Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
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.
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
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 148 of 157 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 94 of 157 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.
Engine & cooling
33 complaint records2 fire reports3 crash reports
"WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL IN TRAFFIC. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK..."- 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 →
Brakes
28 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH..."- 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 brakes parts in the directory →
Steering
22 complaint records6 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. ALSO, WHEN BRAKING IT TENDS TO PULL ON EITHER SIDE MAKING IT HARD TO CONTROL. *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 steering 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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP03005 opened Jul 2003 | closed Jul 2003 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | BRAKE 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... |
| EA02020 opened Aug 2002 | closed Mar 2003 | Air Bags | DRIVER'S AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILURE - led to recall 03V061000 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... |
| PE02038 opened Mar 2002 | closed Aug 2002 | Air Bags | DRIVER'S AIR BAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION |
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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10V554000 | Steering | 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,... | Normally free |
| 04V230000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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... | Normally free |
| 03V061000 | Air Bags | 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. | Normally free |
| 02V299000 | Suspension | 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. | Normally free |
| 02V298000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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... | 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.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010402 2010-11-12 | Steering | 14,407 | On certain vehicles, corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit the movement of the joint. |
| 2004151 2004-05-06 | Fuel System | 21,145 | On 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... |
| 2003045 2003-02-21 | Airbag | 4,487 | On certain vehicles, 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... |
| 2002204 2002-11-13 | Engine | 770 | On certain supercharged vehicles, the amount of intake air flow through the air flow meter may exceed the maximum preset diagnosis limit value which would cause the engine control system to go into the failsafe mode. |
| 2002206 2002-11-13 | Brakes | 10,844 | On 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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB09-131C Apr 2026 | Structure | CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. | |
| NTB13-107G May 2024 | Electrical System | VEHICLE 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/Wiper | WINDSHIELD 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/Wiper | REMOVING 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/Wiper | WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB08-097L Sep 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS 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. | |
| NTB23-049 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | 12 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 System | SILICONE-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 System | VEHICLE 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 System | INTELLIGENT 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 | Structure | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028H Feb 2023 | Structure | REMOVING 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 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS 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 | Wheels | WHEEL 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 | Suspension | STRUT 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 | Suspension | STRUT 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 | Visibility | Expiration 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 System | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN WINDOW REGULATOR Service Campaign ID #s PU306 & PU307 are no longer active. ï· - Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PU306 or PU307. | |
| NTB17-026 Mar 2017 | Suspension | BALL 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 Avoidance | SERVICE 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 | Visibility | SERVICE 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 | Back Over Prevention | SERVICE 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 Bags | NISSAN: 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 Bags | SERVICE 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 Lighting | NISSAN: 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 | Wheels | Nissan 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 | Steering | SERVICE 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 | Steering | If 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 System | As 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/Linkages | NISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS | |
| NTB99001A Mar 2013 | Suspension | SERVICE 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 | Tires | NISSAN: 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 | Equipment | NISSAN: 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 System | NISSAN: 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 Lighting | EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. *KB | |
| 06009 Feb 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *AK | |
| 02120A Nov 2005 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT | |
| 99022 Oct 2005 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| 04133 Feb 2005 | Visibility | AUTO-DIMMING ELECTROCHROMIC (EC) MIRROR DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| 04002A Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION 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 | Suspension | TORSION BAR SPRING CAUTION. *TT | |
| 04083 Jul 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUPERCHARGER NOISE AT IDLE AND LACK OF POWER. *TT | |
| 04009 Jan 2004 | Power Train | OIL LEAK FROM FRONT OF TRANSFER CASE. *TT | |
| 03123 Dec 2003 | Electrical System | HARNESS REPAIR KIT AVAILABILITY. *TT | |
| 03118 Dec 2003 | Visibility | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN WINDOW REGULATOR FOR UNEXPECTED OR DIFFICULT OPERATION OF THE WINDOWS. *TT | |
| NTB99022C Aug 2003 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| 03050 May 2003 | Equipment | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - JACKING POINT OWNER'S MANUAL UPDATE. *TT | |
| 03037 Apr 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | SURGE OR NO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION UPSHIFT WITH AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL DEVICE (ASCD - CRUISE CONTROL) ON. *TT | |
| 03018 Feb 2003 | Electrical System | SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND/OR DASH ILLUMINATION ARE INOPERATIVE AND FUSE 39 IS OPEN. *TT | |
| 03003 Jan 2003 | Structure | ROOF RACK DECAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 02120 Dec 2002 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT | |
| 02017B Sep 2002 | Interior Lighting | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1491. *TT | |
| NTB02035A Sep 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING MANUAL TRANSFER CASE DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| NTB02017A Sep 2002 | Unknown Or Other | ON SOME VEHICLES, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1491 SET. *TT | |
| NTB02079 Jul 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT DIMLY LIT. *JG | |
| NTB02080 Jul 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING ABS WARNING LIGHT DIMLY LIT. *JG | |
| NTB02054 May 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING DRIVERS SIDE FRONT FLOOR CARPET TORN. *JG | |
| NTB02044 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING COOLANT LEAK FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD WATER OUTLET. *JG | |
| NTB02035 Mar 2002 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH MANUAL TRANSFER CASE NOISES. *JB | |
| NTB02003A Mar 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON VG33 SUPERCHARGER MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0103 WITH LOW POWER.*JB |
Showing 60 of 67 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.
- 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.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 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.
- 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 →