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

Nissan recall campaign 10V-517/PC068 exactly covers 2005-2006 Xterra. Oxidation on ECM-relay electrical contacts in the IPDM can interrupt ECM power, cause engine-performance problems and permit stalling at low engine speed. The campaign replaces the relay with a new one after VI… Severity: high.

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

Nissan NTB09-128A exactly supports a high-frequency buzzing or whining noise from the VQ40 secondary timing-chain system that rises with engine speed. The bulletin applies to 2005-2010 Xterra, so the frozen 2005-2007 subset is supported, and it directs replacement of both seconda… Severity: high.

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

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 10… Severity: high.

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

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. Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: medium.

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

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. Beca… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

Nissan · Known Issues

2005 Nissan Xterra Problems: 8 Known Issues

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

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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), ECM Relay Engine Stalling (Recall 10V517000), Secondary Timing Chain / Tensioner Guide Noise (VQ40DE), Radiator-to-Transmission Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake of Death" / SMOD) ($2,500-$5,000 repair) 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 with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 8 Known Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Xterra problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,450+ owner reports, the 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), ECM Relay Engine Stalling (Recall 10V517000). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Xterra reliable?

The 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 ECM Relay Engine Stalling (Recall 10V517000) and Secondary Timing Chain / Tensioner Guide Noise (VQ40DE) and Radiator-to-Transmission Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake of Death" / SMOD) 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)#

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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