Safety ratings
2003 Nissan Xterra 4-DR.
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlOptional
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (3)
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 04V230000 · 24/05/2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
Risk: IF CORROSION OCCURS, THE TERMINAL STRIP COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP OPERATION. THIS WILL RESULT IN NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: IN THE FOLLOWING STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT. THESE STATES ARE CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- SUSPENSION:REARCampaign 02V299000 · 12/11/2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR AXLE HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE SEALING OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN CORROSION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE WHEEL BEARING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE FOR WATER INTRUSION AND ANY AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. THE ABS SENSOR WILL BE RESEALED TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- STEERING:COLUMNCampaign 10V554000 · 11/11/2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 FRONTIER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001 THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 2004, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2004, XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001, THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2005. OVER TIME CORROSION MAY FORM IN THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN JOINT AND LIMIT MOVEMENT OF THE JOINT. THE LIMITED MOVEMENT OF THIS JOINT MAY CREATE EXCESSIVE LOAD ON THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. IF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, IT MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE SHAFT DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS THAT REQUIRE LARGE STEERING INPUTS.
Risk: THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND JOINT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHAFT OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- STEERING12
- FUEL SYSTEM11
- SERVICE BRAKES11
- GASOLINE10
- AIR BAGS10
- HYDRAULIC9
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
- STRUCTURE7
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/28/2012· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN 09. VEHICLE FAILED EMISSIONS DUE TO PROBLEM WITH EVAC SYSTEM. GASKET AT FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. WITHIN A YEAR, ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THERE WAS ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE EVAC SYSTEM. AFTER $ 862.00 DOLLARS THAT WERE SPENT ON VEHICLE FOR O RING AND GASKET REPAIRS, VEHICLE PASSED EMISSIONS. WITHIN 8 MONTHS, ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON DUE TO EVAC SYSTEM. MECHANIC STATES THAT THERE IS MAJOR CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK AND THAT HE HAS SEEN THE SAME THING ON MANY NISSAN VEHICLES OF THIS AGE DUE TO THE MATERIAL USED TO CONSTRUCT THE FUEL TANK AND BELIEVES THAT IT IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND THAT NISSAN STARTED USING A DIFFERENT MATERIAL ONCE THE PROBLEM WAS KNOWN. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE SMELLS OF GASOLINE AND MECHANIC STATES THAT ANYONE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF VEHICLE COULD CAUSE AN EXPLOSION IF A SPARK WAS CREATED. *TR
- 12/27/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE; THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR AND THE SENDING UNIT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
- 12/15/2004· VISIBILITY
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA AND THE WINDOWS ON THE FRONT AND BACK PASSENGER SIDE ROLL UP AT A SNAIL'S PACE, IF THEY ROLL UP AT ALL. I HAVE HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT AND CAN GET NO ANSWERS.*AK
- 12/08/2004· FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED 04V230000, CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT HE COULD BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED OUT. ALSO WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT REPLACE ANY OF THE PARTS THAT THE RECALL ENUMERATED. THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH THE NISSAN MANUFACTURER. *AK *SC
- 11/29/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFire
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES. AFTER THE LAST REPAIR, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE. *AK
- 11/17/2010· STEERINGCrash
WHILE DRIVING HOME MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA JERKED TO THE LEFT, TAKING ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
- 11/13/2017· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT CASA NISSAN (5855 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TX) PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM) THREE TIMES PREVIOUSLY. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADDED SEALANT TWICE BEFORE; HOWEVER, THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED DURING THE FINAL VISIT. THE REMEDIES FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO NISSAN OF LAS CRUCES (1801 S MAIN ST, LAS CRUCES, NM, 88005), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 28820775. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.
- 11/12/2003· AIR BAGSCrash
WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, THE DRIVER TRIED TO AVOID A CRASH BY HITTING A WALL HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT WITH THE WALL, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
- 11/09/2012· POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE RADIATOR FLUID HAS LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP. *TR
- 11/07/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSCrash
DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FAILURE IN A FRONT END COLLISION AT SPEEDS OF 30-40 MPH. DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHILE THE EMPTY PASSENGERS DID. COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE RESULTING IN A THREE CAR ACCIDENT. 2003 NISSAN XTERRA 3,700 MILES. *LA
- 11/02/2004· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS, THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS AGAIN, MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALER AGAIN WHO TOLD THE CONSUMER TO AIR THE VEHICLE. *JB
- 10/14/2016· AIR BAGSCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
- 10/13/2003· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT WINDOWS OF MY NISSAN XTERRA, I BOUGHT THE CAR TWO MONTHS AGO AND THE FRONT WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING TWICE ALREADY. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW REGULATORS IN THE XTERRAS AND THAT NISSAN DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL OR EVEN HAS A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM OTHER THAN HAVING TO CHANGE THE SAME PART OVER AND OVER. AS WE ALL KNOW WE BUY NEW CARS FOR THEIR DEPENDABILITY NOT BECAUSE WE LIKE THE PAYMENTS! *LA
- 10/10/2020· ENGINE
ENGINE OVERHEATING ALL COOLING PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED STILL OVERHEATING WITH NO KNOWN ISSUE FOUND VERY COMMON IN THE 2000 TO 2004 MODELS AND YET NO RECALLS TO FIX THE ISSUE AND KEEPS BLOWING RADIATOR HOSES
- 09/29/2004· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR RECALL 04V230000 REPAIRS ON THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. AFTER PICKING THE VEHICLE UP, 10 MINUTES LATER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, IT WAS REPAIRED ONCE AGAIN, AND CURRENTLY THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON. DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE CONSUMER FOR A FUEL CANISTER THAT WAS NOT DEFECTIVE AT FIRST.*AK
- 09/26/2022· AIR BAGSCrash
My son missed a sharp turn going approx 40 mph. Went up an embankment, off a 4 ft retaining wall and struck a guard rail with the front passenger side of the xterra. Airbags failed to deploy.
- 09/17/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY HEADLIGHTS JUST WENT OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AT NIGHT. LUCKILY THERE WASN'T ANYONE ELSE AROUND ME ON THE INTERSTATE, BECAUSE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN A REALLY NASTY WRECK. I PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND WIGGLE THE WIRES AND THEY CAME BACK ON. I DROVE HOME AND CHANGED THE LIGHT BULBS, THINK THAT WOULD FIX THEM. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THAT IS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE HEADLIGHT SOCKETS ON MY TRUCK WERE BURT UP. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY HEAT FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. I WENT TO AUTO ZONE AND BOUGHT NEW ONES AND REPLACED THEM. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY SAID BECAUSE MY TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT SOMEONE KNOWS THAT A TRUCK THAT IS ONE YEAR OLD IS ALREADY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ITS HEADLIGHTS. ALSO TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE ISN'T SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS THAT NISSAN PUTS INTO THE CARS.*AK
- 09/14/2004· TIRES
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S REAR TIRE SIDEWALL SPLIT. *AK *SC
- 09/12/2013· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS PUMPING GAS AND IT BACKED UP AND SPLASHED ALL OVER MY EXPOSED SKIN AND CLOTHING. BECAUSE THE FUEL PUMP FUEL LEVEL SENDER IS MALFUNCTIONING GAS SPILLS WHEN I ATTEMPT TO FILL MY TANK. *TR
- 09/09/2005· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
DT: CONTACT STATED 2003 NISSAN XTERRA CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 5-27-05. CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, WITHIN ONE MINUTE THE HOOD WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. SHE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN SHE FIRST SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND THE CORPORATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS CALLED AND SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT, BUT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. DEALER SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. IT DESTROYED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. *AK *NM
- 09/09/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASSIONS TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
