Most common 2004 Nissan Xterra problems
Share of the 84 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Xterra complaints by model year
Best Xterra years: 2012, 2014, 2015. Years to avoid: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
2004 Nissan Xterra recalls (2)
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.
Remedy: 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.
Trailer hitches
On certain sport utility vehicles, the accessory tow hitch attachment bolts May not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the tow hitch. The recall began on January 3, 2005. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
What 2004 Nissan Xterra owners say
Steering all 20 →
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. …
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 the high way. That part they tell me is not a common breaking part. Nissan charges over a thousand dollars to repair that. I'm told my wiring is bad after I replace my starter 2 months ago. They sent me a recall for my column steering and I had it repaired but it still is a slight hassle to change gears. I have received a letter telling me they are buying 2004 Nissan Xterra's but when I called the sales man says it's nothing wrong with the Xterra's that's just a sales stunt. I think its a bunch of bull Nissan knows they didn't do a good job with these 2004"s.
Engine & cooling
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. …
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 location under the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle sustained major damage to the front end. There were no injuries. The current and failure mileages were 76,000.
Fuel & propulsion system
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 spill. They deemed the vehicle not safe to drive and recommend we have it towed home, which we did.
I smell gas inside the car, I took it to a shop and they told me the gas tank is all rusted on top, causing the gas to spill out. Speaking with Nissan they said this is part of wear and tear of the vehicle, which I do not agree with.
2004 Nissan Xterra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl turbo supercharged | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl turbo supercharged | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Nissan Xterra a good car?
Based on 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Xterra rates average: 26% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Xterra at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
The steering — 20 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about column. Next are the engine & cooling (14) and fuel & propulsion system (12).
How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2004 Nissan Xterra, the most recent from November 11, 2010 (column). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Xterra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2014 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2000 and 2001. See the full Nissan Xterra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Nissan Xterra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 41% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.