The 2002 Nissan Xterra has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the lower steering column joint, where corrosion can build up over time and cause the steering shaft to break, resulting in a complete loss of steering control.
The driver's airbag circuit also has a concern: the electrical connector that links the clockspring to the airbag module can work loose if the retaining groove holding it in place is too shallow. When that connection separates, the airbag warning light comes on, and the driver's airbag may not fire in a crash. On the performance side, this recall only affects supercharged models: under certain cold-weather, full-throttle conditions in low gear before the engine has fully warmed up, the airflow through the intake meter can exceed the system's calibrated limit, pushing the engine control system into a failsafe mode that cuts power and limits throttle response.