MYRModel Year Report

2004 Nissan Xterra

▲ Better than typical
2004 Nissan Xterra
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:55:22.629Z

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

Complaints per year, Nissan Xterra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2004 highlighted. 2000: 214 complaints 2000 2001: 150 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2004: 84 complaints 2004 2005: 845 complaints 2006: 780 complaints 2006 2007: 557 complaints 2008: 119 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2010: 38 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 16 complaints 2012 2013: 4 complaints 2014: 10 complaints 2014 2015: 10 complaints 2015
2004: 84 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
2000214
2001150
2002157
200372
200484
2005845
2006780
2007557
2008119
200919
201038
201124
201216
20134
201410
201510

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STEERING 25%

25% of complaints: steering — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and tie rod assembly.

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

SUSPENSION 14%

14% of complaints: suspension — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and leaf spring assembly.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and fuses and circuit breakers.

FIRE 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

Also filed under ENGINE

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

Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

ENGINE 10%

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

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Water pump went out replace water pump motor blown

NHTSA ODI report, 20250605

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 7%

7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly.

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Nissan Xterra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V581000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E046000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10V554000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2003 ● 2008

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2006 ■ 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 Nissan Xterra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Nissan Xterra is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Xterra?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.