- 09/06/2011· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKES FAILED AND THE ABS DIDN'T WORK UNTIL I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE ABS TRIGGERS WITHOUT ANY NOTICE AND HAS CAUSE ME TO MERGE ONTO THE OTHER LANE. CAUSE MY CAR DOES NOT STOP. THE ABS LIGHT DOESN'T GO ON SO THE MANUFACTURER NISSAN TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. AND ITS SITTING AT A LOCAL TRUSTWORTHY MECHANIC SHOP WHERE IT WILL BE FIXED FOR THE SERVICE BRAKES AIR-ANTILOCK BRAKE FAILURE. PLEASE HELP WITH A RAPID RECALL SO MY FAMILY COULD GET REIMBURSED FOR THE HUGE EXPENSE OF FIXING A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. *TR
- 09/06/2011· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ENGAGED. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
- 09/06/2011· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE CAR DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ACCELERATING PROPERLY DUE TO SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM OR GASOLINE DELIVERY THERE IS A VIBRATING SOUND AND VIBRATION COMING FROM THE GAS PEDAL. AND THE GASOLINE SMELL IS TERRIBLE. THE GAS PEDAL IS VERY LOOSE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR AT THIS TIME. *TR
- 09/05/2014· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THE EGR SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
- 08/27/2005· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FRONT RIGHT BRAKE FROZE IN THE "ON" POSITION WHILE DRIVING IMPEDING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING CAPACITY. BRAKE ALSO CAUSED SMOKE. THIS OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. AFTER FIRST OCCURRENCE THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AND BRAKING CYLINDER SEEMED TO BE WORKING. AFTER SECOND OCCURRENCE THE BRAKE CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. *JB
- 08/26/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SINCE 2006, SENSOR LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND OFF. IN 2008 FAILED EMISSION INSPECTION DUE TO SENSOR LIGHT. HAD REPAIRED BY A STATE CERTIFIED REPAIR FACILITY, AS REQUIRED BY STATE OF MASS, FOR SENSOR AND CAT CONVERTER IN MAY 2008. IN AUG 2008 SENSOR LIGHT CAME BACK ON. HAD RESET - WAS SAME ISSUE THAT WAS REPAIRED IN MAY 2008. *TR
- 08/07/2021· STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump power steering abs O2 sensors yes it's available for inspection upon requests car shut off while driving at 70 miles an hour on a highway due to fuel pump because my VIN number is not with all the other 2003 Nissan xterra's that have recalls on all of the same problems I have just for some reason my car has zero recalls which is ridiculous and not believable so yes my life was put at risk I took it to an independent service my mechanic because I can't take it to a dealer because all the parts that are broken and that need replacement that have been recalled on every other 2003 does not apply to my VIN so I've had to pay for labor and parts and the headache that I could have had this all replaced and fixed due to the recall and I would have taken it to the dealership immediately after purchasing the car in 2019 and since the previous owner didn't have any recalls why would he bother either I will not pass inspection if they do not fix this evap O2 sensor and now my fuel pump I would like to be reimbursed on that was purchased through Nissan dealership the gauge is no longer working just put in brand new part so I would like someone from the dealerships take a look at my car and replace everything that's wrong with it with every other 2003 Nissan Xterra regardless of my VIN number and I have check engine light on forever for evac leak replace catalytic converters exhaust system O2 sensors power steering fuel pump ABS sensors I would just like to take the best care of this vehicle that I can and that would be done through the dealership replacing all of the recalled parts on this make model of the Xterra 2003 3.3 l V6 non supercharged. The vehicle stalled while driving due to the fuel pump check engine light's been on for EVAP code for the fuel tank cap gas cap small leak and O2 sensors which I've been replaced but codes are still there no code has popped up pertaining to fuel pump car died at 70 miles an hour on a Thruway at midnight not fun.7Codes remaining
- 08/07/2003· TIRESCrash
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH THE CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES. WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT STATED THE REAR RIGHT TIRE BLEWOUT. GENERAL GRABBER AW P265/70R16. *AK BRAKES AND STEERING WERE INOPERABLE PRIOR TO TIRE BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *PH *JB
- 08/04/2004· STRUCTURE
ON THE WAY TO THE BEACH TRAVELING 55 MPH IN MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA, MY SURF BOARD FLEW OFF THE ROO TRACK INTO THE MIDDLE OF ROUTE 1 IN DELAWARE. THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME MANAGED TO AVOID HITTING THE SURFBOARD THAT WAS SITUATED IN THE LEFT LANE OF TRAFFIC. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THE INCIDENT HENCE THE POLICE WERE NOT INVOLVED. AFTER REMOVING MY SURFBOARD FROM THE HIGHWAY AND INSPECTING DAMAGE TO IT AND THE ROOFRACK CROSSBARS, I NOTICED THE PLASTIC CLASP ON THE CROSSBAR HAD SNAPPED, CAUSING THE SURFBOARD TO FLY OFF THE ROOFOF MY XTERRA. THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, THE DEALERSHIP EVALUATED THE SITUATION AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE RACK HAD "BROKEN FROM STRESS/FATIGUE" AND IS REPLACING IT UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, MY SURFBOARD IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WILL REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THE SURFBOARD, STATING THAT DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
