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exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (2)
Steering: column
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 and remedy
Risk: THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Trailer hitches
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCESSORY TOW HITCH ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
Risk and remedy
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE TOW HITCH TO LOOSEN OR SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE TOW HITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 3, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Canadian recalls (2)
Show 2 Canadian recalls
Steering
2010-11-12 · campaign 2010-402
On certain vehicles, corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit the movement of the joint. Limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft and, if the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed manoeuvres that require large steering inputs. In an extreme case, the shaft may break which would result in loss of steering control and could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected column shafts and joints.
Engine
2010-10-28 · campaign 2010-373
On certain vehicles the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) assembly contains an Engine Control Module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and over time the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing. In certain instances, this oxidation could cause engine performance issues (hesitation, rough engine idle, slow start/no-start condition), and engine stalling at low engine speeds which may result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the Engine Control Module (ECM) relay.
Owner complaints (84)
Owners filed 84 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Nissan Xterra (10 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries reported). Among 16 model years of this model, it ranks #8 for the most complaints (median 84).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Steering | 20 | |
| Electrical system | 11 | |
| Suspension | 11 | |
| Engine | 8 | |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 6 | |
| Power train | 6 | |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 5 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Nissan Xterra.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2004 Nissan Xterra 4-DR. | – | – | – | – |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2004 Nissan Xterra version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Xterra 2WD 2.4 L Manual 5-spd | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Xterra V6 2WD 3.3 L Automatic 4-spd | 14 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
| Xterra V6 2WD 3.3 L Automatic 4-spd | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Xterra V6 2WD 3.3 L Manual 5-spd | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Xterra V6 4WD 3.3 L Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 17 | 15 | $5,500 |
| Xterra V6 4WD 3.3 L Automatic 4-spd | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Xterra V6 4WD 3.3 L Manual 5-spd | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.