2010 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 North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

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 CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, QX56, FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2010. 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 REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

NISSAN HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2010 TO MARCH 13, 2010. ON SOME OF THE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE FASTENERS SECURING THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG MODULE, AND ALSO THE FASTENERS SECURING THE STEERING SHAFT POSITIONING BRACKET MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TRAJECTORY MIGHT BE AFFECTED. THE FASTENERS COULD POSSIBLY COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN POSITIONING BRACKET INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG FASTENERS AND ANY MISSING FASTENERS WILL BE REPLACED AND ALL LOOSE FASTENERS WILL BE RETIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.