2008 Nissan Xterra power train problems
47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2008 Nissan Xterra — 39% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact shifted the vehicle into drive, and the vehicle unexpectedly went into reverse with no warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the failure reoccurred. The contact stated…”
filed Aug 11, 2025
“A leak developed in the radiator that allowed engine coolant into the automatic transmission and visa versa. Engine coolant in the automatic transmission can cause sudden failure of the transmission which could cause an accident. This is a known design flaw of Nissan transmissions. Nissan has…”
filed Apr 23, 2022
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Xterra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Xterra | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 Xterra | 11 | 29% |
| 2007 Xterra | 231 | 41% |
| 2006 Xterra | 268 | 34% |
| 2005 Xterra | 412 | 49% |
| 2004 Xterra | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 Xterra | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 Xterra | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 Xterra | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 Xterra | 22 | 10% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 Nissan Xterra
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.