2007 Nissan Xterra

The internal automatic transmission fluid cooler inside the radiator can develop an internal crack, allowing coolant to mix with transmission fluid and vice versa. This produces a pink or strawberry-milkshake-colored fluid in the radiator and transmission. This issue, known as SMOD (Secondary Method of Death), can destroy the transmission if not caught early.

Replace the factory radiator with an aftermarket unit that does not have an integrated transmission cooler and install a standalone external transmission cooler. If coolant has already entered the transmission, a complete transmission flush or replacement may be required. Nissan extended the powertrain warranty on affected 2005-2010 models but 2012 models are not officially covered.

The VQ40DE engine's primary timing chain tensioner and plastic chain guides can fail, causing timing chain rattle, especially on cold starts. If the guides break apart, loose plastic pieces can clog the oil pickup screen, leading to oil starvation and catastrophic engine failure. This is a well-documented issue on the VQ40 engine family.

Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and all chain guides with updated Nissan parts. This is a significant job that requires removing the front cover of the engine. Use OEM or high-quality aftermarket components. Regular oil changes with quality synthetic oil help extend component life. TSB NTB09-051A references related concerns.

The automatic transmission fluid cooling lines running from the transmission to the radiator can develop leaks at the crimped fittings and rubber hose connections. ATF drips onto the exhaust, creating a burning smell and fire risk. Low ATF levels from undetected leaks accelerate transmission wear.

Replace the transmission cooling lines with updated Nissan OEM lines or fabricate custom lines using high-quality AN fittings and braided stainless hose. Inspect the lines regularly as part of routine maintenance, particularly at the rubber-to-metal junction points.

The rear axle seals can develop leaks, allowing differential fluid to seep onto the rear brake components. This causes a burning smell, contaminated brake pads, reduced rear braking performance, and a visible oil residue on the rear wheels and brake backing plates.

Replace both rear axle seals, which requires removing the axle shafts. Inspect and replace the rear brake pads and rotors if they have been contaminated with differential fluid, as oil-soaked brake friction material cannot be cleaned and must be replaced.

The cast iron exhaust manifolds on the VQ40DE can develop cracks due to repeated thermal cycling, causing an exhaust leak that produces a ticking noise on cold start that may diminish as the engine warms. Over time, the leak worsens and can trigger check engine light codes for oxygen sensor readings.

Replace the cracked exhaust manifold with a new OEM or aftermarket unit. Inspect the exhaust manifold studs as they are prone to seizing and breaking during removal. Some owners opt for aftermarket headers as a more durable and performance-oriented replacement.

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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.

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.

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.