Nissan · Known Issues

2005 Nissan Xterra Problems: 8 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2005 model year · 4,450+ owner reports · Updated June 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,450+ owner reports, the 2005 Nissan Xterra has 8 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are SMOD - Strawberry Milkshake of Death (Radiator/Trans Cooler Failure) ($100-$5,500 repair), Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine) ($1,500-$3,000 repair), Secondary Timing Chain / Tensioner Guide Noise (VQ40DE) ($1,900-$3,500 repair), Radiator-to-Transmission Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake of Death" / SMOD) ($2,500-$5,000 repair), ECM Relay Engine Stalling (Recall 10V517000) and Fuel Gauge / Fuel Level Sender Inaccuracy (Recall 10V075000). The most commonly reported issue is SMOD - Strawberry Milkshake of Death (Radiator/Trans Cooler Failure) with 2,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 8 Known Issues

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Community Reported

1,800 owners

On the 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra VQ40DE, the Xterra VQ40DE 4.0L V6 shares the same timing chain guide failure as the Frontier. The plastic guides deteriorate and shatter, causing chain rattle and potential catastrophic engine damage. This issue typically occurs between 80,000-130,000 miles and is the second most common Xterra problem after SMOD.

This issue also affects: Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi A6

Common Symptoms

Rattling noise on cold start
Chain rattle at idle
Check engine light with timing codes
Metal debris in oil
Engine running rough

How to Fix

Replace all timing chain guides, tensioners, and chains. Use updated Nissan parts or Cloyes aftermarket kit. Labor-intensive repair requiring 8-12 hours. Cost: $1,500-3,000. Address immediately upon hearing any chain rattle.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
UpgradeComplete timing chain kit includes chains, guides, and tensioners (Cloyes Timing Chain Kit)
View on Amazon
UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,000

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,800 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2005-2007 Nissan Xterra, early second-generation Xterras with the VQ40DE V6 suffer from a buzzing/whining noise from the timing chain area that rises in pitch with engine RPM. The Borg-Warner secondary timing chains had links stamped with worn tooling, leaving sharp edges that cut through the plastic tensioner shoes and guides. Nissan issued TSB NTB07-042 covering the redesigned chains and tensioner shoes. If left unaddressed, the chain can wear into the metal plunger, eventually risking timing problems and engine damage.

Common Symptoms

High-frequency buzzing or whining noise from the front of the engine
Noise increases in frequency/pitch with engine RPM
Most noticeable at idle and low RPM when cold
Possible rattle on startup in worse cases

How to Fix

Per TSB NTB07-042, replace both secondary timing chains and both secondary tensioner shoes with the redesigned parts (chains P/N 13028ZK00B; tensioners 13070-ZK01A / 13070-ZK01B). Many shops also inspect/replace the primary chain, guides, and water pump while the front of the engine is open. Address the noise early before the chain wears into metal.

Typical repair cost:$1,900 - $3,500

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

Community Reported

2,200 owners

On the 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra, the 2005-2010 Xterra with automatic transmission is affected by the infamous SMOD (Strawberry Milkshake of Death) where the transmission cooler inside the radiator ruptures, mixing coolant with ATF. The contaminated fluid destroys the transmission within minutes to hours of mixing. This is the #1 known issue for the Xterra and has destroyed thousands of transmissions.

Common Symptoms

Pink/milky transmission fluid
Pink/milky coolant
Transmission slipping after coolant loss
Sweet smell from radiator overflow
Transmission shuddering

How to Fix

PREVENTIVE (essential): Bypass the internal transmission cooler with an external cooler ($100-200 DIY, $200-400 at a shop). If SMOD has occurred: replace radiator, flush cooling system, replace transmission ($3,500-5,500 total). Check Nissan Campaign P9521 coverage. Inspect fluid at EVERY oil change.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,200+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeDenso OE-quality radiator — direct fit replacement (Denso Radiator)
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UpgradeMishimoto performance aluminum radiator for improved cooling (Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator)
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Typical repair cost:$100 - $5,500

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Community Reported

High Confidence2,200 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra, the factory Calsonic radiator on second-generation (N50) Xterras with the VQ40DE V6 and automatic transmission has an internal transmission-fluid cooler whose seal fails over time, allowing engine coolant and ATF to mix. The resulting pink, milkshake-like sludge circulates into the transmission, destroying valve-body solenoids, clutches and seals and often the transmission entirely. This is the single most notorious and catastrophic Xterra defect, prompting a class-action lawsuit and a Nissan warranty extension. Once contamination occurs the transmission is usually beyond saving and a coolant flush alone will not fix it.

