Worst 2004 Nissan Xterra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Nissan Xterra.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 17 | 1 | — | 106,308 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 8 | — | — | 139,143 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | 147,576 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | — | — | 127,368 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 5 | — | — | 93,564 mi | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | 154,750 mi | |
| Airbags | 4 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 4 | — | 2 | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering:Column | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension:Rear | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wiring & Fuses | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Manual Transmission | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Xterra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2004 Nissan Xterra
1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~500,552 vehicles.
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.
Other Nissan Xterra Years
2004 Nissan Xterra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2004 Nissan Xterra reliable?
What are common problems with the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
How safe is the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
Does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2004 Nissan Xterra?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Xterra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2004 Nissan Xterra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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