Does the 2005 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Nissan Xterra, the most recent reported on October 28, 2010 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Xterra?

Owners have filed 845 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (412 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (242).

How many 2005 Nissan Xterra complaints mention a crash or fire?

7 of 845 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2005 Nissan Xterra recalls and problems

3 recalls and 845 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Nissan Xterra.

recalls

845

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Nissan Xterra recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 10V517000 · reported October 28, 2010 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 747,480 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.
The risk: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 08V690000 · reported December 29, 2008 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 242,720 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, a mixture of snow/water and salt can enter into the front crash zone sensor (czs) housing. If this occurs, the czs may internally rust resulting in a signal interruption. If this happens, the red air bag warning light will illuminate to alert the vehicle operator.
The risk: This issue could result in the non-deployment of the driver and passenger front air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front czs with a redesigned sensor. The recall began on january 26, 2009. Owners in the other states will receive extended warranty coverage for the sensor to 10 years. These owners will be notified of the warranty extension by mail and will receive a sticker to place in their warranty booklet explaining the extended warranty coverage. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Trailer hitches

NHTSA campaign 05V458000 · reported October 5, 2005 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 12,500 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: This could result in the trailer separating from the vehicle and cause a crash without warning.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train412
Fuel system, gasoline242
Engine and engine cooling167
Engine114
Fuel system, other49
Electrical system39
Fuel/propulsion system32
Unknown or other25
Air bags19
Vehicle speed control12

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 25, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact…

Jul 21, 2025 · Air bags
The front airbag crash sensor on my 2005 Nissan Xterra failed and is currently unavailable due to an extended backorder. Firestone Auto provided a work order confirming the need for replacement. The airbag warning light has been flashing continuously for the past four months, indicating a system malfunction. My…

Mar 10, 2025 · Air bags · 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle stalled with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle moved forward and stopped suddenly intermittently. On…

Aug 8, 2023 · Air bags
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. No information…

Feb 15, 2023 · Power train
I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra and the transmission failed due to my transmission fluid and radiator fluid mixed

Xterra model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2002	5	157	21	7
2003	3	72	16	2
2004	2	84	10	3
2005	3	845	7	6
2006	3	780	12	3
2007	1	557	3	3
2008	6	119	9	3

Across all years, the 2005 Xterra has the most complaints (845). All Nissan Xterra years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Nissan Xterra, the most recent reported on October 28, 2010 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Xterra?: Owners have filed 845 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (412 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (242).
How many 2005 Nissan Xterra complaints mention a crash or fire?: 7 of 845 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 25, 2026.