NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
72 reports17,980 miles · Aug 4, 2004
Structure
ON THE WAY TO THE BEACH TRAVELING 55 MPH IN MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA, MY SURF BOARD FLEW OFF THE ROO TRACK INTO THE MIDDLE OF ROUTE 1 IN DELAWARE. THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME MANAGED TO AVOID HITTING THE SURFBOARD THAT WAS SITUATED IN THE LEFT LANE OF TRAFFIC. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THE INCIDENT HENCE THE P…
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ON THE WAY TO THE BEACH TRAVELING 55 MPH IN MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA, MY SURF BOARD FLEW OFF THE ROO TRACK INTO THE MIDDLE OF ROUTE 1 IN DELAWARE. THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME MANAGED TO AVOID HITTING THE SURFBOARD THAT WAS SITUATED IN THE LEFT LANE OF TRAFFIC. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THE INCIDENT HENCE THE POLICE WERE NOT INVOLVED. AFTER REMOVING MY SURFBOARD FROM THE HIGHWAY AND INSPECTING DAMAGE TO IT AND THE ROOFRACK CROSSBARS, I NOTICED THE PLASTIC CLASP ON THE CROSSBAR HAD SNAPPED, CAUSING THE SURFBOARD TO FLY OFF THE ROOFOF MY XTERRA. THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, THE DEALERSHIP EVALUATED THE SITUATION AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE RACK HAD "BROKEN FROM STRESS/FATIGUE" AND IS REPLACING IT UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, MY SURFBOARD IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WILL REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THE SURFBOARD, STATING THAT DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10086173
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2004
Visibility
PROBLEMS WITH THE WAY THE DEFOGGER WORKS ON THE 2003 NISSAN XTERRA.*MR THE CONSUMER TURNED ON THE DEFOGGER THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR STARTED TO OPERATE, AS IT SHOULD. BUT WHEN THE CONTROL SWITCH WAS TURNED FORM DEFOGGER THE COMPRESSOR REMAINED ON. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE COMPRESSOR TO TURN OF WAS TO STOP THE VEHICLE, TU…
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PROBLEMS WITH THE WAY THE DEFOGGER WORKS ON THE 2003 NISSAN XTERRA.*MR THE CONSUMER TURNED ON THE DEFOGGER THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR STARTED TO OPERATE, AS IT SHOULD. BUT WHEN THE CONTROL SWITCH WAS TURNED FORM DEFOGGER THE COMPRESSOR REMAINED ON. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE COMPRESSOR TO TURN OF WAS TO STOP THE VEHICLE, TURN IT OFF, THEN TURN IT BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED IN ORDER TO MODIFY THE DEFOGGER SYSTEM SO THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR STOPS OPERATING WHEN THE CONTROL IS MOVED AWAY FROM THE DEFOGGER POSITION. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10079818
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2004
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE AND ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEA…
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WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE AND ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10074401
18,000 miles · May 20, 2004
Air BagsSuspensionCrashInjury
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. A TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT UPPER BALL JOINT ON DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THIS ACCIDENT. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN BALL JOINT FAIL THIS WAY BEFORE. *AK *NM
NHTSA ODI #10067379
7,100 miles · Mar 4, 2004
Electrical System
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA WITH 7400 MILES ON IT. ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2004, I ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOWS AND ALL FOUR WINDOWS WERE POWERLESS. I CALLED CONICELLI NISSAN SERVICE IN CONSHOHOCKEN, PA IMMEDIATLEY AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE THE NEXT DAY (FEBRUARY 26, 2004). DURING THE FIRST SERVICE CHECK, THE TECHNICI…
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I OWN A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA WITH 7400 MILES ON IT. ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2004, I ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOWS AND ALL FOUR WINDOWS WERE POWERLESS. I CALLED CONICELLI NISSAN SERVICE IN CONSHOHOCKEN, PA IMMEDIATLEY AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE THE NEXT DAY (FEBRUARY 26, 2004). DURING THE FIRST SERVICE CHECK, THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE CONCERN AND DID NOT FIX ANYTHING. ON FEBRUARY 27, 2004, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY WINDOWS. THIS TIME MY FRONT, RIGHT, DRIVER-SIDE WINDOW WAS DOWN AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET IT UP. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED CONICELLI, EXPLAINED THE SITUATION, AND DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS TIME THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER AND TECHNICIAN WERE ABLE TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE PROBLEM. THEY HAD TO CONNECT A CHARGE TO THE WIRE TO ROLL THE WINDOW UP. I WAS TOLD TO COME BACK ON MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2004. ON MARCH 1, 2004, THEY REPLACED THE MASTER PANEL SWITCH AND TIGHTEND UP A WIRE THAT WAS APPRARENTLY LOOSE. THE SERVICE WAS DONE FROM THE DIRECTION FROM A NISSAN TECHINCAL CALL. ON MARCH 3, 2004, WHILE I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS FIXED, I ONCE AGAIN ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOWS AND THEY WERE POWERLESS. I CALLED CONICELLI NISSAN AND DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE MY CAR REMAINS TODAY (MARCH 4, 2004). I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP YET. I AM COMPLETELY BAFFLED THAT MY CAR HAS BEEN LOOKED AT THREE TIMES IN SIX BUSINESS DAYS AND MY WINDOWS ARE STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MAYBE THE FOURTH TIME WILL WORK.
