2001 Nissan Xterra

150 federal complaints (197 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 69 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 16 model years of the Nissan Xterra →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
17 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
150
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Glass & wipers
43
Fuel system
33
Engine & cooling
20
Electrical system
20
Wheels
11
Brakes
9
Air bags
8
Body & structure
7
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 17 complaints01 years old: 15 complaints2 years old: 38 complaints3 years old: 19 complaints4 years old: 10 complaints5 years old: 10 complaints56 years old: 5 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 1 complaints9 years old: 4 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 2 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 143 of 150 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 4 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 17 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 16 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 13 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 19 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 5 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 5 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 83 of 150 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Glass & wipers

43 complaint records1 fire report
"HEARD A SAND ON GLASS SOUND WHEN ROLLING UP MY 3 OF MY WINDOWS AND NOW DRIVER, PASSENGER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Fuel system

33 complaint records
"FUEL SENDING UNIT THAT WAS REPLACED ON 4/25/2005 DUE TO RECALL OF POSSIBLE CORROSION FAILURE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

20 complaint records
"SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM NISSAN, HOT AIR FROM THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY POURS THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM AND INTO THE CABIN AREA, EVEN WHEN THE AIR IS TURNED OFF. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP03005
opened Jul 2003
closed Jul 2003Service Brakes, HydraulicBRAKE ROTOR WARPAGE
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...
PE02052
opened Jun 2002
closed Dec 2002Vehicle Speed ControlFUEL SPILL DURING REFUELING - led to recall 02V300000

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V230000Fuel System, GasolineON 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...Normally free
02V300000Fuel System, GasolineON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE DOES NOT MEET THE SEALING PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION.Normally free
02V299000SuspensionON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2004151
2004-05-06
Fuel System21,145On certain vehicles, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel sending unit can develop a crack. When exposed to heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, if road salt enters the crack, the terminal strip will corrode and eventually could...
2002205
2002-11-13
Fuel System739On certain vehicles, the fuel tank inlet shutter valve may not meet the sealing performance specification. Under certain conditions, fuel may spill from the filler inlet as the tank is being filled.
2002206
2002-11-13
Brakes10,844On certain four wheel drive vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the ABS sensor in the axle housing. This may result in corrosion and eventually failure of the wheel bearing.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB13-107G
May 2024
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB09-081K
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028I
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-019H
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB16-003C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
StructureWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
StructureREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001F
Dec 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001e
Feb 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
PU306 - 2001 Alt
Feb 2020
VisibilityExpiration Notification - Window Regulator Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 2003, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2001 Model Year Altima and 2001-2002 Model Year Nissan Frontier and Xterra vehicles in specific states (Nevada, Texas,...
NTB03-118a
Feb 2020
Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN WINDOW REGULATOR Service Campaign ID #s PU306 & PU307 are no longer active.  - Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PU306 or PU307.
NTB17-026
Mar 2017
SuspensionBALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY PROCEDURE SERVICE INFORMATION When working on the front suspension, use the updated service information in this bulletin along with the Electronic Service Manual (ESM). The updated information in this bulletin is a correction and a supplement to the ESM.
NTB09131B
Apr 2016
Forward Collision AvoidanceSERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met.
NTB13028A
Nov 2015
VisibilitySERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool.
NTB00042D
Jan 2015
Air BagsSERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death.
NTB-08-055-A
Jan 2014
Air BagsNISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE
NTB08055C
Jan 2014
Air BagsSERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle.
NTB-03-074-C
Nov 2013
Exterior LightingNISSAN: EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. OCCASIONALLY WATER IS NOTICED IN THE EXTERIOR LAMPS. THIS IS GENERALLY NOT DUE TO A DEFECT. ALL CURRENT EXTERIOR LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE VENTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOT SEALED).
NTB92123D
Aug 2013
EquipmentNissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards.
NTB00033E
Jul 2013
WheelsSERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a.
NTB04094A
Jul 2013
WheelsIf YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin.
NTB98018G
Jun 2013
Electrical SystemAs part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked.
NTB-13-038
Apr 2013
Latches/Locks/LinkagesNISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS
NTB99001A
Mar 2013
SuspensionSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.
NTB-09-101
Sep 2010
TiresNISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB
NTB-09-129
Sep 2010
EquipmentNISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW...
NTB-09-030
Apr 2009
Electrical SystemNISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
03030
Apr 2007
Exterior LightingEXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. *KB
02120A
Nov 2005
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT
99022
Oct 2005
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
04133
Feb 2005
VisibilityAUTO-DIMMING ELECTROCHROMIC (EC) MIRROR DIAGNOSIS. *TT
04002A
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH MULTIPLE FRONT/REAR O2 SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0134, P0154, P0140, P0160, P0132, P0152, P0138 AND P0158. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACED 04002 DATED 02/05/2004. *TT
04091
Aug 2004
SuspensionTORSION BAR SPRING CAUTION. *TT
03118
Dec 2003
VisibilityVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN WINDOW REGULATOR FOR UNEXPECTED OR DIFFICULT OPERATION OF THE WINDOWS. *TT
NTB99022C
Aug 2003
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
03050
May 2003
EquipmentVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - JACKING POINT OWNER'S MANUAL UPDATE. *TT
052303
May 2003
EquipmentNISSAN NET BROADCAST MESSAGE REMINDING DEALER PRINCIPALS, PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS THAT TSB #NTB02-031 PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REPAIR AFFECTED VEHCLES THAT HAVE VERY WARM AIR COMING OUT THE VEHICLES' AIR VENTS, ONCE THE APPLICABLE SYMPTOMS ARE CONFIRMED. *TT
03037
Apr 2003
Vehicle Speed ControlSURGE OR NO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION UPSHIFT WITH AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL DEVICE (ASCD - CRUISE CONTROL) ON. *TT
03018
Feb 2003
Electrical SystemSIDE MARKER LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND/OR DASH ILLUMINATION ARE INOPERATIVE AND FUSE 39 IS OPEN. *TT
03003
Jan 2003
StructureROOF RACK DECAL REPLACEMENT. *TT
02120
Dec 2002
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT
NTB02035A
Sep 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING MANUAL TRANSFER CASE DIAGNOSIS. *TT
NTB02092
Sep 2002
Unknown Or OtherTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420 CATALYST SET. *TT
NTB02080
Jul 2002
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING ABS WARNING LIGHT DIMLY LIT. *JG
NTB02054
May 2002
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING DRIVERS SIDE FRONT FLOOR CARPET TORN. *JG
NTB02044
Apr 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING COOLANT LEAK FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD WATER OUTLET. *JG
NTB02035
Mar 2002
Power TrainCONCERNS WITH MANUAL TRANSFER CASE NOISES. *JB
02031
Mar 2002
EquipmentWARM AIR FROM VENTS WITH AC/HEATER OFF AND FRESH-AIR MODE SELECTED. *TT
NTB02019
Feb 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING BEARING NOISE FROM TRANSFER CASE AREA. *YD
NTB02020
Feb 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING KNOCKING NOISE ABOVE IDLE (800-1100 RPM). *YD
NTB01083
Nov 2001
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING PULL DURING BRAKING. *JG
NTB01033A
Oct 2001
Fuel SystemSUBJECT REGARDING FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING FOR VEHICLES WITH ROUGH IDLE, HESITATION OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300 - P0306 STORED. *TT
NTB01057
Aug 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT PERTAINING TO REVISED MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.*JB
NTB01049
Aug 2001
StructureSOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 5N1ED28T31C520354 MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK OR POP NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR FLOOR PAN. *TT

Showing 60 of 69 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  2. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Xterra →