Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
70–25K
2925–50K
1350–75K
2275–100K
11100–150K
3150K+
85 reports with mileage · 65 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.
Visibility. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports5 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
150 reports
100,709 miles · Jul 8, 2014
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE G SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE G SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,709 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,741.
NHTSA ODI #10609033
140,000 miles · May 27, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10594173
110,000 miles · Apr 22, 2014
Engine
EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKS CAUSING EXHAUST GASES/HEAT INTO ENGINE BAY AND CABIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584336
83,000 miles · Jun 15, 2013
Suspension
MY XTERRA WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY ON THURSDAY JUNE 13TH AND AT 2 AM MY ROOMMATES COME KNOCKING ON MY DOOR SAYING MY FRONT END OF MY CAR FELL. I GOT UP AND LOOKED AND SURE ENOUGH IT HAD DROPPED. HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY SAID BOTH TORSION BARS WERE BROKE. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED BECAUSE…
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MY XTERRA WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY ON THURSDAY JUNE 13TH AND AT 2 AM MY ROOMMATES COME KNOCKING ON MY DOOR SAYING MY FRONT END OF MY CAR FELL. I GOT UP AND LOOKED AND SURE ENOUGH IT HAD DROPPED. HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY SAID BOTH TORSION BARS WERE BROKE. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT TOUCH IT. NO CAN BELIEVE THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED, MY XTERRA HAD BEEN SITTING FOR 7 HOURS WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE BOTH BROKE AT THE SAME TIME AND WHILE IT WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519946
87,128 miles · Apr 26, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO SEALED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AS A REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,128 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,130. ..UPDATED 06/28/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR FAILED . THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER THE FAILURE, THEN THE PART WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH THE COST. UPDATED 07/2/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10509699
95,000 miles · Feb 20, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A FLUTTERING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A FLUTTERING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA ODI #10499378
182,000 miles · Nov 26, 2012
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AND AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AND AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
NHTSA ODI #10486011
106,000 miles · Aug 21, 2012
SteeringSuspensionCrash
EXITING ONE FREEWAY (315S) TO ENTER ANOTHER (270W). ON A LIGHT WET GROUND, MY XTERRA SPUN OFF THE ROAD DOING A SPIN (APPROX 360 DEGREES) OFF THE ROAD. THERE WAS A LIGHT RAIN 5-10 MINS PRIOR, I WAS DOING NOR MORE THAN 25MPH ON THE EXIT AND WITHOUT A KNOWN REASON, AND DESPITE TIRES WITH TREAD, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. …
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EXITING ONE FREEWAY (315S) TO ENTER ANOTHER (270W). ON A LIGHT WET GROUND, MY XTERRA SPUN OFF THE ROAD DOING A SPIN (APPROX 360 DEGREES) OFF THE ROAD. THERE WAS A LIGHT RAIN 5-10 MINS PRIOR, I WAS DOING NOR MORE THAN 25MPH ON THE EXIT AND WITHOUT A KNOWN REASON, AND DESPITE TIRES WITH TREAD, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. I PURSCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AND I ATTEMPT NOT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN THE WINTER BECAUSE OF IT NOT BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE ROAD IN THE SNOW. IN ADDITION, IF I HIT A BUMP, THE REAR WHEELS JERK/SKIPS WHEN IT MAKES CONTACT BACK WITH THE GROUND. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10471804
67,000 miles · Sep 6, 2011
Electrical SystemVisibility
I OPENED CASE # [XXX] WITH NISSAN REGARDING THE FAILURE OF ALL FOUR WINDOW REGULATORS IN THE NISSAN XTERRA I PURCHASED FROM NISSAN OF BOURNE (MA) IN 2000 ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD. THAT IS WHERE THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED AND USED AND ONLY HAS 67K MILES ON IT. THE WINDOWS HAVE BEEN ACTING UP FOR QUITE SOME TIME (MANY YEARS) NOW AND THE V…
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I OPENED CASE # [XXX] WITH NISSAN REGARDING THE FAILURE OF ALL FOUR WINDOW REGULATORS IN THE NISSAN XTERRA I PURCHASED FROM NISSAN OF BOURNE (MA) IN 2000 ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD. THAT IS WHERE THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED AND USED AND ONLY HAS 67K MILES ON IT. THE WINDOWS HAVE BEEN ACTING UP FOR QUITE SOME TIME (MANY YEARS) NOW AND THE VEHICLE IS PRIMARILY USED ONLY IN THE SUMMER. THERE WAS A WINDOW REGULATOR WARRANTY EXTENSION (PU307) ISSUED ON THIS VEHICLE AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM. NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS REJECTED THE CLAIM SINCE IT IS BEYOND THE WARRANTY EXTENSION PERIOD EVEN THOUGH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM SINCE IT ONLY APPLIED TO "WARM WEATHER" STATES. I'D LIKE TO ESCALATE THIS CLAIM TO ENCOURAGE NISSAN TO PICK UP THE COST OF PARTS AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD THE WINDOW GET STUCK IN THE UP OR DOWN POSITION. THERE ARE NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10423990
160,000 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND MAKING A TURN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND CUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND MAKING A TURN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
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 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.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE DOES NOT MEET THE SEALING PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AND WHEN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE IS BEING SOLD, FUEL COULD SPILL FROM THE FILLER INLET AS THE TANK IS BEING FILLED. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DECEMBER 10, 2002. 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
2
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.
PE02052 · Fuel Spill During Refueling
Opened Jun 20, 2002 · Closed Dec 3, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
2001 Nissan Xterra Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year