NHTSA ODI #10060387
3,600 miles · Mar 3, 2004
Air BagsService Brakes, AirCrashInjury
BRAKE PEDAL FADED TO THE FLOOR,WHILE TRYING TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT.RESULTING IN A THREE CAR ACCIDENT.WHEN I MADE CONTACT WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY ALTHOUGH MY EMPTY PASSANGER SEATS DID.ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS AND THE OFFICERS THAT RESPONDED DID NOT TICKET ME FOR FAILURE TO STOP,NISSAN INSIST…
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BRAKE PEDAL FADED TO THE FLOOR,WHILE TRYING TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT.RESULTING IN A THREE CAR ACCIDENT.WHEN I MADE CONTACT WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY ALTHOUGH MY EMPTY PASSANGER SEATS DID.ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS AND THE OFFICERS THAT RESPONDED DID NOT TICKET ME FOR FAILURE TO STOP,NISSAN INSISTS THAT EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT AND THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN OPERATOR ERROR.SINCE THIS ACCIDENT I HAVE HAD MY STEREO REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY I HAVE HAD WORK DONE ON MY STEERING COLUMN DUE TO GRINDING NOISES AND BOTH MOTORS IN MY REAR WINDOWS ARE FAILING AND NEED TO BE REPLACED,AND THIS IS JUST WITH 7200 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE, NOT TO MENTION THAT EVERY TIME I GET OUT OF THE CAR THE BRAKES SMELL HOT AFTER ASHORT OR LONG DRIVE AND WHEN I GET IN IT THE SQUEAL AND GRIND UNTIL THEY GET NICE AND HOT AND START TO SMELL.AND ALL THIS IS OPERATING WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW IS THE 12.5 MILES PER GALLON THAT I'M GETTING CONSIDERED TO BE NORMAL ALSO? I'M HAPPY TO SEE THAT THERE IS A WEB SITE LIKE THIS THAT PROTECTS PEOPLE LIKE ME AND THE OTHERS THAT PURCHASED THESE ALL TOGATHER LOW QUALITY,OVERPRICED, NOT TO MENTION DANGEROUS CARS.AND JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE FACT THAT THERE IS NO RECOURSE,IT MAKES MY DAY!!*AK
NHTSA ODI #10060232
Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2004
Structure
TICKING NOISE COMING FROM TOP REAR OF DRIVER DOOR (SEAL) AND HEAD-LINER RIGHT ABOVE DRIVER'S SEAT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10058997
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2003
Air BagsCrash
WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, THE DRIVER TRIED TO AVOID A CRASH BY HITTING A WALL HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT WITH THE WALL, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10047773
3,700 miles · Nov 7, 2003
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FAILURE IN A FRONT END COLLISION AT SPEEDS OF 30-40 MPH. DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHILE THE EMPTY PASSENGERS DID. COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE RESULTING IN A THREE CAR ACCIDENT. 2003 NISSAN XTERRA 3,700 MILES. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10045652
1,000 miles · Oct 13, 2003
Electrical SystemVisibility
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT WINDOWS OF MY NISSAN XTERRA, I BOUGHT THE CAR TWO MONTHS AGO AND THE FRONT WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING TWICE ALREADY. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW REGULATORS IN THE XTERRAS AND THAT NISSAN DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL OR EVEN HAS A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM O…
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I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT WINDOWS OF MY NISSAN XTERRA, I BOUGHT THE CAR TWO MONTHS AGO AND THE FRONT WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING TWICE ALREADY. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW REGULATORS IN THE XTERRAS AND THAT NISSAN DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL OR EVEN HAS A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM OTHER THAN HAVING TO CHANGE THE SAME PART OVER AND OVER. AS WE ALL KNOW WE BUY NEW CARS FOR THEIR DEPENDABILITY NOT BECAUSE WE LIKE THE PAYMENTS! *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041694
Official recalls
3Nov 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.
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.
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
1DP03005 · 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.