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Nissan Xterra Timing Chain Issue- Warning

35K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  ShiftingSkys 
#1 ·
Long entry, but bear with me. I'm finding timing chain issues are prevalent among Nissans 2005-2010 and I would like to save other owners the grief I've experienced with this problem. Read on....

My 2007 Xterra with 66.5K miles began making a whining noise under acceleration. Thinking it was just a worn belt, I took it to Boardwalk NISSAN in Redwood City, CA where I purchased the vehicle (new) and have it serviced. After a quick inspection, the technician easily determined the noise to be from my timing chains, tensioners, and guides and quoted me an estimate of $1980! The technician asked me whether I had an extended warranty since I was just past the 60k mileage, but I did not. He explained that damage to my pistons and valves could occur to which I replied that I was shocked that such a serious issue could happen so unexpectantly when I had followed all the scheduled maintenance. The technician then said that there was actually a Service Bulletin regarding this very issue and advised me to speak with Nissan Customer Service (1.800.NISSAN.1) about covering the repair. Since I understood the urgency for the repair and am a loyal customer to this dealership, I gave the Go-Ahead to start the repairs. I fully expected a long wait for the parts so I was surprised to find out that they had the parts in stock and the work would only take a few days! I then proceeded to call Nissan Customer Service while I waited for my ride home. I spoke with a rep (Jabriel, 615.725.7444) who took my VIN #, notes about the necessary repairs and an estimate which I faxed within the hour. His tone gave me confidence to fully expect some type of reimbursement.

That afternoon, I found two Service Bulletins online (NTB07-042 superceded by NTB09-128) and similar experiences on the Nissanhelp.com forum: Nissanhelp.com/Knowledgebase/Latest Uploads/Ntb07-042 Vq Engine; Buzzing/Whining Noise. These Xterras were a few thousand miles past warranty and well cared for (just like mine), who were either covered 100% or at least reimbursed for the parts and so my confidence grew. I then spoke with the Nissan rep that afternoon to which he replied, "you can't believe everything you read on the internet". Now I was beginning to have my doubts...

After not hearing back from Nissan Customer Service for two full days, I called them just before picking up my Xterra. I had to leave a message and when I arrived at Boardwalk was asked to pay $1450 (they did not replace the tensioners or guides). I then asked them to call Nissan Customer Service to see if they would be covering anything. Nissan's response was that they'd get back to me later in the day but that I would need to pay first in order to drive my car home. I paid the $1450 and later that afternoon, got an adamant, "NO" for any coverage whatsoever!

Nissan decided they would not cover ANY of the expenses and explained that they review each situation on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the mileage, the warranty status, maintenance records, etc... but how does my case differ from the others, I do not know!

I intend to plead my case to Nissan Corporate (does anyone know how to do this??). I have lost my faith in how Nissan stands behind its customers and this experience will deter me from buying another Nissan vehicle. I hope that others learn from my experience and look into all Service Bulletins BEFORE their warranty expires. Service Bulletins are not necessarily Recalls - it is clear that even if the issue is not due to any fault of the owner, even if the issue can result in major engine damage, Nissan will not necessarily issue a recall due to the cost to them and/or the prevalence of the issue. I guess economics is more important than satisfied customers! It is ironic that one of the reviews I read before purchasing my 2007 Xterra boasts, "Engine noise, likewise, is kept to a minimum through techniques such as a silent timing chain, microfinished surfaces and Teflon-coated pistons."
 
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#2 ·
A recall won't be issued because it won't cause harm to you or other persons on the road. Recalls are safety based, not annoyance based.

Do they have issues with them, yes. Are they obligated to cover something outside of the warranty time, no. Now, if you had a decent dealership, they have the power to offer you the parts at a discount, discounted labor, charge you warranty time vs. customer pay time, etc. They have a host of things that they could have done, especially if you have a good relationship with them. I would say that you should have more of an issue with the dealership than with Nissan. Warranty isn't 6 years-ish/60,000-ish miles.

As far as your enging being damaged, the chains aren't breaking. In fact, the noise is due to the chain actually having the correct tension on it. You weren't in danger of the engine coming apart, regardless of the noise issue.
 