- 08/02/2005· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2003 NISSAN XTERRA DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. *JB
- 07/25/2011· STEERING
WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY CAR GOT HARD TO MANEUVER. I PULLED VERY HARD. I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE HOSE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING LIQUID IS POURED. AND IT COSTS ME $ 500 TO REPAIR MY CAR. I THINK IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT IN THE STEERING FLUID HOSE. *TR
- 07/09/2009· TIRES
PURCHASED MASTERCRAFT COURSER A/T2 265/70R16 TIRES 9/13/2007, TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR SHIMMY, WAS INFORMED THAT BELTS IN TIRES SHIFTED, BROUGHT TO TOWN FAIR TIRE IN WESTFIELD, MA. BALANCED TIRES SENT ME ON MY WAY, WENT BACK 2 WEEKS LATER FOR SAME PROBLEM, WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY CONCERN, HOWEVER IT STILL COST ME $322.01 WITH OLD TIRES BEING PRORATED. I ONLY HAD 12000 MILES ON THE TIRES AND IF IT WAS A SAFETY CONCERN SHOULDN'T THE TIRES BEEN COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY. I DID CHECK FOR RECALLS DIFFERENT SIZE TIRE HAD A RECALL FOR BELT SHIFTING IN TIRE, HOWEVER THIS SIZE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL. I FEEL THIS IS A PROBLEM AND I AM VERY UPSET THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE PROBLEM WITH COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. SO IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS I HAD TO SPEND ALMOST $900.00 WITH ONE SET BEING PRORATED ON TIRES.... VERY CONCERNED VERY UPSET. PLEASE NOTE THIS WAS A PROBLEM ON MORE THAN ONE TIRE. *TR
- 07/04/2014· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINECrash
WE WERE DRIVING ON VACATION AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT STARTED BACK UP AND THEN AFTER A COUPLE OF MILES STOPPED AGAIN. WE WERE STRANDED AND DIDN'T GET HOME FOR THREE DAYS.I HAVE TAKE CODES OFF THE ENGINE AND IT SHOWED A 0462 CODE. WENT BACK TO GET XTERRA WITH A CAR DOLLY AND DOLLY BROKE AND CAR CAME UNDONE. THIS UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF A BAD SENDING UNIT. *TR
- 07/02/2009· SUSPENSION
2003 NISSAN XTERRA, REAR AXLE FELL OFF DURING DRIVING. 6-27-09 BY CHANCE WE GOT OUT OF LINE TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE, AND DRIVE INTO A DRIVE-THRU, AS WE TURNED IN, WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST POWER OF THE TRUCK, WE WERE ABLE TO DRIFT INTO A PARKING SPOT THE REAR AXLE AND STILL ATTACHED TO THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE WERE IN THE PARKING SPOT NEXT TO US. *TR
- 06/28/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHEN FUELING MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA GAS UNEXPECTED BACK WASHES OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER. I WAS COVERED IN GAS ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND SURROUNDING GROUND. A RECALL WAS FOR THE 2001 NISSAN XTERRA FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE THE RECALL TO COVER THE 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE PROBLEM AND PART FAILURE IS IDENTICAL IN BOTH CASES. THE FAILING PART IS THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE. *TR
- 06/26/2014· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
RADIATOR IS FALLING OUT OF TRUCK ,DUE TO SERIOUS RUST ON FRAMING, HOOD LATCH IS STARTING TO BREAK FREE HOOD COULD FLY UP ONTO WINDSHIELD . *TR
- 06/23/2004· VISIBILITY
PROBLEMS WITH THE WAY THE DEFOGGER WORKS ON THE 2003 NISSAN XTERRA.*MR THE CONSUMER TURNED ON THE DEFOGGER THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR STARTED TO OPERATE, AS IT SHOULD. BUT WHEN THE CONTROL SWITCH WAS TURNED FORM DEFOGGER THE COMPRESSOR REMAINED ON. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE COMPRESSOR TO TURN OF WAS TO STOP THE VEHICLE, TURN IT OFF, THEN TURN IT BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED IN ORDER TO MODIFY THE DEFOGGER SYSTEM SO THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR STOPS OPERATING WHEN THE CONTROL IS MOVED AWAY FROM THE DEFOGGER POSITION. *NM
- 06/19/2007· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCESS HATCH ABOVE THE GAS TANK SEAL IS CORRODED SO BADLY, THAT IT WILL NOT FILL PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS EMISSION VAPORS IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND ON JUNE 17, 2007, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE GAS TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WILL COST $1,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 129,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,425.
- 06/12/2016· ENGINE
JUNE 12 2016 AT THE TRI-PAR IN SLINGER, WI I WAS FILLING UP THE GAS TANK, WHEN GAS BEGAN SPILLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED IT AFTER I NOTICED IT. THE STATION ALONG WITH THE SLINGER FIRE DEPARTMENT ESTIMATED A GALLON WAS SPILT. IT APPEARS THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK NECK HAS RUSTED OUT. THEY DEEMED THE VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND RECOMMEND WE HAVE IT TOWED HOME, WHICH WE DID.
- 06/11/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP). A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000.
