Nissan Xterra Recalls

The Nissan Xterra has 20 recalls spanning the 2000–2011 production run, with the most serious being a steering column defect on 2002–2004 models where corrosion in the lower steering column joint can cause the shaft to break during low-speed maneuvers, resulting in complete loss of steering control.

The 2010–2011 era has a pair of airbag-related issues: on 2008–2011 models, the resin emblem on the driver's airbag cover can crack and break free during deployment, sending a fragment toward occupants, and on a narrow band of 2010 models, the passenger front airbag may deploy in an unintended direction in a crash. A separate 2010 issue involves the steering shaft positioning bracket fasteners, which can loosen over time and eventually fall out, leaving the steering column unsupported. On 2008 models, the anti-lock brake and stability control actuator was assembled with extra ball bearings in the valve, which can block brake fluid flow and reduce braking force at one or both front wheels, lengthening stopping distances. Also on 2008 models, a Garmin GPS unit sold as a dealer accessory contains a lithium-ion battery that can overheat and catch fire, and a tire placard lists an incorrect load capacity weight.

Going back to 2005, dealer-installed trailer hitches on those models have welds that can fail and allow a towed trailer to separate from the vehicle without warning. The 2004 model year has a related issue where the tow hitch attachment bolts may not have been tightened properly, which can also cause the hitch to loosen or detach while towing.

On 2002 models, the clockspring electrical connector to the driver's airbag can work loose, causing the airbag warning light to illuminate and potentially leaving the driver's airbag non-functional. A supercharger-equipped 2002 model can also trigger engine failsafe mode under cold, high-demand conditions, cutting power unexpectedly.

The 2001 model year has two issues: a fuel tank inlet shutter valve that can allow fuel to spill during filling under high-temperature or winter-blend fuel conditions, and an ABS sensor seal that can let water into the rear axle housing, corroding the wheel bearing until the wheel assembly separates from the vehicle. The 2000 model year has the most concentrated set of early recalls, including alloy wheels that can develop spoke cracks and fail without warning, a fuel pump terminal that can corrode and stop the pump entirely, and a shift cable locking plate that can break and either trap the transmission in park or allow a mismatch between the gear indicator and the actual gear selected.