Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Nissan Xterra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I own a 2000 Nissan Xterra with an automatic transmission. On aug 19, while on a trip, the transmission shift lever became stuck and the lever would not move. After consulting the manual for a procedure to disengage the shift lock mechanism, I discovered that the shift lever would move freely without engaging the transmission. After additional time, I was able to engage the transmission into "d", but the shift indicator displays "n". I was able to complete the trip, and return home. Upon returning, this sequence of events recurred. After investigating the problem, I discovered NHTSA campaign id: 00V288000 which describes a very similar issue with the 2000 Nissan Xterra, that indicates Nissan should correct this defect. I contacted a Nissan dealer in my area and brought the vehicle in for an assessment. …
With 46,820 miles on our 2000 Nissan Xterra, we were out of warranty by 1 month when the transmission simply went out. The engine ran fine but the transmission would not engage. Had the vehicle towed to Nissan dealer for service. They told me the transmission needed to be replaced and was not covered under warranty. Contacted Nissan corporate in california and they took my information. After a week of pressuring for a response, they finally told me they would not cover the repair and that if I had made all of our repairs at the local dealer that maybe they would have discounted the repair. We had all the service performed at the local dealer with the exception of 4-5 oil changes that were performed at jiffy-lube. All service & maintenance had been performed on schedule and they still refused to honor the warranty. …
For several years there has been a "rattling" noise and the vehicle has had a problem shifting gears at times. The dealership told me that they didn't see anything wrong (of course this is the same dealership that forgot to put the oil cap back on after changing the oil one day). Finally the transmission just broke. I was driving down the road and heard a horrible scraping metal noise and my car basically just lunged forward. It seemed to stay in 1st gear but wouldn't go into any other gear including reverse. Thankfully I was less than a block from home and was able to park it in front of the house until I had it towed. I had it towed to don irby's transmissions llc (the best transmission place in town) and they rebuilt the transmission (re4r01a). …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the transmission began to slip out of gear. Whenever the failure occurred it was very difficult to take the vehicle out of park. When the contact was able to shift out of park, the vehicle would not be in the same gear as shown on the gear shift indicator. The vehicle was not inspected, but the contact stated that NHTSA recall campaign number 00V288000, power train:automatic transmission was identical to his failure and it was also related to the cable lock plate on the transmission. The manufacturer told the contact that his VIN was not a part of the recall. The failure and current mileages were 190000.
The accident that I was involved in was in July 2000. It was only me and the vehicle involved. The vehicle went out of control and into reverse. I never regained control then rolled down a hill off the highway.. The vehicle was ruled a total loss. My injuries were minimal. I was greatful for that . I just feel the vehicle was responsible and there was something that went wrong. I have contacted Nissan with no luck . I even received a recall on the vehicle . And still Nissan has given me no answers . This was a new model and I figured I only had it four months, they May want to know about the accident .and investigate it.
Consumer stated vehicle will not go into first gear. About one month ago when consumer would put vehicle into first gear it made a lot of noise. Then, it would go into gear, but it would slip out again. About a week later, she had to hold it in gear. Currently, the vehicle will not go into first gear. Consumer will be taking this vehicle to the dealer, but felt this vehicle was too new for transmission to malfunction. After the testing the consumer was told that the transmission and the clutch would have to be replaced.
While parked with one wheel behind parking stop, A/C running and vehicle thought to be in park, vehicle sat there for 5 or more minutes, vehicle starts moving forward,goes down about 8'slope, across road, down another 14'slope, through fence taking up 4/4 post set in concrete, straight as arrow about 100 plus feet into lake. Mother and stranger were able to open doors and remove two children before car sunk to top, when wrecker got car out it was in reverse, and the doors or windows would not open.
Continuing poor clutch operation. Pedal often binds; had to release pedal fully to get cruise control to operate; pedal is nearly to the floor at first start on cold morning. Just spent $1200 to repair clutch. Dealer claims binding clutch is no problem. I have spoken to other 2000 Xterra owners that have had the same problem earlier in their ownership and had the pedal replaced under warranty...my thought is the binding clutch is causing other problems...
In 4 wheel drive and making sharp left or right turn, the rear wheels lock and drag, creating a brake and surge condition. Took the vehicle to dealership and they took me out in another Xterra and to my horror, it did the same thing. They informed me that vehicle is not really designed for 4 wheel on road driving. I contacted Nissan and got little help as well. I feel this could be a very unsafe in any condition, but very bad on wet and iced roads.
Dt*: the contact stated while parked, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The vehicle stopped after the brake pedal was depressed five times. The service dealer was not able to find the problem. There was a NHTSA recall, # 00V288000, regarding the power train: automatic transmission. The owner did not receive any notification about this recall. Updated 12/28/06.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift cable lock plate.
Transmission complaints in other Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Nissan Xterra?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Nissan Xterra, 10% of the model year's 214 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Nissan Xterra transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-288 (automatic transmission, Oct 2, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Nissan Xterra transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.