Owners have filed 110 complaints
about the 2004 Nissan Xterra with NHTSA between 2004 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 20
Against the median year of the Nissan Xterra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
910.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
66.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
78.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1213.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1213.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1719.3%
150,000+ miles
1415.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2004peak 5Aug 2025
Recalls on the 2004 Nissan Xterra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
10V554000
STEERING:COLUMN
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.
07E046000
EQUIPMENT
CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING OF WIRES BETWEEN THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER AND THE TOWING VEHICLE WIRING SYSTEM.
Risk: THIS HARNESS WOULD RESULT IN POWER FROM THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOING TO THE TOWING VEHICLE DASH LIGHT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS RESULT WOULD BE THE LACK OF TRAILER BRAKING WHEN THE TOWING VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. IT WOULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOWING VEHICLES DASH LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TRAILER BRAKE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED ABILITY TO STOP AND CONTRIBUTE TO A POSSIBLE CRASH.
04V581000
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201040214,407 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit the movement of the joint. Limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft and, if the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed manoeuvres that require large steering inputs. In an extreme case, the shaft may break which would result in loss of steering control and could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected column shafts and joints.
Recall 201037324,207 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) assembly contains an Engine Control Module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and over time the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing. In certain instances, this oxidation could cause engine performance issues (hesitation, rough engine idle, slow start/no-start condition), and engine stalling at low engine speeds which may result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the Engine Control Module (ECM) relay.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Exeter, PACrash
AIR BAGS
I have been in three accidents, of decent speed, and my airbags never deployed. I was told to report that.
NHTSA complaint #11679591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Exeter, PACrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11526140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,256 milesNewport News, VACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON 9/11/2016, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY 2004 NISSAN XTERRA, THERE WAS A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. I PULLED IN FRONT OF A MAECHANICS BAY AT FIRESTONE IN NEWPORT NEWS, VA. WHILE PARKING MY SUV, WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, THE SUV RAPIDLY ACCELATRED AND DROVE THROUGH THE BUILDING AND BADLY INJURED A MECHANIC STANDING IN THE BAY. I WAS BRAKING AS HARD AS I COULD, AND THE SUV KEPT ACCELARTING AND WOULD NOT STOP. I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. AT THE TIME OF THIS ACCIDNET, THE SUV WAS AT A TOTAL STOP WHILE SHIFITNG IT INTO PARK. IT WAS LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT OF FIRESTONE ON WARWICK BLVD. IN NEWPORT NEWS, VA. THIS VECHILE WAS IN AS NEW CONDITION WITH ONLY A LITTE OVER 12,000 MILES. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING, ANTOTHER VECHILE IN THE BAY, THE DRIVER OF THE SUV, AND SEVERE INURIES TO THE MECHANIC STANDING ON THE FLOOR OF THE BAY. AGAIN, AT NO POINT , WAS THE DRIVERS FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE DRIVER WAS BRAKING THROUGHOUT THIS INCIDENT AND COUD NOT STOP THE VECHILE. WHAT IS LEFT OF THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN THE GEICO LOT ON PRODUCTION DRIVE IN YORKTOWN, VIRGINIA.
NHTSA complaint #10907542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,256 milesNewport News, VACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
ON 9/11/2016, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY 2004 NISSAN XTERRA, THERE WAS A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. I PULLED IN FRONT OF A MAECHANICS BAY AT FIRESTONE IN NEWPORT NEWS, VA. WHILE PARKING MY SUV, WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, THE SUV RAPIDLY ACCELATRED AND DROVE THROUGH THE BUILDING AND BADLY INJURED A MECHANIC STANDING IN THE BAY. I WAS BRAKING AS HARD AS I COULD, AND THE SUV KEPT ACCELARTING AND WOULD NOT STOP. I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. AT THE TIME OF THIS ACCIDNET, THE SUV WAS AT A TOTAL STOP WHILE SHIFITNG IT INTO PARK. IT WAS LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT OF FIRESTONE ON WARWICK BLVD. IN NEWPORT NEWS, VA. THIS VECHILE WAS IN AS NEW CONDITION WITH ONLY A LITTE OVER 12,000 MILES. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING, ANTOTHER VECHILE IN THE BAY, THE DRIVER OF THE SUV, AND SEVERE INURIES TO THE MECHANIC STANDING ON THE FLOOR OF THE BAY. AGAIN, AT NO POINT , WAS THE DRIVERS FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE DRIVER WAS BRAKING THROUGHOUT THIS INCIDENT AND COUD NOT STOP THE VECHILE. WHAT IS LEFT OF THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN THE GEICO LOT ON PRODUCTION DRIVE IN YORKTOWN, VIRGINIA.