#3 ·
Long entry, but bear with me. I'm finding timing chain issues are prevalent among Nissans 2005-2010 and I would like to save other owners the grief I've experienced with this problem. Read on....

My 2007 Xterra with 66.5K miles began making a whining noise under acceleration. Thinking it was just a worn belt, I took it to Boardwalk NISSAN in Redwood City, CA where I purchased the vehicle (new) and have it serviced.

After a quick inspection, the technician easily determined the noise to be from my timing chains, tensioners, and guides and quoted me an estimate of $1980! The technician asked me whether I had an extended warranty since I was just past the 60k mileage, but I did not.

He explained that damage to my pistons and valves could occur to which I replied that I was shocked that such a serious issue could happen so unexpectantly when I had followed all the scheduled maintenance.

The technician then said that there was actually a Service Bulletin regarding this very issue and advised me to speak with Nissan Customer Service (1.800.NISSAN.1) about covering the repair. Since I understood the urgency for the repair and am a loyal customer to this dealership, I gave the Go-Ahead to start the repairs. I fully expected a long wait for the parts so I was surprised to find out that they had the parts in stock and the work would only take a few days! I then proceeded to call Nissan Customer Service while I waited for my ride home. I spoke with a rep (Jabriel, 615.725.7444) who took my VIN #, notes about the necessary repairs and an estimate which I faxed within the hour. His tone gave me confidence to fully expect some type of reimbursement.

That afternoon, I found two Service Bulletins online (NTB07-042 superceded by NTB09-128) and similar experiences on the Nissanhelp.com forum: Nissanhelp.com/Knowledgebase/Latest Uploads/Ntb07-042 Vq Engine; Buzzing/Whining Noise. These Xterras were a few thousand miles past warranty and well cared for (just like mine), who were either covered 100% or at least reimbursed for the parts and so my confidence grew. I then spoke with the Nissan rep that afternoon to which he replied, "you can't believe everything you read on the internet". Now I was beginning to have my doubts...

After not hearing back from Nissan Customer Service for two full days, I called them just before picking up my Xterra. I had to leave a message and when I arrived at Boardwalk was asked to pay $1450 (they did not replace the tensioners or guides). I then asked them to call Nissan Customer Service to see if they would be covering anything. Nissan's response was that they'd get back to me later in the day but that I would need to pay first in order to drive my car home. I paid the $1450 and later that afternoon, got an adamant, "NO" for any coverage whatsoever!

Nissan decided they would not cover ANY of the expenses and explained that they review each situation on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the mileage, the warranty status, maintenance records, etc... but how does my case differ from the others, I do not know!

I intend to plead my case to Nissan Corporate (does anyone know how to do this??). I have lost my faith in how Nissan stands behind its customers and this experience will deter me from buying another Nissan vehicle. I hope that others learn from my experience and look into all Service Bulletins BEFORE their warranty expires. Service Bulletins are not necessarily Recalls - it is clear that even if the issue is not due to any fault of the owner, even if the issue can result in major engine damage, Nissan will not necessarily issue a recall due to the cost to them and/or the prevalence of the issue. I guess economics is more important than satisfied customers! It is ironic that one of the reviews I read before purchasing my 2007 Xterra boasts, "Engine noise, likewise, is kept to a minimum through techniques such as a silent timing chain, microfinished surfaces and Teflon-coated pistons."
I would like to add to the above post that if the tech " explained that damage to my pistons and valves could occur"....

....And you did the repair because you were TOLD that the engine would be damaged if you didn't....

THEN, the stealership is responsible for misleading you into doing an elective repair under false pretenses.

I would get the tech to "Explain to you again how this repair prevented the damage he had mentioned" and then proceed accordingly with an attempt to get them to credit you the difference...or, to go to Nissan again about how you were mistreated.

:wink-big:
 
#4 ·
I have experienced a VERY similar situation recently. My 2007 XTerra has only 56k miles on it and has been very well maintained.

I was quoted $2100 with $1400 of that was for labor - that means $700 for parts?

