Six problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 2001 Nissan Xterra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Nissan Xterra based on all problems reported for the 2001 Xterra.
Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, there was a fluttering sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the exhaust manifold was fractured and would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Mah.
Exhaust manifold cracks causing exhaust gases/heat into engine bay and cabin.
Both right and left exhaust manifolds cracked, causing exhaust fumes to enter the passenger compartment. The cracks were present for some time. These failures on this vehicle are very common and in my opinion very dangerous.
(1) normal vehicle operation, no special circumstances led to failure. (2) the right cylinder bank exhaust manifold failed which allowed exhaust gases to be present under the hood and drawn into the passenger compartment by the heat and air conditioning system of the vehicle. (3) the right cylinder bank exhaust manifold was replaced. The old part is unavailable due to this repair being covered by a vehicle service contract and the old part was retained by the dealer performing the repair.
Passengar exhuast manifold cracked. Being replaced under extended warranty but as far as I can tell this seems to happen on 10-25% of Xterra's and has not been addressed by Nissan. Can possibly lead to exhaust entering the cabin if not detected. This is a variant of the engine that was used in older pathfinder models that suffered from this problem. Nissan is aware of the problem and at a minimum advise the public on it so that they are aware of possible exhaust entering the cabin.
After several visits to Nissan for numerous complaints and problems the 36,000 mile warranty had expired in the middle of fixing them. There has been a noise that they claimed first was the knock sensor, they replaced that, and now they believe it is the exhaust manifold however if it is just the gaskets they want $400. 00 to replace or if it is cracked which they can't tell me for sure it's covered under the 60,000 warranty. The most upsetting thing is this problem existed before warranty expiration and they still have not fixed it.