IllustrationWHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPL0YED, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO DRIVER.*AK *YH
2001 Nissan Xterra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Nissan Xterra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 78.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Xterra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
70–25K
2925–50K
1350–75K
2275–100K
11100–150K
3150K+
85 reports with mileage · 65 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Visibility. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports5 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
150 reportsVEHICLE HIT A LIGHT POLE ON PASSENGER'S SIDE NEAR HEADLIGHT, RADIATOR PUSHED BACK ABOUT 6 INCHES. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUFFERED NECK/ BACK, AND HEAD INJURIES. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME, MAY BE TOTALLED.*AK
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION OF 20-25 MPH WITH A TREE AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. NLM *JG
WHEN FILLING TRUCK UP WITH GASOLINE AND WHEN TANK IS FULL THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE THAT SHOULD LET CONSUMER KNOW THAT PUMP IS FULL. BUT, INSTEAD GASOLINE CONSTANTLY LEAKS TO THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
REFUELING VEHICLE RESULTS IN SEVERE BACKSPLASH OF FUEL OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE, MOST LIKELY DUE TO INADEQUATE VAPOR SPACE VENTING. REFUELING EVEN AT VERY SLOW RATES RESULTED IN FUEL SPILLAGE. THIS PRESENTS AN EXPOSURE HAZARD AND POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. NISSAN CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE FUAL TANK ASSEMBLY. THE REPLACEMEN…
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REFUELING VEHICLE RESULTS IN SEVERE BACKSPLASH OF FUEL OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE, MOST LIKELY DUE TO INADEQUATE VAPOR SPACE VENTING. REFUELING EVEN AT VERY SLOW RATES RESULTED IN FUEL SPILLAGE. THIS PRESENTS AN EXPOSURE HAZARD AND POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. NISSAN CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE FUAL TANK ASSEMBLY. THE REPLACEMENT FUEL TANK HAS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL EVEN THOUGH OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE POSSESS THE SAME PROBLEM, IN ADDITION TO THEIR PICKUP TRUCK BASED ON THE SAME CHASIS. THEY APPARENTLY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND HAD CODED IT AS A "HARD REFUELING" PROBLEM. IN MY OPINION AS A PROCESS HAZARD SAFETY ENGINEER, THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE ISSUANCE OF A RECALL.
WHILE DRIVING HOME AFTER PURCHASING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER WAS REPLACING FUEL TANK. *AK WEAK BATTERY CAUSED SLOW CRANKING.*ET
WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY WOULD EITHER SNATCH OR PULL VEHICLE TO RIGHT. THIS CAUSED STEERING WHEEL TO BE SNATCHED OUT DRIVER'S HANDS. VEHICLE HARD TO CONTROL. AT DEALER'S 7 TIMES, BUT NO REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE. *AK
THE CENTER SEAT BELT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ADEQUATELY ACCOMODATE A CHILD SAFETY SEAT (IN THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE). THE FEMALE STRAP IS TOO LONG AND WILL NOT TIGHTEN PROPERLY. IF YOU CAN GET IT TO TIGHTEN PROPERLY, IT IS INSIDE THE CAR SEAT AND POSES A THREAT TO THE CHILD BECAUSE IT IS IN THEIR BACK. THE CHILD …
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THE CENTER SEAT BELT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ADEQUATELY ACCOMODATE A CHILD SAFETY SEAT (IN THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE). THE FEMALE STRAP IS TOO LONG AND WILL NOT TIGHTEN PROPERLY. IF YOU CAN GET IT TO TIGHTEN PROPERLY, IT IS INSIDE THE CAR SEAT AND POSES A THREAT TO THE CHILD BECAUSE IT IS IN THEIR BACK. THE CHILD COULD LEAN BACK ON IT AT THAT POINT AND UNFASTEN THE BELT. IF THEIR WAS AN ACCIDENT, THE BELT FASTENER COULD COME THROUGH THE CLOTH PART OF THE CAR SEAT AND INJURE THE CHILD.
CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ROTATE TIRES, AND DISCOVERED THAT SCISSOR TYPE JACK WILL NOT RAISE VEHICLE ENOUGH TO CHANGE TIRES. CONSUMER CONTACTED NISSAN, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW.*AK *SLC
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SPINDLE ON EACH FRONT WHEEL HAD RUSTED, THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW ESPECIALLY SINCE THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN TWO MONTHS OLD. NLM NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM IS COSMETIC RUST AND DOES NOT PRESENT ANY RISK, THEREFORE NOTHING WILL BE DONE. *SLC
Official recalls
304V230000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
May 24, 2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF CORROSION OCCURS, THE TERMINAL STRIP COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP OPERATION. THIS WILL RESULT IN NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: IN THE FOLLOWING STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT. THESE STATES ARE CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
02V299000 · Suspension:rear
Nov 12, 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR AXLE HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE SEALING OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN CORROSION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE WHEEL BEARING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE FOR WATER INTRUSION AND ANY AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. THE ABS SENSOR WILL BE RESEALED TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
02V300000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Nov 12, 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE DOES NOT MEET THE SEALING PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AND WHEN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE IS BEING SOLD, FUEL COULD SPILL FROM THE FILLER INLET AS THE TANK IS BEING FILLED. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DECEMBER 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP03005 · Brake Rotor Warpage
Opened Jul 11, 2003 · Closed Jul 29, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
MR. KENT JONES OF KERNERSVILLE, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION TO NHTSA BY E-MAIL DATED JULY 1, 2003, REQUESTING NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THE BRAKE ROTORS ON MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER ALLEGED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS IN THESE VEHICLES WERE DEFECTIVE BECAUSE THE ROTORS OVERHEAT AND WARP FROM NORMAL USAGE.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATABASE FOR COMPLAINTS REGARDING MY 2001 THROUGH MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA VEHICLES IDENTIFIED ONLY TWO REPORTS RELATED TO BRAKE ROTOR WARPING; ONE FOR A MY 2001 AND ONE FOR A MY 2002.THE COMPLAINT FOR THE MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA WAS REPORTED BY THE PETITIONER.BRAKE ROTOR WARPING CAN RESULT IN BRAKE PULSATION AND SHAKING WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED.BRAKE PULSATION, TIRE OR SUSPENSION VIBRATION, AND SIMILAR CONDITIONS ARE AN OBVIOUS ANNOYANCE TO THE DRIVER, BUT GENERALLY DO NOT CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF A VEHICLE.FURTHERMORE, EVEN IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, ANY POTENTIAL INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE WILL BE NEGLIGIBLE. THEREFORE, THIS CONDITION DOES NOT NORMALLY CONSTITUTE A SAFETY DEFECT, EVEN IF IT OCCURS WITH FAR MORE OFTEN FREQUENCY. IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF AN ALLEGED SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER IN THE MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA VEHICLES AT THE CONCLUSION OF AN INVESTIGATION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.
PE02052 · Fuel Spill During Refueling
Opened Jun 20, 2002 · Closed Dec 3, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.