Top High Mileage Issues 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra SUV

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These are the top high mileage issues with the 2005 to 2015 Nissan Xterra SUV! If you have an Xterra that is getting up in age and miles, or you are considering purchasing one used, watch this video! Sue shows you how to do a complete walkthrough of an Xterra, and points out some specific problems you'll want to watch out for!
Check out this playlist for more awesome videos with Sue and the rest of the 1A Auto team!
• Tips & Secrets only Me...
0:00 Top High Mileage Issues 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra
0:14 Under the Hood
0:54 Brake Master Cylinder & Fluid
2:01 Air Filter
2:09 Oil Level and Condition
2:23 Engine Coolant
2:47 Battery & Cables
2:53 Valve Covers, Gaskets, Belts, Hoses, Leaks
3:30 Wheels & Suspension
5:02 Brakes
5:46 Springs & Shocks
6:09 Tires
7:02 Differentials
9:03 Transmission
10:40 Transfer Case
11:34 Gas Tank
11:57 Rear End
15:02 SUBSCRIBE! | Shop 1AAuto.com Link Below!
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

I did vehicle inspection on school buses for 31yrs. Preventive Maintenance on any vehicle is a must. We were mandated by California State at every 3,000 miles or 45 calender days to inspect. I had a bus fleet of 98. Retirement is Great 👍

[@arthursmith643]

If your vehicle is raised take a can of WD-40 or other product with silicone and spray your bushings to rejuvenate them. They are probably dried out.

[@Steveallen68]

I purchased a 2015 Xterra a year and 5 months. It had 78,000 miles on it and now it have 89,000 miles and yea, less than 100,000 miles on it and it run great. The only thing I replaced was the battery and the positive wire on it so far and most definitely I have changed my oil a few times. Great car. I love it..

[@Tech-xr2ms]

For those watching. The cap on the radiator is NOT pressured. It should not have a spring. Only one that is pressured goes onto the coolant reservoir. Having the pressurized cap on the radiator can cause overheating.

[@iwebb5258]

Unless it's a powerstroke diesel

[@ascensioncasares4160]

Wahoo i have one 2006 xterra i bought it in 2011 with 180,000 miles my frien tell not to buy it cause it will give me problems but i bought it like that and drive it a cross the country 10 times from Washington state to Florida Georgia ,New York,Texas and Pensilvania and i drive it into 2022 when i have 359,578 miles on it i sold it for 1900.00 box it was still running just fine i do all the services my self i definitely recommend the Nissan xterra from 2005 in up

[@davidravo6247]

I really appreciate the detail, I just got a 2015 relatively mint condition pro 4 x. Your video mean a lot

[@Rawnugg]

So much of this video was something I had never even thought about doing! Thank you so much for teaching me all this very useful information!

[@KaiAdventure]

I have a 2012 Xterra Pro-4x. Bought brand-new, it has 125k miles on it. Maintenance has been meticulous and I had only a few problems. Early on there was an axle leak that was fixed under warranty. Since then the only other repairs have been the valve covers, vent control valve and parking brake, nothing too expensive. It's been a fun and reliable adventure rig.

[@joerhodes213]

Tomorrow, we are looking at 2010 Xterra that has 183,000 miles on it. It is supposed to a first car for our teenage daughter. Hopefully it doesn't look this bad. Great video by the way. Very informative. I am definitely watching more of your channel.👍👍

[@Lions14]

I have a 2001 Xterra with 244k miles and is working like new!

[@gregorysorce1898]

Just got rid of my 2001 Xterra with 270,000 on it. Truck still ran great. Kept on top of things and religiously changed the oil every 3,000 miles or even sooner. The only reason I got rid of it was to buy another Xterra with lower mileage from a friend of mine who I knew maintained it well.

[@kevinm5177]

Great video. Liked the info on the various undercar fluids.

