IllustrationHAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON HAD XTERRA FOR ONLY 26 DAYS FIND OUT IT IS EMISSIONS PROBLEM NO HELP FROM DEALER. *NM
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
What owners actually said
157 reportsTHE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING ON MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. I FOUND THAT THE CAR HAD A RECALL. NISSAN AND IT'S DEALERS REFUSE TO MAKE THE REPAIR, CLAIMING THAT THEY HAD ALREADY DONE SO FOR A PREVIOUS OWNER IN 2003. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE WEARING SEATBELTS. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTI…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE WEARING SEATBELTS. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
VEHICLE: 2002 NISSAN XTERRA SE TAIL LIGHTS, FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, DASH PANEL ILLUMINATION FAILED DUE TO WIRE CHAFING BEHIND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT MARKER LIGHT. THE BACK OF THE BULB SOCKET FOR THE FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHT PINCHES IT'S CONNECTION WIRE AGAINST THE HEAD OF A 10MM SCREW LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE BULB SOCKET. …
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VEHICLE: 2002 NISSAN XTERRA SE TAIL LIGHTS, FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, DASH PANEL ILLUMINATION FAILED DUE TO WIRE CHAFING BEHIND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT MARKER LIGHT. THE BACK OF THE BULB SOCKET FOR THE FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHT PINCHES IT'S CONNECTION WIRE AGAINST THE HEAD OF A 10MM SCREW LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE BULB SOCKET. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BULB SOCKET AND THE CHASSIS SCREW. THE SIDE MARKER LIGHT IS MOUNTED IN THE TOP EDGE OF THE FRONT BUMPER WHERE IT WRAPS AROUND THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE BUMPER MOVES UP AND DOWN WHEN THE ROAD SURFACE IS NOT SMOOTH, WHICH CAUSES THE WIRE TO BE RUBBED AGAINST THE HEAD OF THE CHASSIS SCREW, WHICH WEARS THE INSULATION FROM THE WIRE AND RESULTS IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT BETWEEN THE DAMAGED WIRE AND THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SHARE THE FUSE WHICH ALSO PROTECTS THE TAIL LIGHTS, SO WHEN THE SHORT OCCURS THE TAIL LIGHTS BECOME INOPERATIVE. UNTIL WE FINALLY FOUND THE PROBLEM, MY DAUGHTER HAD TO DRIVE HOME AT NIGHT WITHOUT TAIL LIGHTS ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED, SHE WAS STOPPED BY A POLICE OFFICER BECAUSE HER TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I INSPECTED THE SIDE MARKER LIGHT ON THE OPPOSITE (PASSENGER) SIDE OF THIS VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT WAS MUCH MORE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BULB SOCKET AND THE CHASSIS. *JB
2002 XTERRA DIED WHILE DRIVING. FUEL SENDER CORRODED AT THE PUMP AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TS THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE ISSUE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED NISSAN DEALER IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE FREE. THE CONSUMER PROCEED TO HAVE THE WORK DONE BY HER LOCAL MECH…
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2002 XTERRA DIED WHILE DRIVING. FUEL SENDER CORRODED AT THE PUMP AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TS THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE ISSUE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED NISSAN DEALER IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE FREE. THE CONSUMER PROCEED TO HAVE THE WORK DONE BY HER LOCAL MECHANIC INSTEAD. *JB
THE VEHICLE LEFT A COUPLE LARGE PUDDLES WHILE PARKED. DEALER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A COMPLETELY FAILED REAR SHOCK, DUE TO CORROSION, AND RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OR RISK DIMINISHED HANDLING. AT 37,500 MI, THE 2002 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY SO BOTH REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EX…
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THE VEHICLE LEFT A COUPLE LARGE PUDDLES WHILE PARKED. DEALER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A COMPLETELY FAILED REAR SHOCK, DUE TO CORROSION, AND RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OR RISK DIMINISHED HANDLING. AT 37,500 MI, THE 2002 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY SO BOTH REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *JB
PREMATURE FAILURE OF HEAD GASKET ON 2002 NISSAN XTERRA 4WD. CAR IS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE COOLANT AND ONLY 3 YRS OLD. NISSAN DEALER WANTS SOMEWHERE AROUND $3000 TO REPAIR. NISSAN USA MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY CANNOT ASSIST ME. CAR NOW HAS ONLY 70,000 MILES BUT THE PROBLEM EXISTED WAY BEFORE. DEALER TOLD ME T…
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PREMATURE FAILURE OF HEAD GASKET ON 2002 NISSAN XTERRA 4WD. CAR IS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE COOLANT AND ONLY 3 YRS OLD. NISSAN DEALER WANTS SOMEWHERE AROUND $3000 TO REPAIR. NISSAN USA MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY CANNOT ASSIST ME. CAR NOW HAS ONLY 70,000 MILES BUT THE PROBLEM EXISTED WAY BEFORE. DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY SMELLED ANTI-FREEZE LEAK WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR A 30,000 MILE MAINTENANCE BUT THEY NEVER PUT IT IN WRITING AND NEVER MENTIONED IT AGAIN. *JB
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS WAS A REAR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON BEFORE THE CRASH TO INDICATE AIR BAG FAILURE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE ALSO HIT A FIRE HYDRANT. UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB
ELECTRIC WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING, WINDOW STAYS IN THE OPEN POSITION, RIGHT FRONT WAS REPAIRED, RIGHT REAR ALSO BROKE IMMEDIATELY AFTER, NOT YET REPAIRED, WINDOWS ARE RARELY USED SO THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR OR MILEAGE FACTOR, DEALER SAID MANUFACTURER WOULD COVER UP TO 60K SO NISSAN KNOWS THE PART IS DEFECTIVE …
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ELECTRIC WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING, WINDOW STAYS IN THE OPEN POSITION, RIGHT FRONT WAS REPAIRED, RIGHT REAR ALSO BROKE IMMEDIATELY AFTER, NOT YET REPAIRED, WINDOWS ARE RARELY USED SO THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR OR MILEAGE FACTOR, DEALER SAID MANUFACTURER WOULD COVER UP TO 60K SO NISSAN KNOWS THE PART IS DEFECTIVE (THEY SELL AN "ALL-WINDOW" REPAIR KIT BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY WILL ALL FAIL), A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE REPAIRED EQUALLY FOR ALL OWNERS. *NM
DT: 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONSUMER STATES ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2005 VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT, AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO CORRECT IT, NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. IT WAS RAINING AND THE ROAD WAS WET. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE MEDIAN WALL ON THE TURNPIKE. THE VEHICLE TURNED OVER AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A…
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DT: 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONSUMER STATES ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2005 VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT, AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO CORRECT IT, NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. IT WAS RAINING AND THE ROAD WAS WET. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE MEDIAN WALL ON THE TURNPIKE. THE VEHICLE TURNED OVER AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP, AND THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THERE HAS BEEN NO INDICATION AS TO WHY THIS OCCURRED, NO ONE HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR ABRASIONS ON LEGS AND ARMS, WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN TOE ,AND BACK AND BREASTS WERE BOTHERING HER. *AK
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.