Timing Tensioner Problems of Nissan Xterra

This vehicle was designed with plastic tensioner guides to the secondary timing chains. The engine is designed with an "interference" timing chain which means that if the timing chain breaks, it results in catastrophic engine failure without warning. Although Nissan did not design the timing chain as a maintenance item, the plastic guides wear out long after the vehicle warranty expires. Although they corrected the problem in subsequent model years, they never contacted or notified the affected owners of the problem that unless these guides are replaced they will eventually result in the secondary timing chains wearing out the guides causing the secondary chains themselves to run metal on metal against the tensioners. Because of this continued wear, the secondary timing chains may fail at any time the engine is on without warning and destroy the engine. Nissan issued a technical service bulletin on the problem but failed to notify owners that as the vehicles approach approximately 100,000 miles or more, the secondary timing chains may fail. I have attached photos of the secondary timing chain tensioners removed from my vehicle which show the plastic guide on one nearly completely worn through, and the other one broken with only half of the plastic guide still in place on the tensioner. I also included my repair receipt for the $2,123. 40 repair. Finally, I included the Nissan technical service bulletin for this problem. It is my understanding they recalled the v8 engines with this type of issue, but not the v6 engines (I have not confirmed that however,) Nissan should immediately issue a recall on these vehicles and cover the cost of repairs already made by consumers.

See all problems of the 2006 Nissan Xterra 🔎.

Timing chain tensioners. This is the second time to replace in just a few years. This is a well documented issue online for the xterrra. Clearly this is a defect in either the car or the tennsioners. At a cost of over $2000 to repair this is an issue that is costly. This is a safety issue and should be covered under recalls.

See all problems of the 2007 Nissan Xterra 🔎.

Timing chain and tensioner needed to be replaced at a cost from the dealer of $2700. I contacted Nissan USA and after waiting for two days the regional manager denied my claim and stated there was not anything Nissan would do to help . Though my Xterra is a 2006 it only has 68207 miles and has had regular maintenance.

"takata recall". I have a 2006 Nissan Xterra that I had to replace timing chains on due to tensioner guide failer. Nissan has been aware of this issue for awhile and there is a class action lawsuit against Nissan for this issue. The cost of the repairs is expensive and I feel that being Nissan has known about this they should be responsible for the repair cost. I am further pursuing getting involved with the class acton lawsuit.

The timing chain tensioners in the engine of this car began making a loud whining sound, which is a typical problem with these engines. Nissan was aware of these faulty tensioners back in 2004, when they issues a technical service bulletin. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2008 Nissan Xterra 🔎.

I was told the timing belt tensioners needed to be replaced. It only has 60,800 miles on it. The dealer quoted me 1400. 00. There is a high pitched whine from the engine, most noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle runs ok but I'm afraid if the tensioners fail, so will the timing belt and so will the engine.

Timing chain and tensioner failure . Nissan knows about this problem in several of it models for years and refuses to repair as a known defect or issue a recall.

No problems in five years of ownership. The following took place in less than 7 days. Truck was fueled up at costco and 30 minutes later was shuddering when stopped, we thought we got a bad tank of gas. Truck had a check engine light. Misfiring cylinder, coil replaced. Two days later, check engine light. Replaced O2 sensor. A day or two later check engine light. Had a loss of power. Truck was in limp mode. Drove to the dealer and they diagnosed replacing the failed catalytic converter (right rear) and the timing chain, tensioners etc. Salesman said that we should have changed the timing chain at 60,000 miles. Which I have never seen listed in the maintenance. The truck was purchased used at 64,000 miles.

Chain tensioner has failed resulting in engine damage. Nissan has been aware for years that this part is a problem and has chosen not to remedy the defective part. Instead, it will cost me thousands in repairs.

See all problems of the 2005 Nissan Xterra 🔎.

Timing chains issues. Specifically timing chain guides and tensioners stopped functioning. Repair cost $985. Crankshaft position sensor stopped functioning. Repair cost $590.

Began hearing a whining noise from engine, increasing with rpm. Took to dealership, who indicated it was bad timing chain tensioner shoes/guides. Service advisor indicated this is a very common issue, and Nissan redesigned the parts since the originals were found to wear through, allowing the timing chain to rub directly on the metal post of the tensioner. The timing chain system should last for the life of the engine, not require a $1700 repair only about halfway through the engine life. This is also a very unsafe situation, since a timing chain failure could quickly destroy the engine, leaving the car without engine power out on the road. This should be a recall.

Timing chain. I would like to send out a letter of complaint on my 2008 Xterra. I'm one of the hundreds with the premature wear of the timing chain shoe and tensioners mentioned in your 2009 service bulletin em09-007; ntb09-128; Nov. 16, 2009. Substandard parts. Your customer service was no customer service.

Witnessed loud whine from engine that increases due to acceleration. Was told by dealer that it was due to failed timing chain tensioner and could eventually cause complete engine failure without notice. Repairs would cost $1500. 00 to $2000. 00.

I have researched and found many other have had the same issue with the fuel sensor on 2007 Xterra. Last gen was recalled and they need to recall this year. I have ran out of gas twice already while driving down the highway. I am also having a loud wining noise coming from the engine due to a failed timing chain tensioner. Both these items need to be recalled before somebody gets killed.

Hearing whining/whirring noise from engine upon any acceleration and increased rpms. Repair required is replacement of secondary timing chain and tensioners (guides).

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.

The vehicle has a whining noise. When taken to the dealership, it was diagnosed as a worn down tensioner for the timing chain. If neglected it could cause engine damage and malfunction. The dealer claims the repair includes removing the tensioner and replacing with an upgraded part as they know the original part is faulty. Nissan is aware of the issue and issued a service bulletin in 2009 ntb07-042a, but refuses to fix this part in their vehicles. This should be recalled!.

Premature timing chain wear before and after 60,000 miles. Premature wear is caused by faulty design, specifically teflon coated guide-chain tensioner. Failure to the timing chain will result in engine failure and possible accident if operated on roadway. Nissan refuses to acknowledge problem and or recall. Prior service bulletin circulated by Nissan (ntb07-042a) and generated on 4/17/2009 verifies same problem with this make and model and several other Nissan years and models affected. Respectfully request investigation into this issue.

-fuel system has a problem registering the amount of fuel in the tank, the problem is associated with a faulty fuel level sending unit that Nissan refuses to recall. -whining noise coming from inside the engine, noise comes from a faulty timing chain tensioner guide that Nissan refuses to recall.