NHTSA Investigates Nissan Titan XD Over Crankshaft Failures

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Nissan Titan, which has been in production since 2003, initially offered the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 as its sole engine option. The second-generation truck also featured the VK-series powerplant, but Nissan later introduced the short-lived Cummins ISV turbo diesel V8 to enhance the lineup.

Between 2016 and 2019, Nissan offered a 5.0-liter engine in the Titan, which produced 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. The heavier-duty version of the Titan, known as the Titan XD, boasted a towing capacity of over 12,000 pounds with this V8 engine. However, the Cummins ISV engine used in the Titan XD is currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to 10 owner complaints.

According to the NHTSA, the complaints filed through their website allege the loss of motive power caused by crankshaft failure in the Titan XD-specific ISV engine. The Office of Defects Investigation is also aware of a confidential number of Early Warning Reporting field reports related to this issue. A failed crankshaft not only leads to a loss of power but also prevents the engine from restarting, requiring the engine to be replaced.

Between 2016 and 2019, Cummins made multiple process changes to address the crankshaft failure issue. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation is conducting a preliminary evaluation to assess the scope, frequency, and severity of the problem. Stalling at high speeds increases the risk of a crash, making it an important safety concern.

If the preliminary evaluation determines that Nissan is responsible for fixing the Titan XD with the Cummins ISV engine, the automaker may need to recall an estimated 38,763 pickup trucks on behalf of the engine manufacturer. Some customer complaints mention failure mileage ranging from approximately 52,000 to 100,000 miles.

Owners have reported various issues related to the crankshaft failure, including one case where the crankshaft sensor was replaced shortly before the crankshaft failed. Another owner mentioned that the connecting rod cap on cylinder number 3 came loose, causing it to drop into the oil pan and ultimately leading to crankshaft failure.

In the meantime, it's worth noting that Nissan plans to discontinue the Titan after the 2024 model year due to poor sales. In 2022, only 15,063 units were delivered in the United States, and sales for the first three quarters of 2023 totaled 15,407 units. The 2024 Nissan Titan currently has a starting price of $45,770, while the Titan XD starts at $51,930 (excluding destination charges).

It's important to keep an eye on the NHTSA's investigation and any potential actions that may be taken in response to the crankshaft failure issue in the Nissan Titan XD with the Cummins ISV engine.

FutureCar Staff