The trailer or item in tow may release partially or wholly from the motor vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Valley industries will notify its customers and replace the trailer hitches free of charge. The recall began on november 3, 2005. Owners may contact valley industries at 209-368-8881.
severe NHTSA 05V458000 October 5, 2005

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

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.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Nissan Xterra reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 845 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Nissan Xterra has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2005 Nissan Xterra?

The 2005 Nissan Xterra is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Nissan Xterra?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is fuel system, with 283 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,029 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The fuel system is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,029 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Xterra has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Nissan Xterra?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 845 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,200, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Other model years
2009 Xterra2008 Xterra2007 Xterra2006 Xterra
Compare against
vs. 2005 jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2005 jeep Wrangler vs. 2005 toyota 4Runner vs. 2005 chevrolet Trailblazer
Problem categories across the fleet
fuel system across all vehicles powertrain across all vehicles engine across all vehicles airbags across all vehicles electrical across all vehicles steering across all vehicles cruise control across all vehicles suspension across all vehicles
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Nissan/Xterra. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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