Nissan Xterra problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 124 owner complaints and 8 recalls on file for the Nissan Xterra (2005–2015). The 2006 Xterra has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
124
Recalls
8
Model years
10
Worst year
2006

Complaints by model year

21200529200625200711200832009112010102011820122201442015
NHTSA complaints per Nissan Xterra model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Nissan Xterra years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2006 Nissan Xterra — 29 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Engine
  2. 2007 Nissan Xterra — 25 complaints; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2014 (2 complaints).

Every Nissan Xterra model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2015 Xterra40000Suspension
2014 Xterra20000Airbags
2012 Xterra80002Transmission & Drivetrain
2011 Xterra100002Airbags
2010 Xterra111024Airbags
2009 Xterra30002Transmission & Drivetrain
2008 Xterra113033Transmission & Drivetrain
2007 Xterra250010Transmission & Drivetrain
2006 Xterra292042Engine
2005 Xterra210201Engine

Most common Nissan Xterra problem areas (all years)

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    35 complaints
  • Airbags
    33 complaints
  • Engine
    28 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    17 complaints
  • Electrical System
    12 complaints
  • Brakes
    8 complaints
  • Suspension
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    5 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    4 complaints
  • Steering
    3 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212024
Complaints about the Nissan Xterra received by NHTSA each month.

Nissan Xterra recalls

  • Recall 23V067000Feb 10, 2023404,690 vehiclesModel years 2008–2011

    Risk: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

  • Recall 12V462000Sep 20, 20122,417 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 11V592000Dec 19, 201114,718 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012

    Risk: If there is an engine oil leak, the engine oil pressure would drop and the engine could seize, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10V517000Oct 28, 2010747,480 vehiclesModel years 2005–2006

    Risk: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10V401000Sep 10, 20107,948 vehiclesModel years 2008–2010

    Risk: Overheated batteries could result in a fire.

  • Recall 10V208000May 14, 201041,649 vehiclesModel years 2010

    Risk: If the collar weld separates, the vehicle handling will deteriorate, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 10V115000Mar 24, 20104,038 vehiclesModel years 2010

    Risk: In the event of a crash, the passenger front air bag deployment trajectory might be affected. The fasteners could possibly come out of the steering column positioning bracket increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10V075000Mar 3, 201080,689 vehiclesModel years 2006–2008

    Risk: This could cause the vehicle to run out of gas and stall in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology