Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports7 fire reports13 injury reports

Power Train complaints

6 reports

Clear category filter

Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2021

Forward Collision AvoidancePower TrainService Brakes

LOSES PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES, THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVING SIDEWAYS

NHTSA ODI #11398323

245,000 miles · Mar 20, 2015

Air BagsElectrical SystemPower Train

THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND THE ABS AND AIRBAG LIGHTS STARTED TO COME ON. WHEN THE GEARS SHIFTED UP, IT STARTED TO RESIST ACCELERATION AND LOSING TRANSMISSION POWER. STARTED TO SHIFT DOWN AND COAST. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. WOULD NOT START BACK UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10700786

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2004

Power Train

Read full complaint

STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT LOCK WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. IGNITION CAN BE IN OFF POSITION AND KEYS REMOVED WITH GEAR SHIFTER STILL IN "D" DRIVE. I DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS NOT NORMAL UNTIL ON 7/16/2004 THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND IT TOOK APPRX 10 MINUTES OF ADJUSTING WHEEL AND ON/OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET THE WHEEL TO UNLOCK. I THEN READ THE OWNERS MANUAL AND REALIZED I SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER STILL IN DRIVE. I HAVE DONE THIS MANY TIMES AFTER THE 2ND OR 3RD I CAONTACTED THE DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE AS I HAD TO ACTUALLY RUN AFTER IT AT A GAS STATION. THE SERVICE REP AT TROPHY NISSAN SAID MY TRUCK WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY WILL LOOK AT IT AND TELL ME HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE, THIS VEHICLE IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND VERY DANGEROUS. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM I DO NOT ALLOW ANY FAMILY MEMBER TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK IN FEAR THEY WILL EITHER RUN OVER THEMSELVES OR INJURY SOMEONE ELSE WHEN THE TRUCK ROLLS AWAY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10081275

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2004

Power Train

THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEM WITH THE AXLE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL #02V299000. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND THAT THEY REPLACED THE COMPONENT INDICATED IN THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10055362

19,000 miles · Oct 31, 2003

Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train

ENGINE MAKES LOUD "WHISTLING" SOUND; ENGINE DEFINITELY LOST POWER OVER THE LAST YEAR; WILL NOT GO OVER 70-75 MPH; MAKES LOUD WHINING/GRINDING SOUND WHEN SHIFTING GEARS; PULLS TO THE RIGHT ALL THE WHILE DRIVING; USING AN EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF GAS. (CONSUMER CAN ALSO BE EMAILED AT CORANNCOYNER@MSN.COM) *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045198

22,000 miles · Apr 25, 2003

Electrical SystemPower TrainFire

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2002 NISSAN XTERRA VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2001. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AT THE PACIFIC NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WENT ON AN OUTING ON EASTER SUNDAY. WHILE AT LUNCH, 5-15 MINUTES GO BUY AND A PERSON INQUIRES ABOUT A PARKED XTERRA ON FIRE. TO MY WIFE'S HORROR IT WAS OUR XTERRA WITH THE WIDOWS UP AND FLAMES/SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASH/STEERING COLUMN AREA. MY INSURANCE AND THE FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT/ARCHING AND NO OTHER APPARENT SOURCES OF IGNITION WERE PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO PACIFIC NISSAN WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND HAVE MAINTAINED THEIR RECOMMENDED ROUTINE SERVICE. THE SERVICE MANAGEMENT QUESTIONED WHY THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT OVER TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND NOT TO THEIR BODY SHOP. I EXPLAINED THE BODY SHOP SENT US OVER TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. HE EXPLAINED TO HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE. I QUESTIONED HIM WHY I HAVE TO SUFFER GOING THROUGH MY INSURANCE WHEN THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND MY VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER THE BASIC WARRANTY. KNOWING I WAS NOT GETTING ANYWHERE WITH THIS GUY, I REQUESTED A PHONE NUMBER FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HE EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THEY WOULD ONLY REFER ME BACK TO HIM. I AM CONFUSED ON WHAT I SHOULD DO. SHOULD I PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE AND HOPE MY INSURANCE WILL PAY THE WHOLE AMOUNT OWED ON MY VEHICLE? SHOULD I GET A LAWYER? NO MATTER WHAT I AM STILL OUT A VEHICLE AND HAVE TO, IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, PAY FOR SOME OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. I HAVE CONTACTED THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPART. AND THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT. THE CUSTOMER AFFAIRS REP. DID INFORM ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THEIR AIR BAG MODULE, BUT HE WAS NOT SURE WHAT COULD HAPPEN. I HAVE ALSO, IN THE PAST, TAKEN IN THIS VEHICLE IN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO REPLACE A GASKET IN THE AXLE AREA BECAUSE IT WAS DRIPPING FLUID. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10016498

Official recalls

10V554000 · Steering:column

Nov 11, 2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 FRONTIER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001 THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 2004, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2004, XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001, THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2005. OVER TIME CORROSION MAY FORM IN THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN JOINT AND LIMIT MOVEMENT OF THE JOINT. THE LIMITED MOVEMENT OF THIS JOINT MAY CREATE EXCESSIVE LOAD ON THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. IF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, IT MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE SHAFT DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS THAT REQUIRE LARGE STEERING INPUTS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND JOINT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHAFT OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

04V230000 · 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.

03V061000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 27, 2003

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE. IF THE CONNECTOR COMES LOOSE, THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CLOCK SPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 21, 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.

02V298000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Nov 12, 2002

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGER, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FULL THROTTLE IN LOW GEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT FULLY WARMED UP AND AT COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, THE AMOUNT OF INTAKE AIR FLOW THROUGH THE AIR FLOW METER MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PRESET DIAGNOSIS LIMIT VALUE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM TO GO INTO THE FAILSAFE MODE. UNDER THIS CONDITION, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND ENGINE SPEED WILL NOT EXCEED 2400 RPM REGARDLESS OF THE THROTTLE POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 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.

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.

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

DP03005 · 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.

EA02020 · Driver's Air Bag System Failure

Opened Aug 29, 2002 · Closed Mar 3, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal

IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 21, 2003 TO NHTSA, NISSAN STATED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 27,385 MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 6/12/01 (START OF PRODUCTION) TO 11/1/01 AS WELL AS APPROXIMATELY 37,177 MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 6/13/01 (START OF PRODUCTION) TO 10/25/01.VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER THESE DATES ARE NOT AFFECTED.NISSAN STATED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE FULLY SECURED TO THE DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE SQUIB PIN CONNECTOR DUE TO THE RETAINING GROOVE IN THE MODULE NOT HAVING SUFFICIENT DEPTH TO HOLD THE CONNECTOR IN THE ASSEMBLED POSITION.A RETAINING CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE CLOCKSPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR.SEE RECALL 03V-061 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

PE02038 · Driver's Air Bag System Malfunction

Opened Mar 26, 2002 · Closed Aug 29, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal

No summary supplied.