[@elizabethmiller7918]

Just looking under the radiator cap for the signs of mixing and not finding any, in no way implies "they took care of the issue". it can mean any one of 3 things: a) This is an original radiator but the problem simple hasnt occurred yet. b) The problem has occurred but the seller is informed enough to mask it via an after the fact parts replacement (usually a new rad or bypass) and radiator flush (this will generally will not save the tranny) c) The issue has been addressed with prophylactic radiator replacement ( best practices solution). Frequent rad flushes do not do a thing. On 05-10s that have the original radiator it should be prophylactically changed before the issue occurs. Even a day later might be too late. Alternatively if no money for the modest cost of a radiator is in the budget, there a fluid bypass can be done yourself for free, taking the factory heat ATF exchanger in the rad out of the loop. Instructions are on car forums.

[@johnlynch7834]

You are absolutely correct. I have a 2006 xterra. Maintained 100%.Doesnt matter when the transmission coolant line inside the radiator deteriorates. Mine did it at 160,000 miles.

[@fightgarr]

Awesome thank you for your insight on what to look for

[@barryiwashita6352]

Your vid is basically a maintenance and visual inspection that most adhere too …I’ve come here thinking ( because I do have 210,000 mi. With basically the same vehicle and engine ) that they maybe an inherent problem I may come across that I may prevent or be aware of in the foreseeable mileage….the rust on that xterra is just another factor in some cases… because I do all my own repairs knowingly what I’ve replaced and at what mileage ( and part quality) I can expect it to last a certain mileage for what I put my truck through ….all vehicles do have their own ( sometimes) unique longevity issues I.e… transmissions, drivelines and engines but common maintenance and replacement items comes naturally with high mileage…

[@kimalbalushi5572]

You forget to check the Engine mount also The transmission mount it’s also very Important.

[@seewaage]

I have a 2005 Xterra, thanks for the interesting and useful info!

[@mlvncgndhn9583]

thanks you.... i am actually in the market for one of these xterra. very helpful

[@ugli88]

Excellent tutorial, thank you. I'm hoping to buy a 2011 Pro 4X this week & after seeing this I asked the dealership to have it on the lift when I get there. The online listing photos showed me that the interior and exterior look great, so now I'm more interested in the view under the hood and under the frame. I already assume that I'll be paying my local garage to drain and replace all the fluids anyway, just because it's a 10 year old car, but now I'm curious about any broken rusted or heavily worn parts that may warn me off. Maybe the OEM skid plates on the Pro will get in the way of a visual inspection, but definitely my lack of any mechanical car knowledge will be the biggest challenge....

[@shahrozhussain4713]

In the exact same boat as you! Really excited about getting my 2012 pro4x and imagine I’ll need to replace all the fluids as well

[@maar1567]

Great videos. What does an actual tune up do? Could you show us? Thanks!

[@randyheath8566]

My Wife drives a 2005 Exterra Off-road and it makes a thumping sound when she stops at a stop sign or a traffic light. I now know what it is, just from watching this video 📹 Thank you for this video. ❤

[@jgregg7100]

Probably suspension if you havent replaced it. I did my control arms, but before that I just did sway bar links and made huge improvements

[@bigonprivacy2708]

Outstanding Video. Great check list to ask your mechanic to check and report on. Thank you!

[@06mkmartin]

Great video

[@ICECarOwnerDIY]

I bought a 2015 XTerra a few years ago with only 45k miles. Due to circumstances and injury, it took until last summer to replace most of the fluids. The vehicle would be difficult to shift in and out of 4wd, sometimes it would need to be put into reverse for this to complete (seller told me about this). I changed the transfer case fluid and now it shifts into 4wd almost instantly. The fluid that came out of the transfer case was gray and almost had the consistency of water.

[@marg22az]

Loved my 2000

[@freedomcreativemedia3197]

Excellent, I run a 2008 Xterra and have had a lot done, but I think the rear differential fluid on mine needs changing. Plus the cats and maybe fuel filter, it has been having starting issues lately. Thanks for a great video.

[@chrisd3893]

Fantastic walk around! I have a 06 Off-road and do most preventative MX myself on my vehicles. About eight years ago an intense speed dependent vibration developed, a mechanic diagnosed it down to and replaced the rear drive shaft u-joints. I suspect that I’m beginning to hear/feel the early stages of the same symptom and am looking to get ahead of it myself. You mentioned that you would be able to tell the difference between a drive shaft wobble and a tire wobble, may I ask how so? I don’t notice any discernible play in the driveshaft and would like to not replace u-joints that aren’t bad.

