2004 Nissan Xterra recalls and problems

The 2004 Nissan Xterra has 2 safety recalls and 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
84
Crashes / fires
10 / 3
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Nissan Xterra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Nissan Xterra recalls

Recall 10V-554: Steering

Reported Nov 11, 2010 · 500,552 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 04V-581: Trailer Hitches

Reported Dec 15, 2004 · 131 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accessory tow hitch attachment bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.

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.

2004 Nissan Xterra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering21
Suspension12
Electrical System11
Engine8
Power Train6
Fuel System, Gasoline6
Engine and Engine Cooling6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Visibility5
Unknown or Other5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Vehicle Speed Control4

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Suspension › Rear — 3
  • Steering › Column — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 2
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Nissan Xterra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Jun 9, 2023
My vehicle has been in 3 accidents. Being rear-ended at 70MPH, again six months later at 60MPH, then the forward vehicle slammed their brakes, and I hit them at around 30MPH. In any of these accidents, NONE of my airbags deployed.
Steering · reported Jan 1, 2021
The steering weal it's becoming stiff and is becoming hard to maneuver around and it might affect my driving and I'm scared I might crash and this is the only vehicle I have and own and have no other means to purchase another car. I was heading to work and I tried turning on the corner and it just became hard to steer the steering weal.
Electrical System · at 220,715 miles · reported Aug 4, 2020
When driving my xterra, it loses power and cuts out on me. This is very dangerous and cuts completely off when I'm accelerating. There is a declaration and then the vehicle won't crank or start leaving me stranded. This is not the first time over years that the xterra has cut off on me. All dashboard systems stop completely when it happens. I have no control over the car when it happens.
Power Train · at 168,000 miles · reported May 5, 2020
Coolant in transmission! Bought new in march of 2015. Was driving on I-10 in biloxi and it started smelling like a burnt rubber smell and it started smoking! Pulled over and got out of it! Left me and my daughter stranded on the side of the highway!
Electrical System · reported Oct 7, 2019
Fuel gauge registering improperly. Only shows 3/4 tank upon filling tank full and will not drop upon usage of fuel. Gauge has only dropped once since I have owned the vehicle.

Other Nissan Xterra years

Compare all Nissan Xterra years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Nissan Xterra: 10V-554 (steering), 04V-581 (trailer hitches). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Nissan Xterra?

Owners report steering problems most often (21 reports), followed by suspension (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.