2007 Nissan Xterra Problems: 6 Known Issues
2007 model year · 2,250+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,250+ owner reports, the 2007 Nissan Xterra has 6 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine) ($1,500-$3,000 repair), 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 Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine) with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2007 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
All 6 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 INFINITI FX, MODEL YEAR 2012 INFINITI M, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN FRONTIER, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN XTERRA, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE ENGINE OIL FILTER TO THE ENGINE IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO BELOW SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. A wheel hub that was manufactured below hardness specification may wear prematurely and eventually crack.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 600+ people using Au7o to better understand their vehicles.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Nissan Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan Xterra problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,250+ owner reports, the 2007 Nissan Xterra has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine), Secondary Timing Chain / Tensioner Guide Noise (VQ40DE), Radiator-to-Transmission Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake of Death" / SMOD). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Xterra reliable?
The 2007 Nissan Xterra has 6 known issues documented across 2,250+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 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 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 $200 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine), typically costs $1,500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine)?
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… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. 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 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra Radiator-to-Transmission Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake of Death" / SMOD)?
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 t… Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,000. 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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.