10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
97,196 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #6

Feb 082015

Xterra

  • 245,000 miles
The vehicle started to sputter and the ABS and airbag lights started to come on. When the gears shifted up, it started to resist acceleration and losing transmission power. Started to shift down and coast. Pulled over to the side and the vehicle shut off. Would not start back up.

- Philadelphia, MS, USA

problem #5

Jun 082014

Xterra

  • 145,000 miles
The distributor has ball bearings under the solenoid and photo for cam sensor that comes apart and goes every where internally. It caused me to go off the highway and almost got hit by a trucker when it completely stopped my car with out warning of any kind on the highway. There was no sensor indicator until I turned the car off and it only registered the crankshaft sensor after the car was turned of an on to figure out what was wrong. It almost caused my whole electrical system to burn out as well. Please look into this and pull the material certifications and builds of material for the internal items of this, especially the ball bearing that came apart. This is the most common malfunctioning item on this model and year. I'm an industrial and build inspector at century fasteners Corp. Please review this as it could be fatal to some one who dose not know how to control a situation like this. Please and thank you, [xxx] 2002 Nissan Xterra and all related model engines. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- York , SC, USA

problem #4

Sep 122011

Xterra

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated the alarm on the vehicle activated constantly; however, there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified and offered any assistance. The failure mileage was 78,000.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #3

Jul 012011

Xterra

  • 90,000 miles
My 2002 Xterra engine stalls when at idle speed, it starts back but will stall almost everytime I stop at a light, stop sign or in traffic. Engine light does not come on and there is no codes. I spoke to a Nissan dealership and when I asked them about a recall on the 2004 model for this problem that has to do with the ipdm relay, they said that is probably what is wrong with mine. The dealership also said there is an ongoing campaign for this issue with the 2002 model. I have already had it in the shop for this problem had spark plugs, distributor, plug wires, fuel filter, maf sensor and the throttle body replaced $1300 later I still have the same problem.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #2

Oct 152003

Xterra

  • miles
One by one my 2002 Nissan Xterra window regulators have all failed. They have failed during inclement weather and have caused a great inconvenience and use of my time to keep getting them fixed. I know of other owners who have had the same problem. There are tons of internet sites with the same complaints. Why hasn't a recall been issued?

- Ft. Worth, TX, USA

problem #1

Jun 062002

Xterra 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,175 miles
Problems with the car starting. First problem car died just after starting. Odometer trip and a @ B had been set back to zero and car stereo presets all erased. Next morning car would not start. Waited an hour, car started. Took in they adjusted the idle. The car was fine otherwise. This was just over one month ago. Yesterday went to leave work car wouldn't start. No power then I got the radio to work. They got the car started, then shut off to see if the problem was still there. It was. Wouldn't start. Called towing, but after banging on my steering wheel, car would start. I drove to Nissan who now after 9 hours three technicians can find nothing wrong and they say you can come pick up your vehicle. Unless they witness the problem there is nothing they can do. Said next time leave it alone and call them and they will have it towed. This Nissan has only been service through the dealer.

- San Diego, CA, USA