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Nissan Xterra Manual Transmission Problems

199 messages,  Last post on Apr 29, 2013 at 10:43 AM

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Messages Page 3 of 20

#20 of 199 2008 Xterra Off Road clutch failure by gfg

Apr 09, 2009 (12:16 pm)

I too just had to have my clutch replaced at 20.5k miles of normal driving (no off road). My wife and I have had only manual transmissions in all our cars for the past 40 years because of their durability vs. automatics. Boy were we burned by this our first Nissan. I am an ex-automotive engineer and currently restore cars, and I can restate the obvious: Nissan clearly put a weak, underdesigned and untested clutch in this vehicle. My guess is that since they adapted the 350Z 6-speed trans with its integral bellhousing to the X, they must have also had to use the Z clutch, perhaps smaller OD and which is designed for a car of significantly less weight. I was expecting a pickup-type of rugged drivetrain, not to mention Japanese design durability. Instead we got a junk clutch; very un-Japanese. If there is no news of a Nissan recall and free replacement with a truck-type beefy clutch in the next 6 months, we will sell our 08 X and never buy Nissan again. It is still hard to believe a major Japanese car co such as Nissan would release such an unreliable drivetrain, when their major sales advantage has always been their great designs for reliability and many troublefree miles.

#21 of 199 Re: 2008 Xterra Off Road clutch failure [gfg] by charles44

Apr 30, 2009 (7:46 am)

Replying to: gfg (Apr 09, 2009 12:16 pm)
Sometimes manufacturers under-design clutches, or they increase the horsepower and try to get away with using the same clutch. Sounds like Nissan may be guilty of this. You may want to look into using a Tribco www.tribco.com clutch, their 100% Kevlar composite clutch discks are available through many clutch rebuilders.

#22 of 199 Re: 2008 Xterra Off Road clutch failure [charles44] by asa

Jun 07, 2009 (5:38 am)

Replying to: charles44 (Apr 30, 2009 7:46 am)
Jim Wolf Technology now offers a clutch disk and flywheel for the 2nd Gen Xterra and Frontier with the VQ-40 engine and six speed.
 
Prices are $450 for the Flywheel and $485 for the Clutch Disk.
  
Jim Wolf Technology VQ-40 Stuff
 
I do not own these; I've had no trouble with my Frontier as yet, but I have only 20,000 Miles on it. I am very happy to see that there's now an alternative out there if I do have trouble.

#23 of 199 Re: 2007 Xterra Clutch RIP @ 30K (km) [Just_Peachy] by d3363

Jun 08, 2009 (1:04 pm)

Replying to: Just_Peachy (Mar 10, 2009 1:28 pm)
I also have a 2007 Xterra and at 32,000 miles and told it is not covered under warranty. I am ready to fight on this after reading all the other complaints regarding this same issue.
Have you had any luck with Nissan? I am waiting to hear back from a regional manager regarding having this repaired at no cost to me. Does not sound positive though.
I am very interested in joining the fight and possibly even a class action suit if this is not taken care of by Nissan.

#24 of 199 Re: 2008 Xterra Off Road clutch failure [gfg] by d3363

Jun 08, 2009 (1:09 pm)

Replying to: gfg (Apr 09, 2009 12:16 pm)
I too am having same issue and would like to know if you have received any positive feedback/answers in regards to this problem with the clutch from Nissan.
A regional manager is supposed to call me back after he researches with his engineering department before he can answer me if the repair will be covered under Nissan.

#25 of 199 Re: 2008 Xterra Off Road clutch failure [d3363] by gfg

Jun 09, 2009 (6:13 am)

Replying to: d3363 (Jun 08, 2009 1:09 pm)
I have not seen anything from Nissan (web searches of recalls, service bulletins, etc) indicating they will take any ownership for repair and correction of this defective clutch design. I don't know how to go about reaching someone with responsibility within the Nissan organization. I don't think the dealers have any clout in forcing this to a head; their hands are tied by Nissan warrantee policy.
If anyone has an idea on how to reach a decision maker in Nissan this would be a start. Or if there is someone out their willing to lead a class action lawsuit I would certainly join. This website is likely just a small percent of owners with this problem who happened to find it, and 6-speed Xterras are a small percent of sales. Does the pickup also have the same Z-based 6-speed/clutch, or the stronger 5-speed clutch? I still feel the Z-based clutch is not designed for the much heavier Xterra and this is the root of the problem.
I've appreciated the inputs from others on beefier aftermarket clutches, and wonder why Nissan's premature clutch failure repair includes installing the same weak factory parts.

#26 of 199 Re: 2008 Xterra Off Road clutch failure [gfg] by rico52

Jun 18, 2009 (8:04 pm)

Replying to: gfg (Jun 09, 2009 6:13 am)
My 2006 Xterra Off Road just received a new clutch, flywheel, and transmission from a local dealer under warranty at 40K miles. . I've had a rattle & vibe since around 15K. Dealer finally heard it after multiple visits, and told me it was the transmission. When I asked "are you sure" they said they were, even though when I would barely tough the clutch pedal the vibe would stop. I though it was the throw out bearing. Upon teardown they told me it was the clutch so they ended up replacing everything including the transmission. I guess when mother Nissan is footing the bill they don't care. I've never heard of a flywheel needing replacement with the clutch. Is this unique to the Xterra? After reading this forum, I'm proably going to sell it while it has some value.

#28 of 199 Re: 2008 Xterra Off Road clutch failure [rico52] by d3363

Jun 19, 2009 (7:05 am)

Replying to: rico52 (Jun 18, 2009 8:04 pm)
So your repairs were covered under the warranty?!!! I have a 2007, 32,000 miles Xterra and was told absolutely not!

#29 of 199 Re: 2008 Xterra Off Road clutch failure [gfg] by d3363

Jun 19, 2009 (9:02 am)

Replying to: gfg (Jun 09, 2009 6:13 am)
Well, I don't have good news. Finally did hear from my regional manager and of course he kept saying it was a wear item and would not be covered under the warranty, etc...even though I told him of all of these postings here and it was not a driver fault situation, but a inadequate clutch. The Nissan dealership told me it would be $800 to just take it apart to look at it, and then of course the parts would be extra...and to be prepared to pay up to $2000. Which implied to me, they knew what to expect and have seen this before.
I brought it to a respected mechanic in town and after looking at it agreed that the clutch is not built for a 6 speed, high HP vehicle. The flywheel was also damaged and needs to be replaced. I am supposed to be able to pick it up this afternoon.
  
But here is my suggestion to everyone;
  
Go to the Nissan website, click on the Warranty tab, and send an email explaining your problem. A regional manager should be assigned to you and contact you directly. You have to have a "file number" before anyone will return your calls. You should receive the file number in your email confirmation. Hopefully if they receive enough of our complaints they have to document it and rectify this problem.
My plan is to sell it, trade it in and get a totally different vehicle. It is very unfortunate because this is my third Nissan and did like the Xterra very much. But since they will not even consider stepping up to the plate to help a loyal customer, I am ready to contact the local news station also and have the Consumer Guru go after them! Good luck to everyone and if anyone ever hears good news, please let us all know!

Messages Page 3 of 20

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