NHTSA Probes Nissan Titan XD Over Crankshaft Issues

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【Summary】The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the Nissan Titan XD with the 5.0L Cummins ISV V8 engine due to crankshaft failures. The investigation was prompted by 10 owner complaints filed through the NHTSA's website, reporting loss of motive power. A failed crankshaft requires engine replacement. Cummins implemented process changes between 2016 and 2019 to address the issue. If Nissan is required to fix the problem, they may recall around 38,763 pickup trucks.

FutureCar Staff Nov 20, 2023 3:14 PM PT

NHTSA Probes Nissan Titan XD Over Crankshaft Issues

The Nissan Titan has been in production since 2003 and was first introduced for the 2004 model year. It initially came equipped with the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine as the sole option. The second-generation Titan also features the VK-series powerplant, but Nissan later added the short-lived Cummins ISV turbo diesel V8 to the lineup.

Between the years 2016 and 2019, Nissan offered a 5.0-liter engine for the Titan. This engine generates 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet (752 Nm) of torque. The heavier-duty version of the Titan, known as the Titan XD, can tow over 12,000 pounds (5,443 kilograms) with this V8 engine. However, there have been some issues with the Cummins ISV engine used in the Titan XD, leading to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA has received 10 owner complaints related to the Titan XD-specific ISV engine. These reports allege a loss of motive power. The Office of Defects Investigation is also aware of a confidential number of Early Warning Reporting field reports regarding this issue. The cause of the problem is a crankshaft failure, which not only results in a loss of power but also prevents the engine from being restarted. To fix this, the engine needs to be replaced.

Cummins made multiple process changes to the ISV engine between the 2016 and 2019 model years. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation is currently conducting a preliminary evaluation to determine the scope, frequency, and severity of the issue. Stalling at high speed increases the risk of a crash, so the safety implications are being carefully assessed.

If the preliminary evaluation concludes that Nissan is responsible for addressing the problem with the Cummins ISV engine in the Titan XD, the automaker may need to recall approximately 38,763 pickup trucks on behalf of the engine manufacturer. Some customer complaints mention the failure mileage, which ranges from around 52,000 to 100,000 miles. Owners have reported various issues, such as crankshaft sensor failure and loose connecting rod caps.

While we await the NHTSA's findings, 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 amount to 15,407 units. The 2024 Nissan Titan has a starting price of $45,770, while the Titan XD starts at $51,930 (excluding destination charges). These prices are significantly higher than the initial prices of the first-generation models.