Fuel System complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I am writing to report repeated problems with my vehicle, an Xterra 2010. I am very concerned about risk of crash and damage to the transmission. The problems include - slow acceleration on surface streets after light changes ? This happens frequently. - slow acceleration when entering the expressway, car shifts gears slowly ? This happens frequently, - car fills with kerosene or exhaust smell for a short time, even when there are no other cars around ? This occurs occasionally, - car revved up followed by a sweet smell (like coolant/antifreeze) when standing at stop lights ? This occurs occasionally, and - significant vibration. I have reported the problems when car is serviced. Immediately after purchase and for more than a year I was told the acceleration and shifting issues would subside after the engine adjusted. …
My ECU on my Nissan Xterra was supposedly shorted due to a loose or damaged cable. With my initial inspection of the vehicle, the cable was not loose, yet I still had problems. The issue happened when I had parked my vehicle to run an errand. When I returned, I started up my vehicle and attempted to drive. There was no power and the engine would not accelerate over 5 MPH. Not wanting the vehicle to breakdown on a busy road, I backed up and parked the vehicle. I attempted to restart the vehicle, but this time the starter would crank, but would not turn over. After attempting to start it a few times, I disconnected the batteries and reconnected the batteries. Still, the vehicle would crank and not turn over. I called a tow truck, and they brought the vehicle to Firestone. Firestone told me that the battery cables had shorted and destroyed teh ECU/ECM. …
Action requested: 2008 Nissan Xterra fuel gauge fails to operate properly and is safety concern. Issue: 2008 Nissan Xterra fuel gauge reading is erratic, inaccurate and, at times, inoperative. When functioning, fuel gauge is inconsistent. The problem began at approximately 65,000 miles and has persisted. The vehicle currently has approximately 70,400 miles. Thus far, Nissan stated that the vehicle is not part of a recall. Yet, letter from Nissan's senior manager for technical compliance acknowledges defect in the fuel gauge system (see attch 3) and a recall initiated in May 2010 (attch 5) and subsequent bulletins (attch 4). I've enclosed a proof of ownership that I've provided to Nissan (attch 1) as well as a photo containing the manufacturers' details. …
As I was turning left onto a highway and in the intersection, my vehicle died. Had to be pushed through the intersection while traffic was being held back in 5 lanes. The gas tank registered an eighth tank of gas but it was, in fact, out of gas. I had to have this repaired at a repair shop because I was not near a dealer. I never received a recall notice(campaign id# pc 042, NHTSA# 10v-075) but found out later there was one on certain VIN numbers with my make and model vehicle. The dealer claims it should be covered but Nissan says this VIN # is not covered. Regardless, I had the described problem with the make and model vehicle that has this problem and I could have been killed. Perhaps they need to add more VIN #'s to their recall list and get on the same page as their dealers. This was an expensive repair for me to absorb. I was to leave on a road trip in 2 days. …
Aprox. three years ago, I reported a problem with the fuel gauge not giving true readings. After taking the car to be tested, I was advised that the sending unit was faulty, and the mechanic believed that there was a recall on the matter (he had heard of many people having the same problem). After doing online research, I came across hundreds, if not thousands of Xterra owners reporting the same problem. I called Nissan, and I was advised that there were no recalls on this matter. That does not make sense, for it seems obvious, based on my research, that this--among other common problems (such as the Airbag light coming on)--are very prevalent, and seem to be due to a manufacturing/design problem.
I kelp vehicle regularly mantianced shut it off one evening next morning it would start when finally started it wouldn't pull in 1st gear. Took it to transmission shop and found out that a crack had accured and there was coolant mixed with transmission fluid .so 3 days after I pd it off on a 3 yr payment plan it broke down on me . Very hard to find d a placement and someone who will do work on it bc it's so commo
Car just shut off in traffic loosing all power and braking causing me to crash into the back of a stopped car at a red-light. After inspection from a mechanic shop, they informed me that something in the computer had fried causing the car to shut off, and it had also caused the transmission control unit module to go bad making the car not drive able.
Upon turning a corner after coming to a complete stop at a stop sign in my neighborhood, I went to accelerate and match the speed of oncoming traffic. The gear failed to shift appropriately (transmission) and giving the car gas simply revved the engine. Luckily the approaching car responded well and slowed to avoid a rear collision while I eased off the pedal and then gently accelerated again to my local mechanic. Upon his examination of my 2006 Xterra, he determined that the transmission fluid and coolant were mixing and destroying both my radiator and transmission. A quick search on the internet revealed that this dangerous problem is common among Nissan owners! When I purchased the vehicle from smithtown Nissan in 2010 and subsequently, there was absolutely no notification or recall regarding this dangerous hazard. This is unacceptable and life-threatening. …
Related recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2006 and model year 2008 frontier, xterra and pathfinder vehicles. The molded fuel tank shells can deform, causing the fuel sender float arm to contact an embossment molded into the tank shell causing the instrument panel fuel gauge to show that the vehicle has approximately one quarter…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit inside the fuel tank with a new one that has a modified float arm. This service will be performed free of charge.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
On certain pickup trucks equipped with six cylinder engines and sport utility vehicles equipped with four or six cylinder engines, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel-sending unit can develop a crack in the plastic molding. This can cause the terminal strip to corrode under some environmental conditions.
Remedy: In the following states, dealers will replace the fuel-sending unit. These states are connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new…
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the fuel tank inlet shutter valve does not meet the sealing performance specification.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank inlet shutter valve. Owner notification is expected to begin December 10, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Xterra years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (368), 2005 (323), 2007 (228), 2000 (66) and 2001 (32) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 47% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Nissan Xterra fuel system problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 10V-075 (auxillary tank, Mar 3, 2010); 04V-230 (fuel pump, May 24, 2004); 02V-300 (filler pipe and cap, Nov 12, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Xterra fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (50 mentions), followed by the storage › auxillary tank (50).
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.