KnownCarProblems2004 Nissan Xterra Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 84 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Nissan Xterra, most often about the steering (24% of complaints, typically around 83,000 miles). It is 8th of 16 Xterra model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2004 Nissan Xterra problems
Steering
20 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: column, linkages.
After repairing steering column problem (recall id# 10v554000) less than one year, the gear box cracked and power steering fluid drained causing power steering lost function. I think gear box cracked problem is related to the steering column problem. I have contacted Nissan dealer and regional office but they denied…
Tl contact owns a 2004 Nissan Xterra. The contact received recall campaign 10v554000, steering column. According to the recall the steering column shaft and joint were to be replaced with a shaft of a different design. The dealer replaced the lower shaft and joint, but the vehicle is still not steering properly. The…
Engine
14 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
Tl 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 coming from the same…
The lower radiator support bar for my Nissan Xterra has rusted out. This causes the main radiator to sink which has since hit the main fan. Only replacement is to replace the entire radiator brace. As a main structure component of the vehicle this should not be rusting out.
Fuel system
12 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 135,500 miles. Parts named most often: storage.
Flange around the fuel sending unit is corroded and fumes are escaping from the gas tank every time I fuel up my vehicle. Many xterras have this issue. I believe it should be a recall.
June 12 2016 at the tri-par in slinger, wi I was filling up the gas tank, when gas began spilling out of the vehicle's wheel well. I immediately stopped it after I noticed it. The station along with the slinger fire department estimated a gallon was spilt. It appears the gas tank neck has rusted out, causing the…
Electrical
11 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 69,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, alternator/generator/regulator.
2004 Xterra had been low on radiator fluid and needed topping up each week, then each day. After filling with water and coolant night before car began to overheat on hwy. Car sat in sun all day, then overheated in traffic. Had towed to work on it. Replaced split radiator hose where dripping occurs and refilled car…
I took my vechicle to ace auto and he claim he fixed it gave me a list the second time but not the first time it sat there for a year than I got it out for 2 months back in again its goes real slow back fires now and sterring wheel locked one day now its acting like it dont have power to it.everytime you go sppeed…
Suspension
11 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 108,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
I took my vechicle to ace auto and he claim he fixed it gave me a list the second time but not the first time it sat there for a year than I got it out for 2 months back in again its goes real slow back fires now and sterring wheel locked one day now its acting like it dont have power to it.everytime you go sppeed…
I have replaced my starter 3 times. My brake lights have a short or faulty wiring I'm sure because we have replaced the bulbs several times. I have gotten tickets because of this as a result I have a expired brake tag I cant get a new one because the wiring will cost to much. My uv joint broke while I was driving on…
Transmission
6 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 6,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
The automatic transmission shift is very wobbly, and there is a squeaky sound coming from the floor on the right side of the vehicle. It was taken to the dealer on six occasions, but nothing was resolved.
Vehicle was parked in driveway. There was a slight grade that went to the street. Consumer opened the driver's side door, put left foot on the clutch, turned the key, and vehicle rolled backward. Consumer expected the vehicle to jilt forward and stall when foot was removed from the clutch , but instead, it jilted…
Brakes
6 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 33,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
There were no indicators or events to lead up to a catastrophic brake failure in my 2004 Nissan Xterra. Vehicle was purchased new from dealer, has only 55,000 mi of usage, for local driving/round trip to work. Brake line cracked, fluid leaked which was an extremely unusual occurrence. I do not drive on lunar…
Follow up to odi complaint number 10289404. Nissan completed replacing break line on 10/25/09. There were no events leading to first failure, nor events leading to 2nd failure. Vehicle picked up driven short distance home from dealer; parked, not used. On 10/26, started vehicle for trip to work, brake pedal sunk…
Visibility and wipers
5 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: rearview mirrors/devices, power window devices and controls, glass, side/rear, windshield.
2004 Xterra has been in the shop for various reason. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer for one problem the vehicle was returned to the consumer with a defective right door. The radio also does not work. When the power window was rolled down the consumer heard a grinding noise. The left and right front window…
Rear window busted out on it's own. There was no one touching it or anything. My wife was getting out nephew out of the back seat and the window busted out,spreading pieces of glass all over the back inside and outside of the vehicle. I want the glass replaced free of charge and someone needs to check and see what…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Nissan Xterra recalls
Steering: column
Risk: The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: trailer hitches
Risk: This could cause the tow hitch to loosen or separate from the vehicle which could result in a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the tow hitch. The recall began on january 3, 2005. Owners should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, the accessory tow hitch attachment bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2004 Nissan Xterra
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (20 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles); engine (14 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles); fuel system (12 complaints, typically around 135,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 11, 2010 (steering). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Nissan Xterra?
- It is 8th of 16 Xterra model years by number of complaints, with 84 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.