VehicleVerdict

2004 Nissan Xterra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Nissan Xterra sits mid-pack among Xterra years: 110 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 97, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (21), engine (14), and electrical system (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

110

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Xterra years?

Xterra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Xterra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Nissan Xterra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2119%
Engine1413%
Electrical System1312%
Fuel System1211%
Suspension1211%
Brakes65%
Transmission65%
Visibility & Wipers55%
Other55%
Speed Control44%
Tires & Wheels44%
Airbags44%
Body & Structure22%
Lighting11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have recalls?

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

10V554000SteeringNovember 11, 2010 · 500,552 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

07E046000OtherJuly 3, 2007 · 3,500 units

Defect

CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING OF WIRES BETWEEN THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER AND THE TOWING VEHICLE WIRING SYSTEM.

Consequence

THIS HARNESS WOULD RESULT IN POWER FROM THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOING TO THE TOWING VEHICLE DASH LIGHT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS RESULT WOULD BE THE LACK OF TRAILER BRAKING WHEN THE TOWING VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. IT WOULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOWING VEHICLES DASH LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TRAILER BRAKE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED ABILITY TO STOP AND CONTRIBUTE TO A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy

HOPKINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WITH A REVISED HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT HOPKINS AT 800-835-0129.

04V581000Trailer HitchDecember 15, 2004 · 131 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCESSORY TOW HITCH ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AROUND A BEND WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SUDDENLY FLIPPED DRIVER SIDE UP. THE CONTACT AND ALL THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 14, 2010 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN XTERRA. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE THEN NOTICED FLAMES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 26, 2008 · fire

“THERE WAS A BREAK-IN OF MY CAR AND THE DOME LIGHT WAS LEFT ON. THE DOME LIGHT APPARENTLY SHORT-CIRCUITED AND BURNED OFF. THE HOT LIGHT FELL ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT. THE TRUCK IS NOW TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 5, 2005 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE WHEN THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE LEAF SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 16, 2015

“WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS AN ENGINE FIRE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT A FAULTY FUEL CLAMP WAS USED WHICH DISENGAGED, CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 23, 2004 · fire

2004 Nissan Xterra — common questions

Is the 2004 Nissan Xterra reliable?

It is close to typical for the Xterra: 110 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Xterra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (21 complaints), engine (14 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints).

Does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Nissan Xterra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.