NHTSA complaint #10907542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY STARTER 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. I HAVE ALL OF THE RECEIPTS TO SHOW ALSO. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY RADIATOR BECAUSE OF A CRACK NEAR THE CAP. I HAD A HOSE THAT GOES THROUGH MY DASH WITH THE HOT WATER EXPLODE ON ME AND BURN MY HAND PRETTY BAD. MY RADIATOR SEEMS TO EVAPORATE COOLING FLUID ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE HAD A PRESSURE TEST IT IS HOLDING PRESSURE. AND NOW MY WARNING BELL IS NO LONGER WORKING. MY BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD 5 TIMES BECAUSE NO WARNING SOUND TO TELL ME I LEFT MY LIGHTS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10717539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL1 injured
ENGINE
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY STARTER 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. I HAVE ALL OF THE RECEIPTS TO SHOW ALSO. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY RADIATOR BECAUSE OF A CRACK NEAR THE CAP. I HAD A HOSE THAT GOES THROUGH MY DASH WITH THE HOT WATER EXPLODE ON ME AND BURN MY HAND PRETTY BAD. MY RADIATOR SEEMS TO EVAPORATE COOLING FLUID ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE HAD A PRESSURE TEST IT IS HOLDING PRESSURE. AND NOW MY WARNING BELL IS NO LONGER WORKING. MY BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD 5 TIMES BECAUSE NO WARNING SOUND TO TELL ME I LEFT MY LIGHTS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10717539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Exeter, PACrash
AIR BAGS
I have been in three accidents, of decent speed, and my airbags never deployed. I was told to report that.
NHTSA complaint #11679591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, TX
ENGINE
Water pump went out replace water pump motor blown
NHTSA complaint #11665169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waxahachie, TX
STEERING
I took my xterra to get inspected 12/27/2024. I was informed I have a recall on this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11632657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Exeter, PACrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11526140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Imperial Beach, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN. Wanting to make a recall appointment that was reported on my SMOG check.
NHTSA complaint #11459273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmersville, CA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11385979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMoffat, CO
WHEELS
SPEEDS OVER 60 HITS A BUMP AND STARTS ROCKING AND BOUNCING
NHTSA complaint #11364867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMoffat, CO
STEERING
SPEEDS OVER 60 HITS A BUMP AND STARTS ROCKING AND BOUNCING
NHTSA complaint #11364867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMoffat, CO
SUSPENSION
SPEEDS OVER 60 HITS A BUMP AND STARTS ROCKING AND BOUNCING
NHTSA complaint #11364867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,715 milesCharlotte, NC
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11343229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,715 milesCharlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11343229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,715 milesCharlotte, NC
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11343229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesBiloxi, MS
POWER TRAIN
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!
NHTSA complaint #11323427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmer, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11266928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmer, AL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11266928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesMoore, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL STAY LIT AS IF YOU WERE PRESSING THE BRAKE EVEN WHEN ENGINE IS OFF, CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT SET EITHER SO YOU CAN TURN IT ON BUT WILL NOT ENGAGE. IT MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH LOCATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL. I'VE FASHIONED A SPACER TO SLIDE IN BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND SWITCH SO THEY'LL GO OFF WHEN I'M NOT DRIVING. I WAS JUST CURIOUS AS IF THERE IS A RECALL TO THIS OR IF I HAVE TO ACTUALLY REPLACE THE PART MY SELF.
