Worst 2008 Nissan Xterra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Airbags
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Nissan Xterra.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 43 | 3 | 1 | 112,943 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 23 | — | 1 | 105,520 mi | |
| Airbags | 20 | 5 | 1 | 137,128 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 10 | 1 | 2 | 84,852 mi | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | — | 102,875 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 8 | — | — | 53,721 mi | |
| Brakes | 7 | 1 | — | 78,383 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 6 | 1 | — | 111,600 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Manual Transmission | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Software | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Abs Warning Light | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Nissan Xterra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2008 Nissan Xterra
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~493,327 vehicles.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
Other Nissan Xterra Years
2008 Nissan Xterra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Nissan Xterra reliable?
What are common problems with the 2008 Nissan Xterra?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Nissan Xterra?
How safe is the 2008 Nissan Xterra?
Does the 2008 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2008 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 2008 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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