VehicleVerdict

2001 Nissan Xterra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 197 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Xterra year — the 2001 model ranks #6 of 17 Xterra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (43), fuel system (33), and electrical system (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

197

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Xterra years?

Xterra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted1,175 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 258 complaints2001: 197 complaints2002: 214 complaints2003: 97 complaints2004: 110 complaints2005: 1,175 complaints2006: 1,034 complaints2007: 770 complaints2008: 174 complaints2009: 26 complaints2010: 58 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 15 complaints
Xterra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Xterra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Nissan Xterra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers4322%
Fuel System3317%
Engine2010%
Electrical System2010%
Tires & Wheels158%
Other95%
Brakes95%
Airbags84%
Steering74%
Transmission74%
Body & Structure74%
Lighting63%
Suspension63%
Seat Belts32%
Speed Control21%
Child Seat11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2001 Nissan Xterra have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

04V230000Fuel SystemMay 24, 2004 · 586,196 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

02V299000SuspensionNovember 12, 2002 · 143,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

02V300000Fuel SystemNovember 12, 2002 · 44,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE DOES NOT MEET THE SEALING PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION.

Consequence

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AND WHEN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE IS BEING SOLD, FUEL COULD SPILL FROM THE FILLER INLET AS THE TANK IS BEING FILLED. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DECEMBER 10, 2002. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MAJOR ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH DESTROYED THE ENGINE ROOM HARNESS , SHORTED THE POWER TRANSIISTOR IN THE DISTRIBUTOR, DESSTROYED THE HOOD RELEASE CABLE AND BURNED THE WINDSHIELD WASHER TUBING, AND ALSO MULTIPLE FUSES AND RELAYS.THIS CONDITION OCCURED DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER CRUSHING THE WIRING FOR THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 30, 2007 · fire

“THE XTERRA STARTED MISSING AND HESITATING (ENGINE) EVENTUALLY DYING AND NOT RESTARTING. THE MISSING AND HESITATION OCCURRED WHILE UNDERWAY ON A BUSY 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY, BUT THANKFULLY MADE IT HOME BEFORE DYING AND NOT RESTARTING. MISSING AND HESITATION OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 19, 2021

“THE XTERRA STARTED MISSING AND HESITATING (ENGINE) EVENTUALLY DYING AND NOT RESTARTING. THE MISSING AND HESITATION OCCURRED WHILE UNDERWAY ON A BUSY 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY, BUT THANKFULLY MADE IT HOME BEFORE DYING AND NOT RESTARTING. MISSING AND HESITATION OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 19, 2021

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A WATER HOSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 17, 2011 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO A DITCH BUT THE VEHICLES OCCUPANTS WERE NOT DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER IS LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM AND IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 19, 2004 · crash

2001 Nissan Xterra — common questions

Is the 2001 Nissan Xterra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 197 complaints put the 2001 model at #6 of 17 Xterra years. It is one of the Xterra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Xterra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (43 complaints), fuel system (33 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2001 Nissan Xterra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Nissan Xterra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Nissan Xterra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Xterra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Xterra years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2000, 2002, 2001, 2008. The cleanest record among Xterra years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.