[@williambrady7135]

I have an 06 SE Xterra. I replaced my universal joints twice so far. I could feel the vibration when the car was at low speed or when accelerating or coming off the gas pedal, just prior to a stop or when the trans was downshifting. Hope that helps.

[@soundrew]

You are an excellent instructor.

[@billhuman448]

this lady knows, heed her advice it is well worth your time !!!!!!!!!

[@Mike.D.843]

2:38 This one has the incorrect radiator cap on it. The cap on the radiator on these should be non pressurized (without spring). The Pressure cap (with the spring) should be on the reservoir bottle on the passenger side. Having the caps reversed can cause problems.

[@1AAuto]

+Mike Thanks for the feedback!

[@Jaylikescar]

Thanks can you do it on 04 Frontier?

[@waynebeck7801]

Is there anyway to determine the health of the catalytic converters?

[@selamtube-2157]

Mine is a 2008 Xterra and my only worry is when I shift gear from Park to drive and press gas pedal it kinda jerk. Not moving smooth. I don't know may be its the nature of Xterra??

[@gregsfamily5393]

You are so amazing!

[@justinsymanietz3875]

300,000 and going strong on my 2006 X

[@marg22az]

Thanks .I have 2015.

[@jayanderson6016]

Good lord...I though my Xterra had some rust!

[@mtnbound2764]

well, i officially feel better about my 06 Xterra!

[@tylormisner3682]

How have you been liking it? I’m looking at one this evening haha

[@garretttolleson8308]

I LOVE my 06 Xxterra

[@Ryeguy504]

I inherited a 06 Xterra a couple months ago and I absolutely love it

[@harmoniousembodiment7203]

Question - Im looking at buying a used 2008 Nissan xterra X Sport Utility 4D 4.0 V6 with automatic transmission. He is asking $7,500. Its a year with the smod radiator leaking into transmission destroying both issue. Mileage on it currently is around 97,000 miles. Seller im talking with just bought the xterra less than a year ago after his wife totaled one of their other cars so they bought the xterra to help them in their move from florida to california where they and i are now. They say they dont need the additional vehicle as they also have other. I asked if they or previous owner already replaced the radiator and / or transmission given the xterra being one of years nissan made the badly designed radiators that can leak into transmission and vise versa. He said he does not know if either were replaced, but he hasnt replaced either. But he proudly said paid the nissan mechanic dealership to do a radiator or transmission flush. Yet from what Ive read its actually recommended to not flush the transmission in these old of xterras as it can damage transmission. Full replacement of transmission fluids being the more recommended safer option. So given assuming its the original transmission and radiator, and dealership at least gave the xterra a transmission flush instead of replacement, and unknown previous maintenence and repair and issues history before he bought it last year, i am wondering if its likely its going to fail soon? Or if it can likely continue working good for many years without needintg to replace transmission and or radiator within just a few years? I test drove it briefly and didnt notice anything obviously slipping, stalling, etc. But I only drove it maybe 10 or 15 minutes and forgot to try out the additional low gear options. And if there is no leaking at this point between radiator and transmission ( and how do i know for sure ) is it safe for me to just replace radiator and do transmission and radiiator change of fluids ( not another flush )? And this will prevent transmission being damaged, and is it reasonable to expect these transmissions to then last at least another 1000,000 miles before needing replaced?

[@Nigriff]

I wish all mechabics were as thorough and knowledgeable as you.

[@1AAuto]

+Nigriff Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@tumbleweedfarm]

So..........much..........rust!!!!!!!! Good walk around! Thanks!

[@1AAuto]

+tumbleweedfarm Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@numbnut257]

These 2nd gen have a timing chain, how many miles are they good for?

[@scottharrison9083]

Forever

[@baldskits]

What about the rear tire maybe caliper cover? Half of it looked rusted away.

[@jasonvillalobosrivera-ph3iz]

I have always had problems turning it on and it turn it off on a Sunday and didn’t turn on anymore

[@sandude5903]

Why in the world do some cities put salt on the roads??? Wow!

