2004 Nissan Xterra

▲ Better than typical

2004 Nissan Xterra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:11:32.013Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2004: 84 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	0
2000	214
2001	150
2002	157
2003	72
2004	84
2005	845
2006	780
2007	557
2008	119
2009	19
2010	38
2011	24
2012	16
2013	4
2014	10
2015	10

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 20%

20% of complaints: steering — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I took my xterra to get inspected 12/27/2024. I was informed I have a recall on this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241227

ENGINE 10%

10% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY STARTER 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. I HAVE ALL OF THE RECEIPTS TO SHOW ALSO. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY RADIATOR BECAUSE OF A CRACK NEAR THE CAP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150520

Water pump went out replace water pump motor blown

NHTSA ODI report, 20250605

SUSPENSION 8%

8% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY STARTER 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. I HAVE ALL OF THE RECEIPTS TO SHOW ALSO. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY RADIATOR BECAUSE OF A CRACK NEAR THE CAP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150520

2004 XTERRA HAD BEEN LOW ON RADIATOR FLUID AND NEEDED TOPPING UP EACH WEEK, THEN EACH DAY. AFTER FILLING WITH WATER AND COOLANT NIGHT BEFORE CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT ON HWY. CAR SAT IN SUN ALL DAY, THEN OVERHEATED IN TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180524

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20050103 — trailer hitches

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCESSORY TOW HITCH ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE TOW HITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 3, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Campaign 04V581000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070817 — equipment

CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476

Remedy: HOPKINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WITH A REVISED HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT HOPKINS AT 800-835-0129.

Campaign 07E046000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20101213 — 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, TH

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 NIS

Campaign 10V554000 — check if this car was fixed