This page covers 3 recalls, 38 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Nissan Xterra.
17 mpg combined
13.8 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2010 Nissan Xterra, the dominant complaint patterns center on the airbag system and the powertrain. Owners frequently report airbag warning lights illuminating and, in several cases, describe airbags failing to deploy during collisions. The transmission-cooling system draws a notable cluster of complaints as well, owners describe transmission fluid mixing with coolant, which appears tied to the factory setup where the transmission cooler runs through the radiator. When that cooler fails, fluid crosses between the two systems, and owners report the transmission becoming inoperable as a result. The electrical system rounds out the top complaints, with owners describing various warning lights and intermittent electrical faults, though those reports are more scattered in nature. The radiator-transmission fluid mixing issue is the most consistently described mechanical failure in the powertrain complaints.
38
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Nissan Xterra has 3 recalls, the most serious involving steering shaft bracket fasteners that can loosen over time and eventually fall out completely, leaving the steering column without proper support.
The two remaining recalls both involve the front airbags. On vehicles built between late February and mid-March 2010, a sensor or control module issue can affect the trajectory of the front passenger airbag during a crash, meaning the bag may not deploy toward the occupant as intended. Separately, the resin emblem on the driver's airbag cover can develop cracks and break free when the airbag fires, sending a hard plastic piece into the cabin at the occupant.
At a glance
What can fail
The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may crack and come loose during air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fasteners securing the passenger front airbag module and steering shaft positioning bracket may not have been tightened to proper specifications, potentially causing them to loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace any missing fasteners, then retighten all loose fasteners to proper specifications at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts holding the steering column bracket may not be tight enough. Over time, they can loosen, causing the steering column to rattle and move. If left unrepaired, the bolts could fall out completely, making the steering column shift and affecting your ability to steer.
What the fix does
The dealer will check your steering column and tighten all fasteners to the correct specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
