The 2002 Nissan Xterra has 3 recalls, the most serious involving corrosion in the lower steering column joint that can cause the shaft to break and leave the driver with no steering control.
The airbag recall involves a clockspring electrical connector that may not stay fully seated against the driver's airbag module. If it works loose, the airbag warning light comes on and the driver's airbag may not deploy in a crash. On the engine side, this recall only affects supercharged models: under cold conditions with heavy throttle in a low gear, airflow through the meter can exceed the system's calibrated limit and force the engine into a reduced-power failsafe mode.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion in the lower steering column joint can reduce movement, overloading the steering shaft. Continued driving may crack the shaft during sharp low-speed turns.
What the fix does
The steering column shaft and joint are replaced with a redesigned shaft at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The clockspring electrical connector may not stay fully seated on the driver air bag module due to an insufficiently deep retaining groove. If it loosens, the air bag warning light comes on and the driver air bag won't deploy in a crash.
What the fix does
The dealer will install a retaining clip on the clockspring electrical connector to secure it in place.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On supercharged pickup trucks and SUVs, full throttle in low gear when the engine is cold and outside temperature is low may cause intake air flow to exceed the diagnostic limit.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module to correct the air flow measurement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