[@carlosllanos9913]

Salt melts snow on roads keeps them “safe” terrible for the under side of vehicles

[@msschill]

You obviously don't live in a cold winter climate. Having snow stay on the roads in climates where it stays very cold in those months, snow storm after snow storm means no road travel.

[@juniorsainvilma]

I love that so much .when I see I do a men work....i love mechanic so much....can you help me to find a good one for a cheep price..🙏🏾🙏🏾🇭🇹 I love does vehicles so much. Specialty the 2004 to 2008 4wd

[@Zentinel_85]

Never knew the fluid went low when your brake pads went low.

[@ClarkS963]

Yeah. They never changed those diff or t case fluids.

[@kingadams3113]

2009 chevrolet equinox how to blood antifreeze from cooling system video please

[@1AAuto]

+King Adams We're always cycling through common cars. We'll add this repair to our list! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@n7hotsauce299]

Not sure if this for a legit parts store or some one playing mechanic. But I got a laugh out of every misstatement,, mistake and completly missed problem on this video. Hope it wasn't meant to be an actual educational video.😂

[@Nigriff]

That Xterra has seen quite a few New England salty 🧂 winters

[@mrdeyabu0077]

🙏🙏🙏

[@davidmeyer7511]

i think that stuff should be checked out before you hand over the cash.. and why aint you wearing eye protection under it with all the rust and dirt dropping down

[@bolivianprince7326]

Im impressed how this woman knows a lot

[@alexkalish8288]

The real issue with these is the light duty timing belt. If this breaks it will ruin your day. Looking at it won't tell you a thing.

[@KaiAdventure]

The 2005-15 Xterra has a timing chain, not a belt.

[@Bass.Player]

Man cars rust like crazy where ever you are at....

[@Parzzyval]

I guess it’s good I’m in Arizona

[@expert244]

Holy rust!

[@rvd64]

Wrong cap on the radiator.

[@eppyz]

Is all that corrosion from salt or what? Wowza

[@scottharrison9083]

She has a Boston accent, so it must be New England

[@user-neo71665]

This is just universal crap for any used car and nothing special for a xterra.

[@ClarkS963]

Too much rust for my taste n

[@vintonking7494]

Hello can you be my mechanic please?

[@jonellhannah9656]

Thx girlfriend 😘

[@silveriosierra1258]

hello Captain obvious here....

[@DD-th2bd]

Mine is a 2010 Xterra 4x4 118k miles & in the last couple years I've probably sunk at least $7,000 in repairs. Between transmission, brakes, replaced radiator, battery cables & assembly, seat belts, power steering leaks, AC fixed, rear axle differential leaks, front upper control arm replaced & I always get a yearly oil change on it to keep engine running good but....Im about to trade her in on something else.

[@1AAuto]

+@DD-th2bd Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@firebladex8586]

Nissan's seem to have corrosion issues.

[@Coleschonfielddd]

Huh. It’s an owner thing and location.

[@mauriciodelvalle4648]

That car is full or rust.. I will never buy due to that

[@whats4dena1985]

That is one crusty xterra.

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

This is the most irrelevant video ever... Xterra's are excellent vehicles. Especially when you can buy them for very little money now and if you find one that belonged to a person who doesn't abuse vehicles and actually maintained it properly, then you are getting something that will last for many years. I currently drive one that is 16 yrs old and I have no intention of getting rid of it. My friend just bought a new volkswagon SUV and it's been in the shop twice already and is now been sitting at the dealer for 3 weeks and still hasn't been repaired.. God I feel sorry for people b/c they just don't know how to care for a care and they have to depend on sub-standard mechanics.

[@Agent.K.]

Some people think anything more than fuel is “bad car, issues, I have to pay...” lol!

[@jgregg7100]

Same, I have an 05 4x4 I bought for 6k @ 118kmiles in 2017, 40k miles later and a few sensors and coolant lines but car is solid

[@issavibez394]

Nissan are just not very good

[@stevecariggillio4139]

I have 249k on mine. Runs great. Maybe you dont know what you're talking about.

[@anticapitalize]

I've had three Nissan products all purchased used: a Pathfinder, a Maxima, and a G35 - they've all been excellent vehicles with no major issues and extremely low total cost of ownership.