- 06/08/2006· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2003 XTERRA BRAKES FAILED TO STOP CAUSING CONSUMER TO RUN A RED LIGHT. *TS THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED ON MAY, 21, 2004. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORN, THE RIGHT INNER PAD CAME OUT OF HOLDER FROM METAL CONTACT WITH THE ROTOR CAUSING CALIPER PISTON TO JAM INTO INSIDE OF RIGHT FRONT ROTOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AND RIGHT FRONT CALIPERS. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED ON APRIL 15, 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DID A COMPLETE BRAKE FLUID EXCHANGE TO REMOVE CONTAMINANT FROM BRAKE LINES. *NM THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE MOVED WITH NO FORWARDING ADDRESS. UPDATED 07/03/06. *JB
- 06/04/2012· STEERING
I WAS NEGOTIATING A CURVE WITH AROUND 45 MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE STARTED TURNING TO THE RIGHT SIDE, I PANICKED AND TRIED TO STEER IT TO THE LEFT ,AND THE VEHICLE TOOK A U TURN AND CAME TO A STOP FACING THE INBOUND VEHICLES. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS AND I MANAGED TO TAKE DRIVE IT AGAIN. IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSES IT. IT WAS REALLY SCARY AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. PLEASE ADVICE. THANKS *TR
- 05/30/2012· STEERING,STRUCTURE,WHEELSCrash
I DROVE THE VEHICLE ON A FREEWAY UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH ONE FINISHED NEW PAVEMENT LANE. WHEN I WAS CHANGED THE OTHER OLD LANE TO THE NEW ONE, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY GOT OUT OF CONTROL AND SPUN FROM ONE LANE TO THE OTHER AND ENDED IN THE MIDIUM BUMPED INTO BARRIERS. LATELY I CONTACTED WITH NISSAN AND QUESTION IF THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL R1037. THEY DENIED. *TR
- 05/27/2004· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSCrash
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE AND ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
- 05/20/2004· SUSPENSION,AIR BAGSCrash
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. A TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT UPPER BALL JOINT ON DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THIS ACCIDENT. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN BALL JOINT FAIL THIS WAY BEFORE. *AK *NM
- 05/08/2007· VISIBILITY
THREE OF THE POWER WINDOWS ON THE 2003 NISSAN XTERRA HAVE CEASED FROM FUNCTIONING. THE ONLY WINDOW FUNCTIONING WAS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. *AK
- 04/24/2014· ENGINE
DURING A DRIVE HOME FROM A WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY, MY XTERRA BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. A FAINT POP, LIKE A BACKFIRE, HAPPENED. AFTER I HEARD THE NOISE, A CONSISTENT TICKING OR PINGING SOUND STARTED COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF MY XTERRA. THE SOUND IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ACCELERATION. ONCE I GOT HOME, I STARTED TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE ONLINE. FOUND THAT 2000-2004 XTERRAS HAVE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKING DUE TO WEAK MATERIAL. I AM AN ACTIVE MEMBER ON WWW.CLUBXTERRA.ORG AND MANY OTHER MEMBERS REPORT THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS QUITE A SET BACK FOR MOST PEOPLE AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE IF IT IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF IN A TIMELY MANNER. NISSAN SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING FAULT AND ISSUE A RECALL. EVERYONE I KNOW THAT OWNS AN XTERRA HAS OR HAD THIS ISSUE. *TR
- 04/21/2011· STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING:COLUMN), THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE STARTER SYSTEM WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
- 04/21/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA 4WD. IT HAS 55,000 MILES AND ONLY BEEN SERVICED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP. I NOTICED A SWEET SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR WAS WARM SO WHEN I TOOK IN FOR OIL CHANGE ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT. TOLD ME THE HEADS WERE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE GROUND DOWN, NEW GASKET, BELTS AND SPARKPLUGS D/T THE HEAD LEAKING. THIS IS THE SECOND HEAD GASKET PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH A NISSAN I'VE OWNED. THE OTHER ONE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A FREAK THING. I BELIEVED THEM, AND HAD NO PROBLEM BUYING ANOTHER NISSAN. NOW SAME PROBLEM AND I HAVE TO PAY $2,250.00 FOR REPLACEMENT. NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY. I CONTACTED NISSAN CORP FOR REIMBURSEMENT ON THIS. IM STILL WAITING FOR A REPLY, BUT AFTER SEARCHING THE NET I SEE THAT THIS IS A FAMILIAR PROBLEM WITH NISSAN. I WILL NOT BE BUYING ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT. *TR