If you’re looking for a superb off-road-ready SUV, you can never go wrong with a Nissan Xterra. The automaker halted its production in 2015, but the SUV continues to be a top choice among used vehicles thanks to its affordable pricing, heavy-duty off-road suspension, and innovative cargo features. The Xterra’s resale value is also great, with its 2015 model only depreciating 32% after five years.
The Nissan Xterra enjoys above-average scores on major reliability ratings. RepairPal gave it a 3.9 out of 5.0, while Consumer Reports gave the SUV a 3 out of 5. The 2015 Nissan Xterra received an above-average rating for dependability and resale value from J.D. Power. It also scored well in driveability ratings, which made it a top contender in its segment when it was first rolled out.
While the Nissan Xterra is undoubtedly one of the most reliable SUVs you can find, this doesn’t mean that it won’t develop issues as it racks up mileage. Here are the most common Nissan Xterra problems across model years:
Many Xterra owners have reported noticing inaccurate fuel gauge readings (e.g., the gauge reading shows that the tank is half full when it’s running on empty) due to a failing fuel level sensor. This typically leads to engine stalling, which increases the risk of road accidents.
This issue is common among many 2001-2011 Nissan Xterra vehicles. The automaker has recalled specific 2006-2008 Xterra units to resolve this fuel gauge problem.
Radiator leaks have been reported by owners of many 2005 Nissan Xterras. According to the drivers of affected vehicles, the leaks may persist even after screwing on their SUV’s radiator cap tightly.
If this problem is detected early, you may only need to repair the lower intake manifold to solve the issue. However, radiator leaks that aren’t addressed immediately may cause engine overheating and eventually lead to transmission failure.
Transmission failure is another top problem for many units belonging to the 2005 model year. This is usually a result of a radiator leak. When engine coolant mixes with the transmission fluid, it creates a milkshake-like discolored mixture. The combined fluids speed up corrosion in the transmission, causing it to slip or overheat.
Replacing your transmission is complex and costly, so it’s best to keep an eye out for radiator leaks to avoid this issue. Nissan didn’t issue any recalls related to this problem, but the automaker extended the warranty of the model’s radiator. Unfortunately, many owners weren’t able to take advantage of the extended warranty since most transmission issues appeared much later than 75,000 miles.
The long list of 2005 Nissan Xterra common problems won’t be complete without discussing the timing chain issues that affect some units of this model year. Drivers of the affected vehicles have reported noticing whining noise coming from the engine before the component stopped working.
If not addressed, issues involving the Xterra’s timing chain tensioners, guides, and shoes can cause engine rattling and acceleration problems. In the worst cases, they may even contribute to engine failure.
This problem was so common that a class-action lawsuit was filed against the automaker. Nissan agreed to cover $450 of the total repair cost for this issue. However, this only covered Xterra’s with less than 100,00 miles.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may have to replace your timing chain or the whole engine to solve the issue. Repairs can cost you over $2,000 on parts and labor.
Drivability issues due to faulty fuel injectors are also common across several Nissan Xterra model years. Bad fuel injectors may cause engine misfires. You may notice a decrease in your engine’s performance, hesitation when accelerating, and excessive vibrations when one of your ride’s fuel injectors starts failing.
In most cases, the check engine light activates once it detects issues caused by a bad fuel injector. However, it may not illuminate if a corroded or clogged connector within the fuel injector caused the problem.
Fuel injector failure affected many units belonging to the 2000-2004 Nissan model years. Replacing the faulty part solved the issue on most affected vehicles.
Several 2000 and 2002 Nissan Xterra owners have also complained about engine misfires due to a clogged exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The affected valves were usually clogged with carbon, which caused moderate to severe engine misfires when speeding up. Cleaning the EGR valve and valve passages usually solved the issue.
Problems with 2004 Nissan Xterra headliners seem minor compared to other issues involving critical systems like the engine or transmission. However, a headliner that sags, peels off, and falls down can wrest your attention from the road.
Some 2004 Nissan Xterra reviews report that the headliner problem can get worse. When owners drive with a window open, the sagging headliner flaps around. They recommend replacing the faulty interior accessory.
Now that we’ve covered some of the worst years and issues, what is the best year for the Nissan Xterra? Many drivers consider the 2015 model year the best in terms of performance, reliability, and relative modernity. The earlier 2012 and 2014 Nissan Xterra also get good marks.
As long as you’re aware of the potential problems you may encounter with your Xterra, buying one should come with a little risk. If you’d like to know if the model you want to buy is part of any recall, you can check out our guide or visit the NHTSA site for more information.
The Nissan Xterra may be reliable, but it isn’t perfect. If you want to keep driving your Xterra for a long time, you’ll have to give it the proper TLC it needs, including addressing any common problems that might pop up. This is where CarParts.com comes in. Whether you’re looking for a new fuel level sensor, timing chain tensioner, or EGR valve, you can find one at CarParts.com.
At CarParts.com, we offer a wide selection of aftermarket brands, available at different price points. This means you can get what you want at the price you want. If that still doesn’t sound like a good deal, you’ll be pleased to know that CarParts.com also offers fast shipping. After placing an order, you can expect your new Nissan Xterra parts to arrive in as fast as two business days. Just be sure to order by 12 PM ET.
Don’t wait until your Nissan Xterra starts acting up before replacing faulty parts. Check out our selection of high-quality fuel level sensors, timing chain tensioners, EGR valves, and headliners at CarParts.com and order today!
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
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Any oil leak issues ours seems to have a leak that multiple mechanics over the yrs are still scratching there heads