NHTSA complaint #11257372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 212,000 milesGarland, TX
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COURTESY NISSAN (1777 N CENTRAL EXPY, RICHARDSON, TX 75080) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING). AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ABLE TO TURN THREE INCHES TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, BUT THE WHEELS FAILED TO MOVE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER BECAUSE COURTESY NISSAN HAD LOST THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000.*PM CONSUMER STATED DEALER WANTED THE VEHICLE TO BE LEFT A THE DEALER FOR 2 WEEKS BUT CONSUMER COULD NOT, WITHOUT A LOANER, DUE TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11255563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMilton FL, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE CHANGED MY FUEL PUMP 11 TIMES IN TWO YEARS SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT
NHTSA complaint #11186037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ochlocknee, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
GOT INTO MY CAR ONE DAY AND UPON TRYING TO CRANK IT , WHEN TURNING THE KEY IT HESITATED TO CRANK AND FINALLY DID SO. WHEN I REACHED MY DESTINATION, WHEN I LEFT MY CAR WOULD JUST NOT CRANK. NO CLICKS. LIGHTS WORK FINE. NOTHING IS WRONG WITH SECURITY, BATTERY. JUST REPLACED THE STARTER AROUND OCT OF LAST YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11180721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ochlocknee, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GOT INTO MY CAR ONE DAY AND UPON TRYING TO CRANK IT , WHEN TURNING THE KEY IT HESITATED TO CRANK AND FINALLY DID SO. WHEN I REACHED MY DESTINATION, WHEN I LEFT MY CAR WOULD JUST NOT CRANK. NO CLICKS. LIGHTS WORK FINE. NOTHING IS WRONG WITH SECURITY, BATTERY. JUST REPLACED THE STARTER AROUND OCT OF LAST YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11180721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesRupert, ID
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11165126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesRochester, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXTRA STRENGTH JUST TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11162963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesGarland, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 RADIATOR, NO LEAKING APPARENT. NEXT DAY, DROVE ON HWY TO WORK. AT 65-75 MPH CAR BEGAN MAKING CLICKING/TAPPING NOISES FROM ENGINE. WENT UPHILL TOWARDS INTERCHANGE AND CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, STEAM (OR SMOKE) CAME FROM UNDER HOOD AS I CAREFULLY CROSSED FREEWAY TO EXIT, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON ON DASH AND SMOKE OR STEAM POURED INTO THE CAR THROUGH AIR VENTS. I HAD LOST ALL POWER AND POWER STEERING, BUT I STEERED IT SAFELY TO HWY SERVICE ROAD STREET WITH PARKING LOT. CAR WAS SMOKING UNDER HOOD, STEAM OR SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF VENTS AND ALL LIGHTS REMAINED ON ON THE DASH. UNDER THE HOOD, THE A/C CONDENSER OR RADIATOR HAS A 5" BREAK ON TOP OF IT. WHEN I PUT WATER IN THE RADIATOR IT POURS THROUGH SEVERAL PLACES WHERE HOSES CONNECT (GASKETS AND SEALS, I PRESUME). HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT EVER AGAIN, BUT NOW I CAN'T GET TO WORK OR PICK MY KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL ANYMORE AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT OR PAY FOR REPAIRS SINCE I CAN'T GET TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11097726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesGarland, TX
ENGINE
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 RADIATOR, NO LEAKING APPARENT. NEXT DAY, DROVE ON HWY TO WORK. AT 65-75 MPH CAR BEGAN MAKING CLICKING/TAPPING NOISES FROM ENGINE. WENT UPHILL TOWARDS INTERCHANGE AND CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, STEAM (OR SMOKE) CAME FROM UNDER HOOD AS I CAREFULLY CROSSED FREEWAY TO EXIT, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON ON DASH AND SMOKE OR STEAM POURED INTO THE CAR THROUGH AIR VENTS. I HAD LOST ALL POWER AND POWER STEERING, BUT I STEERED IT SAFELY TO HWY SERVICE ROAD STREET WITH PARKING LOT. CAR WAS SMOKING UNDER HOOD, STEAM OR SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF VENTS AND ALL LIGHTS REMAINED ON ON THE DASH. UNDER THE HOOD, THE A/C CONDENSER OR RADIATOR HAS A 5" BREAK ON TOP OF IT. WHEN I PUT WATER IN THE RADIATOR IT POURS THROUGH SEVERAL PLACES WHERE HOSES CONNECT (GASKETS AND SEALS, I PRESUME). HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT EVER AGAIN, BUT NOW I CAN'T GET TO WORK OR PICK MY KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL ANYMORE AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT OR PAY FOR REPAIRS SINCE I CAN'T GET TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11097726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesGarland, TX
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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 RADIATOR, NO LEAKING APPARENT. NEXT DAY, DROVE ON HWY TO WORK. AT 65-75 MPH CAR BEGAN MAKING CLICKING/TAPPING NOISES FROM ENGINE. WENT UPHILL TOWARDS INTERCHANGE AND CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, STEAM (OR SMOKE) CAME FROM UNDER HOOD AS I CAREFULLY CROSSED FREEWAY TO EXIT, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON ON DASH AND SMOKE OR STEAM POURED INTO THE CAR THROUGH AIR VENTS. I HAD LOST ALL POWER AND POWER STEERING, BUT I STEERED IT SAFELY TO HWY SERVICE ROAD STREET WITH PARKING LOT. CAR WAS SMOKING UNDER HOOD, STEAM OR SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF VENTS AND ALL LIGHTS REMAINED ON ON THE DASH. UNDER THE HOOD, THE A/C CONDENSER OR RADIATOR HAS A 5" BREAK ON TOP OF IT. WHEN I PUT WATER IN THE RADIATOR IT POURS THROUGH SEVERAL PLACES WHERE HOSES CONNECT (GASKETS AND SEALS, I PRESUME). HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT EVER AGAIN, BUT NOW I CAN'T GET TO WORK OR PICK MY KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL ANYMORE AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT OR PAY FOR REPAIRS SINCE I CAN'T GET TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11097726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.