Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Nissan Xterra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact that while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled. The contact was immediately able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle kept stalling. The contact restarted the vehicle however while entering a parking garage the vehicle stalled again. After several attempts the vehicle restarted. The contact emphasized that the failure was most evident while stopped or driving at slower speeds. On one occasion the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact connected a DTC scanner and retrieved a fault code regarding the fuel gauge sensor that was contacted to the submersible fuel pump. …
Yes in the 2005 Nissan xterras there is no floating arm device within the fuel sending unit. Which is what is causing the vehicle to have the fuel gauge on the front dash panel to read incorrectly to the electronic screen. It also doesn't report your dte on the dash panel because the fuel sending unit has been corroded, or was made of plastic, and has been completely damaged. So now when the vehicle sits while started for a long period of time the fuel gauge will go to empty but remain running, or you could fill your vehicle up all the way with gas, and then when you start the Xterra, the vehicle will then show empty still until it was at 3 quarters of the tank, then it will read it at 3 quarters of a tank until half a tank. Unless the vehicle sits to long without moving, then vehicle will show the fuel gauge on the front dash panel to be empty. …
My vehicle has 43,419 miles and after fueling the vehicle the fuel gauge dropped to empty and the service engine soon dashboard light illuminated. A check of the diagnostic trouble code (p0463) disclosed a faulty fuel level sensor "a" circuit high. I had the repair done at Nissan. The fee for labor and parts was $367.88. I see several hundred registered NHTSA complaints regarding this issue as well as hundreds and hundreds of complaints on the internet. I believe there should be a recall as this is clearly a defective part. There is a recall on the 2006 Xterra for the same issue.
While driving my Xterra which has 65000 miles approximately, my gas gauge dropped from 3/4 tank to below empty. My check engine light came on and my car immediately stopped in the road. I had to be towed where I was told I have p0463 and my car was out of gas. I was told this is a major problem with. Issa Xterra. I went to dealer to get it replaced and they said $700. I see that this is too common an issue. I think the manufacturer should be responsible for this defect. I'm just happ happy I wasn't driving on the highway when it stopped. Luckily I was on side road.
Check engine light came. Gas gauge reads empty even after you fill it up completely. Diagnostic code p0463, fuel level sensor. The fuel gauge does not accurately state the amount of fuel in the tank. This issue is known to Nissan and NHTSA. It is a safety issue as you never know how much gas is left in the tank or how many miles you can go. This was previously recalled for certain 2006, 2007 and 2008 xterras. Not sure why it hasn't been for the 2005 model year as it is the same issue.
My Nissan has the defect that brought a lawsuit against Nissan motor for a failure in the oil cooler that caused my transmission and radiator to be completely rebuilt/replaced because coolant had leaked into my transmission. I ended up with a bill for $3941.46, and now, I can't even file a reimbursement form or get a hold of any one at Nissan to help because all 3 numbers listed in letters and paperwork are no longer in service.
Nissan knows about this issue in fact it involves multiple years and models. The radiator cracks and leaks into the transmission ruining both. They entered into a settlement agreement but set the bar so high that it is impossible to meet. This car technically has low mileage for a 10 year old vehicle yet misses the top parameter by 16,000 miles. This is unacceptable .
Service engine soon light when fuel goes below half tank. The fuel gauge May not always show correct reading, makes it possible for car to stop in middle of highway, in middle of snow-storm, or other dangerous situation, the service engine light comes on when fuel level is below half tank and resets itself when fuel tank is full.
Transmission has been slipping . I heard of a recall on this problem and I called Nissan and was told I missed extended warranty buy 8 days ,they admitted that they did have problems with this vehicles transmission.but refuse to do anything about it, also very hard to put gas in,
2005 Nissan Xterra stalled causing the vehicle to jerk while in reverse. The vehicle had struck a steel beam causing significant damage. The fuel gauge was misreading, showing my truck had gas while in reality it was empty.
Fuel System complaints in other Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2005 Nissan Xterra?
NHTSA has 323 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2005 Nissan Xterra, 38% of the model year's 845 complaints. The component named most often is storage › fuel gauge system (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Nissan Xterra fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2005 Nissan Xterra, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Xterra fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 1% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.