Common Symptoms

Pink or brown frothy 'milkshake' sludge in the radiator or coolant reservoir
Contaminated (foamy/pink) transmission fluid on the dipstick
Harsh, erratic, or delayed shifting
Transmission slipping or going into limp/fail-safe mode
Engine overheating
Complete transmission failure

How to Fix

Inspect coolant and ATF regularly for any pink/brown frothy contamination. The permanent prevention is a 'radiator bypass': disconnect the transmission cooler circuit from the factory radiator and route ATF through a dedicated external air-to-oil cooler, then install an aftermarket all-metal or bypassed radiator. If contamination has already occurred, the transmission must be replaced/rebuilt and the entire cooling and trans circuit flushed; affected owners should check eligibility under the Nissan radiator class-action settlement and the 8yr/80k-mile warranty extension.

Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $5,000

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2005-2006 Nissan Xterra, the IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module) contains an ECM relay with a noise-reduction diode. Over time silicon evaporates from the diode molding and silicon oxide builds up on the relay contacts due to arcing, which can interrupt power to the engine control module and cause the engine to stall, especially at low speeds. NHTSA recall 10V517000 covers roughly 747,000 Nissan vehicles including 2005-2006 Xterra.

Common Symptoms

Engine stalls unexpectedly, often at low speed or idle
Intermittent no-start or hard-start
Stalling that worsens over time
Loss of engine power while driving

How to Fix

Under recall 10V517000, dealers replace the ECM relay inside the IPDM assembly free of charge regardless of whether it has failed yet. Owners should verify recall completion by VIN; the relay can also be replaced as an inexpensive standalone part if symptoms occur on out-of-recall vehicles.

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2005-2011 Nissan Xterra, the molded plastic fuel tank shell can deform so that the fuel sender float arm contacts an embossment in the tank, causing the fuel gauge to read about a quarter tank when the tank is actually empty. This can leave the driver stranded or cause a stall in traffic. NHTSA recall 10V075000 covers 2006 and 2008 Frontier/Xterra/Pathfinder; many 2005-2011 owners report the same inaccurate-gauge behavior even outside the official recall years.

Common Symptoms

Fuel gauge reads roughly 1/4 tank when the tank is actually empty
Gauge needle sticks or reads inaccurately
Gauge drops to empty shortly after a fill-up
Running out of fuel / stalling despite gauge showing fuel remaining

How to Fix

For recall-covered 2006 and 2008 vehicles, Nissan dealers replace the fuel level sending unit with a modified float-arm unit free of charge. For non-recall years exhibiting the same symptom, replace the fuel level sending unit / fuel sender assembly. Owners should verify recall status by VIN at NHTSA or Nissan.

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

Community Reported

450 owners

On the 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra, the Xterra M226 rear differential develops seal leaks and bearing noise over time. The pinion seal and axle seals deteriorate, allowing gear oil to leak onto brakes and contaminate brake pads. The differential can also develop a whining noise from worn ring and pinion bearings.

Common Symptoms

Oil leak from rear differential
Whining noise from rear end at speed
Brake contamination from seal leak
Clunking on acceleration/deceleration
Differential fluid on rear brakes

How to Fix

Replace pinion seal and axle seals. If differential whine is present, may need ring and pinion bearing replacement or complete differential rebuild. Seal replacement: $200-500. Full differential rebuild: $800-1,500.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 450+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
UpgradeRoyal Purple Max-Gear differential fluid for superior protection (Royal Purple Max-Gear Differential Fluid)
View on Amazon
UpgradeDorman differential cover gasket — direct OE replacement (Dorman Differential Cover Gasket)
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UpgradeTRQ CV axle assembly — complete replacement with new joints (TRQ CV Axle Assembly)
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UpgradeDorman CV boot kit to prevent grease loss and joint failure (Dorman CV Boot Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,500

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence450 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra, the front lower control arms on second-generation Xterras integrate the lower ball joints, which wear out and develop play, producing clunking over bumps and wandering, loose steering. Worn ball joints also throw off alignment and cause premature inner/outer front tire wear. Because the ball joint is part of the control arm, the typical repair is the full lower control arm assembly.

