Nissan Xterra Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Nissan Xterra? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Nissan Xterra — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Excellent | — | 8 | — | — | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2014 | Excellent | — | 5 | — | — | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2013Best | Excellent | — | 1 | — | — | — | Service Brakes | Full report → |
| 2012 | Excellent | 1 | 6 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2011 | Excellent | — | 9 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2010 | Excellent | 4 | 31 | 6 | 3 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2009 | Excellent | 3 | 12 | — | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2008 | Good | 4 | 88 | 5 | 5 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2007 | Avoid | — | 423 | 2 | 4 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2006 | Avoid | 1 | 561 | 14 | 23 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2005Worst | Avoid | 2 | 594 | 4 | 6 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2004 | Good | 2 | 57 | 5 | 7 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2003 | Good | 2 | 47 | 14 | 7 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2002 | Avoid | 2 | 129 | 17 | 37 | 45 | Steering | Full report → |
| 2001 | Good | 2 | 106 | 9 | 11 | — | Visibility | Full report → |
| 2000 | Good | 3 | 127 | 12 | 13 | — | Fuel System / Gasoline | Full report → |
16 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Nissan Xterra Problems
Based on 2,204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Xterra Years to Avoid
Best Xterra Years to Buy
Nissan Xterra Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Nissan Xterra Reliability
What year Xterra has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2005 Nissan Xterra had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 594 complaints and 2 safety recalls. See the full 2005 report for specific defects.
Is the Nissan Xterra reliable?
The Nissan Xterra has accumulated 2,204 owner-filed complaints and 26 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 45 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2013 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Xterra.
What are the most common Xterra problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Power Train (550 reports), Fuel System / Gasoline (379 reports), Engine And Engine Cooling (247 reports), Engine (193 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Xterra has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Nissan Xterra VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Nissan Xterra VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily