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

Service Brakes, Air complaints

7 reports

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42,000 miles · Jul 25, 2005

Service Brakes, Air

FRONT CALIPERS SEIZED SIMULTANEOUSLY ON MY 2002 X-TERRA 4X4. REPAIRS DONE AT PEP BOYS IN MARCH 2005. TEAM NISSAN STATED THERE WERE NO TSB'S OR RECALLS ON THE FRONT BRAKES, ALTHOUGH OTHER OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF SIMILAR INSTANCES. EVEN PEP BOYS SERVICE MANAGER STATED THEY HAVE REPAIRED SEVERAL X-TERRAS WITH THE SAME BRAKE CO…

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NHTSA ODI #10129958

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2003

Service Brakes, Air

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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

Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2003

Service Brakes, Air

NAR 04/10/2003 THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT NHTSA PLEASE PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE INFORMATION ON HOW AND WHERE SHE CAN OBTAIN PURCHASE PARTS AND PROCEDURE INFORMATION SPECIFIED TO COMPLY WITH RECALL #R2019. WHICH IS IN REFERENCE WITH NISSAN ABS WARNING LIGHTS. *CB

NHTSA ODI #10015657

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2003

Service Brakes, AirCrash

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WHILE DRIVING 55MPH, MY REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FLY OFF, LOSS OF CONTROL, AND OBVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE CAR. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A ABS RECALL FOR THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM, BUT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE RECALL. AFTER 4 WEEKS, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE NISSAN WILL COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT IS ALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE I CAN OR SHOULD PURSUE FOR NEGLIGENCE ON BEHALF OF THE CORPORATION AND THE DEALER. I WAS EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT MYSELF AND MY 2 YEAR OLD WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IN THIS ACCIDENT, AND FEEL SOMEONE SHOULD BE HELD ACOUNTABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10007765

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2003

Service Brakes, Air

THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH

NHTSA ODI #10005933

9,000 miles · Jan 18, 2003

Service Brakes, Air

NISSAN DEALER NEAR MALL OF GEORGIA. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOT BE ABLE TO ORDER REPAIR KIT FOR NISSAN XTERRA 2002 TO FIX THE PROBLEM OF ABS WARNING LIGHT STAY ON.

NHTSA ODI #10002913

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2002

Service Brakes, Air

VEHICLE PULLS RIGHT. YOU NEED TO KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL AT ALL TIMES. TIRES ARE FEATHERING. I WAS DRIVING ON A THREE LAND HIGHWAY. I HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES AND ALMOST TOOK OUT THE CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF ME. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE WERE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON YOUR…

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NHTSA ODI #768781

Official recalls

10V554000 · 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

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.