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 84 of 84 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 61 of 84 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.
Steering
21 complaint records1 crash report
"STEERING BINDS WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE LEFT TURN, WILL NOT RETURN WHEN MOVING FORWRD UNLESS MANUALLY ASSISTED, NOW STEERING GEAR STARTING TO LEAK...."- 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 →
Engine & cooling
14 complaint records2 fire reports
"WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS AN ENGINE FIRE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT A FAULTY FUEL CLAMP WAS USED WHICH DISENGAGED, CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CONTACTED THE DEALER. *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 →
Suspension
12 complaint records
"REAR LEAF SPRINGS BROKE ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD. FIRST ONE CRACKED AT 57,000 AND 2ND ONE BROKE AT 64,000 MILES. MECHANIC THOUGHT THAT FAILURE OF THESE WAS PREMATURE AND A SAFETY HAZARD TO DRIVE. *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 suspension parts in the directory →
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 |
| 04V581000 | Trailer Hitches | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCESSORY TOW HITCH ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. | 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. |
| 2010373 2010-10-28 | Engine | 24,207 | On certain vehicles the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) assembly contains an Engine Control Module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. |
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 42 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 | Visibility | 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. | |
| NTB04-095a Oct 2020 | Fuel System | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SIDE FLANGE MOUNTING BOLT Service Campaign ID # P4134 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P4134. | |
| 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. | |
| NTB09099A Apr 2016 | Equipment | IF YOU CONFIRM A refrigerant leak at a refrigerant pipe/hose joint location. ACTIONS 1. Inspect the metal surfaces of the pipe/hose joint for damage or contamination. | |
| NTB09131B Apr 2016 | Equipment | 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. | |
| NTB13088A Sep 2015 | Back Over Prevention | SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition -... | |
| NTB00042D Jan 2015 | Air Bags | 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 | Equipment | 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 | Suspension | 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 | Wheels | 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. | |
| NTB12-035 Apr 2012 | Power Train | NISSAN: ECM REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WITH CONSULT III PLUS. APPLIES TO ALL 2004 AND LATER (DOES NOT APPLY TO LEAF/EV) VEHICLES. *JS | |
| 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-10-052 Apr 2010 | Suspension | NISSAN: THE PROPELLER SHAFT U JOINT (JOURNAL/JOURNAL BEARINGS) IS THE SOURCE OF NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION ON AN APPLIED VEHICLE. DIAGNOSE BY EVALUATING THE U JOINT WITH THE PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVED. REPLACE THE U JOINT (JOURNAL/JOURNAL BEARINGS). *PE | |
| 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 | |
| NTB08-062 Jun 2008 | Seats | SEAT BACK BOARD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION. *NJ | |
| NTB08-049 Apr 2008 | Power Train | NISSAN; SPECIAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID REQUIREMENT. 2004 TO CURRENT NISSAN VEHICLES. *NJ | |
| 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 | |
| 05120 Dec 2005 | Power Train | NO A/T UPSHIFT AFTER HILL WITH ASCD (AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL DEVICE) ON. *TT | |
| 02120A Nov 2005 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT | |
| 04133 Feb 2005 | Visibility | AUTO-DIMMING ELECTROCHROMIC (EC) MIRROR DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| 04095 Sep 2004 | Power Train | FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SIDE MOUNTING BOLT SERVICE CAMPAIGN. *NM SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 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 |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- 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.
- 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.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 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 →