Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Nissan Xterra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Nissan Xterra. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine stalled. The failure occurred without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and turned off the engine. The vehicle was towed to anything automotive (located at 1228 e river rd, dixon, il 61021; [phone]) where the mechanic stated that the back seat was catching fire. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and stated that the vehicle was too old and nothing could be done. Case number: 27261028 was provided. The contact also stated that the previous owner of the vehicle had a recall in 2004 for the fuel sending unit. …
I was entering a parking spot at my normal slow speed when suddenly the engine went into an extremely high rev and the Xterra made a sudden lunge forward. In a matter of seconds it slammed into a number of other parked cars. It was as if it had a mind of its own. I can only guess it was a stuck gas pedal, stuck throttle or stuck accelerator. Over the years I have had nothing but American cars, the last several were caravans with no issues of this type. This Nissan is the first foreign car that I have purchased.
I purchased a used Xterra about 6 months ago. I was pulling into a parking spot in a shopping mall at a low speed when the engine suddenly went into a high whining rev and the vehicle lurched forward and took off out of control. Before coming to a stop it ran into four other parked cars. I was as it had a mind of its own. This has never happened to me in all my years of driving only American made cars. The Nissan is the only foreign car I have owned and will likely be the last after this episode.
The distributor has ball bearings under the solenoid and photo for cam sensor that comes apart and goes every where internally. It caused me to go off the highway and almost got hit by a trucker when it completely stopped my car with out warning of any kind on the highway. There was no sensor indicator until I turned the car off and it only registered the crankshaft sensor after the car was turned of an on to figure out what was wrong. It almost caused my whole electrical system to burn out as well. Please look into this and pull the material certifications and builds of material for the internal items of this, especially the ball bearing that came apart. This is the most common malfunctioning item on this model and year. I'm an industrial and build inspector at century fasteners corp. …
Vehicle stalls at 100mph also ABS light keeps coming on and off randomly brakes aren't bad but it's like they're going out. The brake pedal wobbles when stopping hard or on wet roads also when acceleratating and driving the RPM gauge will jimp up for a second and make the engine sound louder while it does it and also steering wheel feels loose somewhat when driving on rough roads and bumps cruise control lights up but doesn't work happens every day
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning after depressing the accelerator. The failure occurred on a daily basis. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.
Twice while driving vehicle, the engine cut off without warning. I was able to restart vehicle by putting it in neutral both time. Happened fairly close to each other when it stalled. Lost all control.
I was driving when suddenly the engine of my 2002 Nissan Xterra with approximately 50,000 miles just shut down and caused difficulty with steering and braking of the vehicle. I had to have the vehicle towed to the Nissan dealership. It appear the dealer know the cause of the problem just by speaking to me on the telephone. After a diagnosis, the dealership stated the the problem was with the fuel sending unit and that it would require replacement. The issue that I have is that with the extreme danger associated with this issue and after research on the internet of other Xterra owners who experienced this problem that Nissan is not doing a proactive role and recalling this part if it is prone to such failure.
My 2002 Xterra engine stalls when at idle speed, it starts back but will stall almost everytime I stop at a light,stop sign or in traffic. Engine light does not come on and there is no codes. I spoke to a Nissan dealership and when I asked them about a recall on the 2004 model for this problem that has to do with the ipdm relay, they said that is probably what is wrong with mine. The dealership also said there is an ongoing campaign for this issue with the 2002 model. I have already had it in the shop for this problem had spark plugs,distributor,plug wires,fuel filter ,maf sensor and the throttle body replaced $1300.00 later I still have the same problem.
Dt: the contact stated had a coolant leak coming from radiator to her engine. She went on the website and found a couple of service bulletins, NHTSA item 631329, and 633628 that related to the coolant leak problem. The problem was fixed. Currently, was having another coolant problem, and she was taking vehicle to the dealer on Wednesday. She was losing coolant, but she saw no sign of a leak. She assumed that it was a leak within the engine. The problem started around 1-05, and she took it to dealer on 1-11-05 to have the original coolant problem fixed ,and had to pay $946.36 for the repairs.
Engine complaints in other Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Nissan Xterra?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Nissan Xterra, 20% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Nissan Xterra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Nissan Xterra, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Nissan Xterra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.