2009 Nissan Xterra
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
RADIATOR INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSING ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180406
5 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
I took my car to complete Recall NumberPC945, I was told that my car has an issue with the driver side air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE - C1163/B1049 and also another issue related to the driver side airbag that is...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260306
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE STARTED THE ENGINE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130515
3 of 19 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
RADIATOR INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSING ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180406
2 of 19 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR HATCH AND REAR BUMPER WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130410
2 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes.
SAFETY TIMELINE
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THE
Campaign 08V690000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10E019000 — check if this car was fixed
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VE
Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEP
Campaign 10V401000 — check if this car was fixed
Transmission Failures
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driverÂs airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
Campaign 23V067000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Nissan Xterra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V690000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E019000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V401000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V067000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Nissan Xterra reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Xterra?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Xterra have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.