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
What owners actually said
157 reports
11 miles · Apr 13, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 80 MPH AND FASTER VEHICLE RAPIDLY DECELERATED AND LAUNCHED FORWARD. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM AS CRUISE CONTROL . IN THE MEANTIME THE PROBLEM PROGRESSED AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *A…
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WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 80 MPH AND FASTER VEHICLE RAPIDLY DECELERATED AND LAUNCHED FORWARD. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM AS CRUISE CONTROL . IN THE MEANTIME THE PROBLEM PROGRESSED AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10067056
40,230 miles · Feb 15, 2004
Electrical System
ALL PARKING LIGHTS, SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, AND INSTRUCMENT LIGHTS STOP WORKING. THE "TAIL LAMP" FUSE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BLOWN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10058203
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
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2003
Electrical System
ONE BY ONE MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE ALL FAILED. THEY HAVE FAILED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND HAVE CAUSED A GREAT INCONVENIENCE AND USE OF MY TIME TO KEEP GETTING THEM FIXED. I KNOW OF OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE ARE TONS OF INTERNET SITES WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS. WHY HASN'T A RECALL BE…
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ONE BY ONE MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE ALL FAILED. THEY HAVE FAILED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND HAVE CAUSED A GREAT INCONVENIENCE AND USE OF MY TIME TO KEEP GETTING THEM FIXED. I KNOW OF OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE ARE TONS OF INTERNET SITES WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS. WHY HASN'T A RECALL BEEN ISSUED?*JB
NHTSA ODI #10049275
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
17,180 miles · Sep 24, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKE FAILURE INVOLVING 2002 NISSAN XTERRA.*MR THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE SITUATION BE INVESTIGATED UNDER NISSAN XTERRA ROTOR FAILURE ACTION # DP03-005 OPENED 7/11/03. *CB
NHTSA ODI #10040595
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA THAT HAD BRAKE SQUEALS SINCE ABOUT 9000 MILES. I HAVE REPEATEDLY TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED/INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SQUEAL IS A RESULT OF THE TYPE OF BRAKES AND THAT THEY WERE JUST COLD. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE BRAKES SQUEAL ALL THE TIME. I WAS THEN TOLD ON ANOTHER VISIT …
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I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA THAT HAD BRAKE SQUEALS SINCE ABOUT 9000 MILES. I HAVE REPEATEDLY TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED/INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SQUEAL IS A RESULT OF THE TYPE OF BRAKES AND THAT THEY WERE JUST COLD. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE BRAKES SQUEAL ALL THE TIME. I WAS THEN TOLD ON ANOTHER VISIT THAT IT WAS THE DRIVE BELT AND NOT THE BRAKES. AFTER THIS SERVICE THE SQUEAL WAS STILL THERE. I TOOK IT BACK YET AGAIN AND THEY DID ANOTHER BRAKE INSPECTION AND SAID THAT WHEN I DO MY BRAKES THEY WILL HAVE TO SPIN THE ROTORS AND THIS SHOULD FIX THIS. THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS FIX SINCE IT'S BEEN ON GOING FOR ALMOST A YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #10039139
Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2003
Service Brakes, Air
ON 09/10/03, WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKING FAILURE WITH LOSS OF ALL PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. FORTUNATELY, THIS DID NOT RESULT IN A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TAMAROFF NISSAN WHERE ANALYSIS WAS PERFORMED AND THE FOLLOWING EXPLANATION OFFERED: I WAS TOLD THAT THROUGH NOR…
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ON 09/10/03, WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKING FAILURE WITH LOSS OF ALL PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. FORTUNATELY, THIS DID NOT RESULT IN A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TAMAROFF NISSAN WHERE ANALYSIS WAS PERFORMED AND THE FOLLOWING EXPLANATION OFFERED: I WAS TOLD THAT THROUGH NORMAL WEAR ON THE BRAKE PADS THE METAL-TO-METAL CONTACT CREATED EXCESSIVE HEAT CAUSING THE CALIPERS TO SEIZE THE ROTOR CREATING DAMAGE TO BOTH THE ROTOR AND CALIBERS RESULTING IN A MAJOR LOSS OF FUNCTION. AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS OF GREATER THAN $940.00 WAS PROVIDED. I AM QUESTIONING THIS EXPLANATION AND AM REQUESTING FORMAL INVESTIGATION NOT ONLY DUE TO THE EXPENSIVE REPAIR, BUT THE POTENTIAL FOR MAJOR SAFETY IMPLICATIONS IF THIS IS IN FACT A PART OF NORMAL WEAR AT 25,000 MILES. I AM REQUESTING THAT THIS SITUATION BE INVESTIGATED UNDER THE ONGOING NHTSA INVESTIGATION OF NISSAN XTERA ROTOR FAILURE ACTION NUMBER DP03-005 OPENED 07/11/03. I FIND THE EXPLANATION DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT IN AS MUCH AS THE EVENT OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING ONLY APPROXIMATELY 1,000 FEET ON THE PROPERTY OF WILLIAM BEAUMONT HOSPITAL. IT IS IMPLAUSIBLE THAT EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SEIZURE OF THE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA INC. PAGE TWO SEPTEMBER 11, 2003 BRAKE CALIBERS ON THE ROTOR. ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP WHEN COMPLAINTS OF A NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT WERE ADDRESSED. IN ADDITION, A BURNING SMELL WAS DESCRIBED AND ADDRESSED. A VEHICLE INSPECTION AT THE DEALERSHIP AT 17,180 MILES WAS ALSO PERFORMED WITH NO INDICATION OF ANY BRAKE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10038699
5,356 miles · Sep 1, 2003
Electrical System
I HAVE SERIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WITH MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSES MY AMP TO BLOW AND STEREO TO DIE. I HAVE BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN OVER 7 TIMES (*CURRENTLY IN DEALERSHIP'S SERV DEPT FOR EXACT SAME PROBLEM) AND MY TRUCK HAS BEEN "OUT OF SERVICE" FOR 23 DAYS (*CURRENTLY IN DEALERSHIP'S SERV DEPT AS WE SPE…
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I HAVE SERIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WITH MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSES MY AMP TO BLOW AND STEREO TO DIE. I HAVE BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN OVER 7 TIMES (*CURRENTLY IN DEALERSHIP'S SERV DEPT FOR EXACT SAME PROBLEM) AND MY TRUCK HAS BEEN "OUT OF SERVICE" FOR 23 DAYS (*CURRENTLY IN DEALERSHIP'S SERV DEPT AS WE SPEAK) SINCE THE PROBLEM ORIGINALLY OCCURRED.THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM FOUND W/IN MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OR STEREO, ONLY AMPS AND FUSES REPLACED (7 TIMES AND COUNTING).*AK
NHTSA ODI #10036994
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2003
Wheels
WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WITHOUT WARNING CONSUMER COULD HEAR A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL. DEALER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
3
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.
2002 Nissan Xterra Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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