2004 Nissan Xterra problems
Owners have filed 110 complaints about the 2004 Nissan Xterra with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 19.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of suspension at 10.9%.
Complaints110
Crashes12
Fires4
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 19.1% · 21
Suspension 10.9% · 12
Electrical system 10.0% · 11
Engine 7.3% · 8
Fuel system, gasoline 5.5% · 6
Engine and engine cooling 5.5% · 6
Power train 5.5% · 6
Visibility 4.5% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the Nissan Xterra in this data, 2004 draws comparatively few complaints; 2005 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 9 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 62,640 miles.
In owners' own words
After repairing steering column problem (recall id# 10v554000) less than one year, the gear box cracked and power steering fluid drained causing power steering lost function. I think gear box cracked problem is related to the steering column problem. I have contacted Nissan dealer and regional office but they denied the relationship of the problem. Steering · reported at 83,000 miles
The steering weal it's becoming stiff and is becoming hard to maneuver around and it might affect my driving and I'm scared I might crash and this is the only vehicle I have and own and have no other means to purchase another car. I was heading to work and I tried turning on the corner and it just became hard to steer the steering weal. Steering
Steering binds when coming to complete left turn, will not return when moving forwrd unless manually assisted, now steering gear starting to leak. Steering · reported at 94,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…