I was told the malfunctioning parts were the tensioners and when those are replaced it was recommended to replace the timing chain.

I think the dealer just saw me coming....

I was taking the vehicle in for the "recommended maintenance" and this problem that I didn't know I had was predicted right away, though I didn't hear the $$$$ until that evening. Conveniently, I had a rental car being paid for by the dealer while I received my maintenance service so I wasn't sitting in the shop waiting for them to verify the issue they had diagnosed. When I heard the estimated cost later that evening, just before the shop closed - I said no to the work. I called the Service Manager the next morning requesting Nissan cover this work which seemed to be a defect on their part. The Service Manager did come back with a concession after speaking with the Regional manager that, due to the low mileage on the vehicle, Nissan would cover the parts. Given this compromise, the fact that I already had a rental car I could keep, and the fact that I was afraid there would be damage to my vehicle if I didn't have the work done - I gave the go ahead.

I thought I had a good relationship with the dealer -- not feeling that way now. The service advisor who diagnosed my car in the beginning and who called me late that evening to confirm the issue and tell me the cost wasn't working when I came to pick the vehicle up.

I should add that I am a single female. I bought this vehicle because I expected it to be safe, dependable, and easy to maintain.
 
#5 ·
well sounds to me like its an annoyance not a real issue cant find any documentation of engine failure due to this noise. and as said above nissan is not obligated to cover repairs after warranty expires. i would get mad at the dealer who pretty much forced you into this. i also have not seen anyone complaining about the noise anywhere either. also consider yourself lucky it wasnt a terminal issue or like the toyotas that they tried to cover up the issues with the pedals getting stuck. or like your issue chevy traverse/gmc acadia. saturn vues having stretched timing chains. mini cooper had a timing chain issue as well, these are made by humans there will be issues on them, i had an escort with 89k miles that had to have the valve cover gaskets replaced they were dumping oil, i had a saturn sl1 that had the gearbox (manual shift) go out at 115k miles on it! nissan makes reliable cars and trucks from my experience. this is you first issue at 66k miles and probably wont have anymore for awhile.
 
#6 ·
Yes, a common problem with the Gen II Xterras. And yes, and all to familiar story as far as dealerships go as far as my experience has been. Sorry to hear it was a bad experience for you. I have had enough issues with my Gen II that I highly doubt I would ever buy another Xterra and most likely another Nissan for that matter.

Hang in there. The good news is that I highly doubt you will have any more major engine troubles with your X so as long as you are doing a good job of maintaining it. As far as the engine goes, that's the major issue with the 4.0L.
 
#7 ·
i know i am talking about 2 different gens here but my 00 with 155k miles on it hasnt had any real big issues other than a rear main leak but im getting that fixed cheap thanks to a hook up at my job (autozone) but we dot get many nissans coming through with big issues or issues that are not easily solved. same with mazda or honda so those are my 3 picks when it comes to quality cars we get ford and gm products like crazy with big issues or issues out of the norm for the age/mileage same with Mercedes and BMW but remember everyone every vehicle on the road has been thought of, designed, built, and maintained by human beings and human beings not being perfect nothing we make or design will ever be free from defects, its just which company keeps these down to a minimum. just think of that when your looking for another car or truck everyone.
 
#8 ·
I get sad every tome I hear of a stealership shanking their loyal buyers! Shame on them!
I would pursue this with the corporate office and let them know, That your next car will not be a Nissan, if they do not append their flat refusal to share the repair!
You may be surprised.
 
#9 ·
From the sound of the story It does in fact sound like the dealership is the one who is screwing you.

It does suck that your X had this "problem", however, Every production vehicle has problems such as this. I am sorry that they scammed you to make the repair. I would go to another shop or dealership and ask them about this kind of repair and what damage it could cause. If you can get facts and state them to the dealer they should reimburse you. Otherwise the law might. I hope that if you are keeping the X that it takes you many more miles without having a real issue.

I personally own 2 Nissan Xterra's 1st Gens and they are solid as a rock. Have not had 1 issue or problem and as far as I can tell with my religious maintenance will not have a problem soon. Knock on wood.
 
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