Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Plastic tray that the battery sits on broke, causing the bar that holds the battery in place to arch over and set the plastic fuse holder on the battery to catch fire. The vehicle stalled the died. I saw what I thought was "steam" coming from under the hood. I popped to hood from inside and saw flames. I got out and tried to open the hood, which is very difficult since the latch is small and black. I got my grandkids out of the car and tried once more to open the hood. I finally got it opened and realized the battery was on fire. I poured the only liquid I had on it, "a&w cream soda" and put out the fire. It totally melted part of the battery and the battery connector. Amazing enough the vehicle started and I was able to drive home. Had I not been able to open the hood, the vehicle would have burnt to the ground all because of the cheap plastic battery holder broke.
There is usual rust on body of truck. There is some kind of electrical problem rather it's the security system or wiring. There's a clicking sound coming from dash area. There is a suspension problem, has to change leaf springs, struts and shocks often.
In March 2019 the transmission started getting sluggish while dropping my daughter at school one day. Eventually it would not switch gears as I pulled in my driveway from my 1.5 mile trip to/from the school. Eventually it wouldn't even start in my driveway even with good battery. Replaced a fuse for the transmission control module and was able to start the vehicle but it blew the fuse. Had my vehicle towed to our mechanic and he discovered discovered that the coolant mixed with transmission fluid and now I have to replace everything involved. Also, the mechanism that opens the tailgate/trunk door/liftgate will not stay open, especially in colder weather. It has hit several people in the head and is a definite hazard.
These vehicles seem to have a safety flaw. When depressing the brake pedal the amount of travel is such that it is a common occurrence to depress the gas pedal at the same time causing the car to lurch forward. I have had two different Nissan dealers (henderson, nevada and boise, idaho) inspect my vehicle and was told in both cases there is nothing that can be done...its the way the automobile was manufactured. During my last dealer inspection in boise, idaho the mechanic brought a new 2015 model into the garage and put the two cars side by side. The difference in brake pedal travel was approximately 1/8 of an inch, so the problem has evidently never been addressed by the manufacturer. Today, my vehicle lurched forward when braking because the gas pedal was depressed while braking. …
Tried to open rear drivers side passenger door, and will not open from outside or inside of vehicle. Checked locks, opened with the key fob and internal unlock button and you can hear it disengage, yet door will not release. This is a the second time we've had this issue with a Nissan Xterra; once before on another Xterra, model year 2006 as well, and now this 2006 that we purchased used 4 years ago. If this were to happen and not know it; and had to vacate the vehicle in a hurry; would present a safety issue in that most times our children are in this rear seat. That it has happened on two separate vehicles we've owned, the prior one it happened within the factory warranty time, and now this one, and upon reading about it online, it is happening to others with this model year. …
I purchased an 05 Xterra in September. At about 6,000 miles it developed a squeak in the front end. I took it back to the dealership 5 times and the last time they were able to locate the noise and stop it. I asked the service writer what the problem was and she told me I didn't want to know. I pushed for an answer and was told that the frame on the passenger side front was not welded, causing the metal to rub together and squeak. She also told me that the washer fluid tank was rubbing the frame. The only thing written on my service order was the washer fluid tank. I don't know if my Xterra has a faulty frame or not. The consumer line for Nissan has a file number for me but I have made repeated attempts to get a call back from them with no response.
Called roadside assistance to change a tire. The spare tire rubber was burned in three or more places from the heat spreading under the vehicle, and the char/melting/burning went through the vehicle body from the bottom of the vehicle outside to the floor inside. The man changing my tire suggested it was a fire waiting to happen and that there could be a recall for this sort of issue. I checked and do not see anything listed. My tired is now damaged from the heat melting the rubber, and my vehicle is charred in places.
I drove the vehicle on a freeway under construction with one finished new pavement lane. When I was changed the other old lane to the new one, the wheel suddenly got out of control and spun from one lane to the other and ended in the midium bumped into barriers. Lately I contacted with Nissan and question if this is associated with the recall r1037. They denied.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Xterra years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (7), 2003 (7), 2001 (6), 2002 (5) and 2006 (5) model years. Body complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Nissan Xterra body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Nissan Xterra model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Nissan Xterra body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 58% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (23 mentions), followed by the frame and members (6).
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.