Common Symptoms

Clunking or knocking from the front end over bumps
Wandering or loose-feeling steering
Uneven / premature front tire wear
Vibration or play felt in the steering

How to Fix

Inspect front lower ball joints for play during service; replace the worn lower control arm assembly (which includes the ball joint and bushings) and perform a four-wheel alignment afterward. Replacing in pairs is common. Note a 2009-2010 service-part recall (10V517000-era aftermarket control-arm campaign 10V517 is separate; replacement control arms recall was 10V517000/10V517—verify part recall 10V517000 vs the lower control arm campaign by VIN).

Typical repair cost:$300 - $800

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Community Reported

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Xterra problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,450+ owner reports, the 2005-2005 Nissan Xterra has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: SMOD - Strawberry Milkshake of Death (Radiator/Trans Cooler Failure), Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine), Secondary Timing Chain / Tensioner Guide Noise (VQ40DE). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Xterra reliable?

The 2005-2005 Nissan Xterra has 8 known issues documented across 4,450+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: SMOD - Strawberry Milkshake of Death (Radiator/Trans Cooler Failure) and Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine) and Secondary Timing Chain / Tensioner Guide Noise (VQ40DE) and Radiator-to-Transmission Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake of Death" / SMOD) and ECM Relay Engine Stalling (Recall 10V517000) and Fuel Gauge / Fuel Level Sender Inaccuracy (Recall 10V075000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Xterra problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Xterra issues range from $100 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, SMOD - Strawberry Milkshake of Death (Radiator/Trans Cooler Failure), typically costs $100-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra SMOD - Strawberry Milkshake of Death (Radiator/Trans Cooler Failure)?

The 2005-2010 Xterra with automatic transmission is affected by the infamous SMOD (Strawberry Milkshake of Death) where the transmission cooler inside the radiator ruptures, mixing coolant with ATF. The contaminated fluid destroys the transmission within minutes to hours of mixin… Repairs typically run $100-$5,500. Severity: high.

All 8 Known Issues

2005-2015 Nissan Xterra: Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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2005-2007 Nissan Xterra: Secondary Timing Chain / Tensioner Guide Noise (VQ40DE)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2005-2010 Nissan Xterra: SMOD - Strawberry Milkshake of Death (Radiator/Trans Cooler Failure)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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2005-2010 Nissan Xterra: Radiator-to-Transmission Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake of Death" / SMOD)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2005-2006 Nissan Xterra: ECM Relay Engine Stalling (Recall 10V517000)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2005-2011 Nissan Xterra: Fuel Gauge / Fuel Level Sender Inaccuracy (Recall 10V075000)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2005-2015 Nissan Xterra: Rear Axle Seal Leak and Differential Whine#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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2005-2015 Nissan Xterra: Front Lower Ball Joint / Control Arm Wear#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Other Nissan Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Xterra problems?

Is the Nissan Xterra reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Xterra problems?

What is the 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra SMOD - Strawberry Milkshake of Death (Radiator/Trans Cooler Failure)?

What is the 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine)?

What is the 2005-2007 Nissan Xterra Secondary Timing Chain / Tensioner Guide Noise (VQ40DE)?

What is the 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra Radiator-to-Transmission Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake of Death" / SMOD)?

What is the 2005-2006 Nissan Xterra ECM Relay Engine Stalling (Recall 10V517000)?

What is the 2005-2011 Nissan Xterra Fuel Gauge / Fuel Level Sender Inaccuracy (Recall 10V075000)?

What is the 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra Rear Axle Seal Leak and Differential Whine?

What is the 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra Front Lower Ball Joint / Control Arm Wear?