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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 4 of 21

#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!

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

Jun 22, 2009 (8:29 am)

Replying to: d3363 (Jun 19, 2009 7:05 am)
The repair was indeed covered under warranty. I'm surprised yours was not if you are the original owner. The Xterra is supposed to have a 5 year or 60,000 mile warranty on the drive train. There's no way you should burn up a clutch in less than 75K even if can't drive a vehicle with a clutch very well. Like I said, I'd been hearing the noise & felt vibration since 15K, but my vehicle had ~ 40K when they finally diagnosed the problem and repaired it. I agree with the rest of you folks, that it is a design flaw, but I doubt Nissan will ever own up to it. Too bad, I like the Xterra, but I'm selling it and will not buy another Nissan.

#31 of 199 Yay clutch is going out at 27k :-( by sublimesnfu

Jun 27, 2009 (10:23 pm)

Well, the clutch on my 06 xterra started slipping slightly a week ago and now is almost completely shot. Tomorrow I will see how things go with the dealership, I've bough two xterra's from them so we shall see........

#32 of 199 Re: Yay clutch is going out at 27k :-( [sublimesnfu] by sublimesnfu

Jun 29, 2009 (9:35 pm)

Replying to: sublimesnfu (Jun 27, 2009 10:23 pm)
We'll I began to get the run around at the dealership today, until I mentioned to them I had printouts from this and several other forums describing the exact same problem, then I mentioned the fact that I have a second xterra (loyal customer) and that I just replaced the clutch on my Galant Vr4 turbo at 114k compared to the 29k that is on my xterra X, you guess which one get's driven harder.
 
Now they have to call nissan tech support and talk with them, which is sounding a little better than oh go buy a clutch and pay us to put it in, the saga continues. FYI, my lawyer friend mentioned that if they do refuse to warranty it to file a complaint with the state Attorney General, she said she has never had a warranty claim not be honored after the AG's office makes a phone call, hopefully it won't get to that point, we shall see.

#33 of 199 Re: Yay clutch is going out at 27k :-( [sublimesnfu] by sublimesnfu

Jun 30, 2009 (5:52 pm)

Replying to: sublimesnfu (Jun 29, 2009 9:35 pm)
Well, went in today and was assurred both the clutch and flywheel will be replaced under warranty after the dealer spoke with the Nissan Tech support line. If anyone else experiences this problem drop me a line at nissanalaskagmail.com I will be happy to try and help you get covered under warranty.

#34 of 199 Re: Yay clutch is going out at 27k :-( [sublimesnfu] by asa

Jun 30, 2009 (6:00 pm)

Replying to: sublimesnfu (Jun 30, 2009 5:52 pm)
I wonder if the actual problem might be in the master cylinder or it's adjustment and slipping is occurring even when the pedal is not depressed. Just food for thought. It seems weird that some of us have had trouble and others not. I hope mine lasts. I'm like you and get long life from clutches -- 240,000 Miles on my Toyota and 180,000 on my Mitsu (blame my wife on the Mitsu).

Messages Page 4 of 21

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