IllustrationMY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA'S AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A COLLISION WITH A TELEPHONE POLE AT APX. 45 MPH. THE ACCIDENT WAS ON A BADLY MAINTAINED CITY STREET, THE STEERING HAS BEEN PROBLEMATIC EVEN THOUGH I HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE APX. 6 MO.S AGO.
2002 Nissan Xterra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Xterra years
Owner complaints for the 2002 Nissan Xterra are substantially higher than 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
150–25K
1825–50K
1350–75K
1475–100K
20100–150K
17150K+
97 reports with mileage · 60 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.
- 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
Steering complaints
22 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STEERED OUT OF CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED FIVE TIMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO THE ELBOW AND BODY PAINS WHILE HER PASSENGER SUSTAINED SEVERAL LACERATIONS AND BRUIS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STEERED OUT OF CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED FIVE TIMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO THE ELBOW AND BODY PAINS WHILE HER PASSENGER SUSTAINED SEVERAL LACERATIONS AND BRUISES FROM THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAGS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOT OF THE TOW TRUCK COMPANY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *DT*JB
I HAVE HAD A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE SINCE 2010 AND I HAVE NEVER N=BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE STEERING ISSUE. THIS IS THE 2ND RECALL I HAVE HAD WITH NO ALARM FROM NISSAN
TURN THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO RIGHT OR LEFT. HEAR A DREADFUL GRINDING SOUND AS IF THE AXLE IS GOING TO SNAP IN HALF.
I WAS DRIVING MY XTERRA HOME AND ALL AT ONCE IT GOT LOUD AND A SMELL OF SULFUR CAME OUT STOPPED BY LOCAL SHOP (MONROE) THEY LOOKED AT IT AND AFTER THEY ALL HAD THEIR LAUGH SAID" OMG WE CANNOT BELIEVE SOMEONE SOLD THIS TRUCK IN THIS SHAPE" 1) THE PIPE AT THE CONVERTER BROKE,2) THE RUST AND ROT IS HORRID3) THE COB JOB THIS SO CALL…
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I WAS DRIVING MY XTERRA HOME AND ALL AT ONCE IT GOT LOUD AND A SMELL OF SULFUR CAME OUT STOPPED BY LOCAL SHOP (MONROE) THEY LOOKED AT IT AND AFTER THEY ALL HAD THEIR LAUGH SAID" OMG WE CANNOT BELIEVE SOMEONE SOLD THIS TRUCK IN THIS SHAPE" 1) THE PIPE AT THE CONVERTER BROKE,2) THE RUST AND ROT IS HORRID3) THE COB JOB THIS SO CALLED MECHANIC DID AGAIN WOW4) THE STEERING IS TIGHTENING UP ON ME PERIODICALLY AND MAKING IT UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE AND CONTROL THE TRUCK. 5 ) GAS PROBLEMS6) CODE LIGHTS YOU NAME IT7) THE RUNNING BOARDS BROKE OFF LITTLE EACH DAY SOMETHING BREAKS OR GOES WRONG WITH IT.MY GRANDKIDS ARE IN THIS TRUCK DAILY IT IS NOT SAFE. IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING I WOULD LIKE IT CHECKED BUT I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TURN THIS GUY IN NO EXCUSE FOR THIS TYPE OF WORK WHEN YOUR SELLING CARS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HERTZ, THECAR HAD BEEN IN A ACCIDENT BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. I DID NOT FIND OUT ABOUT THE ACCIDENT UNTIL AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE CAR TIRES COULD NOT STAY ALIGNED, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE SHOOTING UP ABOUT 15 FEET OFF THE GROUND, THERE IS PAINT SPLATTER ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR MOTOR, PAINT SPLATTER ON THE OUTSI…
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I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HERTZ, THECAR HAD BEEN IN A ACCIDENT BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. I DID NOT FIND OUT ABOUT THE ACCIDENT UNTIL AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE CAR TIRES COULD NOT STAY ALIGNED, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE SHOOTING UP ABOUT 15 FEET OFF THE GROUND, THERE IS PAINT SPLATTER ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR MOTOR, PAINT SPLATTER ON THE OUTSIDE BY THE GUARDS TIRE, AND YOU CAN SEE PAINT ON THE HOOD BY THE WINDOW ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE TOE HOOK ON THE RIGHT SIDE LOOKS TO BE NEW.THERE IS A PAINT LINE ON THE INSIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE HOOD IS NEW, THERE ISNO RUBBER MOUNT ON THE HOOD ARM THAT HOLD THE HOOK UP. OVER SPRAY ON THE LEFT DRIVERS DOOR. *TR
I WAS APPROACHING THE 'ON' RAMP WHEN XTERRA PULLED TO SIDE THEN FLIPPED OVER 3X.THERE ARE 4 RECALLS;3 MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO ROLLOVER. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING COLUMN) AND BEGIN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING COLUMN) AND BEGIN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND POSSIBLY THE GEAR BOX. THE CONTACT WAS THEN ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000. UPDATED 02/15/12*BF UPDATED 02/28/12
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING:COLUMN), THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR BOX WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING:COLUMN), THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR BOX WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED TO TAKE LIABILITY FOR THE REPAIR PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Official recalls
510V554000 · 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
3DP03005 · 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.