Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Nissan Xterra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
I took my vechicle to ace auto and he claim he fixed it gave me a list the second time but not the first time it sat there for a year than I got it out for 2 months back in again its goes real slow back fires now and sterring wheel locked one day now its acting like it dont have power to it.everytime you go sppeed limit the steering locks it shakes and not enough power to go barely go up the hill too.
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.
I took my xterra to get inspected 12/27/2024. I was informed I have a recall on this vehicle.
April 9,2009 thanks for talking with me about my issue. Re: maine's express and implied warranty laws: as we discussed please find enclosed maine law that basically extended any express warranty from a car dealer based on the enclosed criteria. Since the Nissan Xterra has a 6 year power train warranty I have the right to assert that the defective part, which is a safety hazard for me and family, should have lasted well beyond 4 1/2 years or 46,000 miles on the car. I am requesting that you authorized berlin city Nissan to repair this part (number: 497109z400) which can only be purchased through the dealer. This part simply was defective and faulty and was not in any way abused pursuant to maine law. The part clearly did not meet the maine warranty law of fit for ordinary purposes in fact the dealer told my wife and me they very rarely if ever see this part come in for repair. …
Tl contact owns a 2004 Nissan Xterra. While attempting to make a right turn at approximately 40 MPH, the steering column became extremely difficult to steer. After close inspection, the contact noticed that all of the power steering fluid exited the vehicle. He took his vehicle to a local mechanic and was informed that the bracket on the hose, between the pump and the steering unit, was rusted. The mechanic further stated that the high pressure tube and the return unit needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that he would be responsible for the repair costs since his vehicle was out of warranty. He filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 26,000 and current mileage was 27,500.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Nissan Xterra. While driving 5 MPH the passenger side tie rod failed due to excessive corrosion. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the component. 5 months later, the driver's side tie rod failed and was replaced. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was 142,070 and current mileage was 152,150. Updated 06/17/09 the threads on the outer end of the tie rod adjusting bar and the internal threads of the outer tie rod assembly corroded to the point that there was no thread engagement and the adjusting bar simply pulled out of the tie rod assembly. The consumer stated 5 months later the drivers side did the exact same thing. Updated 06/17/09
Vehicle has tight steering. Barely able to turn wheel while not moving. Independent garage checked steering, found corrosion in steering linkage and notified me of recall. When contacted Nissan dealer claims that recall does not cover this vehicle. Called Nissan customer service number who also denied the recall. Vehicle is within the recall dates and was manufactured at smyrna, tn plant. Representative could not say why this vehicle was not included. Wanted me to take to dealer and pay to have repaired. Either Nissan is not honoring the commitment to the recall or the recall needs to be expanded to include all of the effected vehicles.
Related recalls
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.
Steering complaints in other Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Nissan Xterra, 24% of the model year's 84 complaints. The component named most often is column (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Nissan Xterra steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-554 (column, Nov 11, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Nissan Xterra steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.