| Issue ID | 960162 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10493438 |
| Manufacurer | Nissan North America, Inc. |
| Brand | NISSAN |
| Model | XTERRA |
| Model Year | 2006 |
| File date | 15/01/13 |
| Component | ENGINE |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | Told the timing chain tensioner plastic part failed; only indication is a whine sound from the engine. Nissan issued a tsb to their dealers about this issue, but nothing to the consumer. If the timing chain fails it will cause a catastrophic failure of the engine and a possible crash. An unknowing consumer has no idea about what this sound means (just sounds like a noisy engine) and might have little warning prior to a timing chain failure. This is a common issue on the type of engine in the xterra, it affects other model also, and at a very low mileage 50-60k mi. Consumers need to be notified of this defect and to listen for the noise. Not everyone takes their vehicle to the dealer. Most mechanics know that timing chains are supposed to last well over 100,000 - 200,000 miles and would never suspect the defect. A safety recall or at least a notification to consumers would be advisable. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 65000 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | ORO VALLEY, AZ |
| VIN pattern | 5N1AN08U76CXXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | 0 |
| No. of fatalities | 0 |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 0 |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |