Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 20% | 66,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 10% | 0 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 11% | 129,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% | 109,000 miles |
| 2008 | 13 | 11% | 73,000 miles |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% | 86,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 0% | 105,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% | 55,000 miles |
| 2003 | 12 | 17% | 50,000 miles |
| 2002 | 28 | 18% | 127,000 miles |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% | 28,000 miles |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% | 130,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I started the car to let it warm up. The manual gearshift was in neutral and the emergency brake was engaged. As I got out of the vehicle, it lurched forward and I attempted to get back into the vehicle to apply the brake. It lurched a second time before I was able to get inside. I attempted to get inside the vehicle a second time to apply the brake but was not able to due to the car lurching forward again.. On the third "lurch" it continued to drive forward, hitting my mother's parked car and pushing it back approximately 3-4 feet into the back wall of her carport. Finally, the engine died and I was able to restart it, back it away from my mother's car, and assess the damage to her vehicle and my body. I purchased this used vehicle 12 days ago.
Sudden loss of power while driving between 10-15 MPH. Immediate loss of brakes, acceleration, and power steering. Vehicle was in motion on the 405 fwy/sepulveda pass area during morning rush hour in stop-go traffic conditions. Was able to pull to side of road, and shut off vehicle. Waited 1 minute and vehicle restarted with no further issues on drive to work. From a review of online resources this looks eerily similar to issue outlined in prior recall issued by NHTSA listed under ntb10-137. This is serious and dangerous, and could easily result in loss of life!
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, she heard an abnormal sound while depressing on the brake pedal. The contact stated that the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) & the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 07E105000 (Service Brakes, Air) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. While operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge displayed false readings. The gauge showed that the fuel tank had less fuel than what was actually present. Also, on several occasions, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed and the vehicle did not immediately stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no failures were found. Later, while driving, the vehicle stalled after depressing the brake pedal. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Oil is getting into the radiator and causing a gray gunk build up in radiator and possibly the engine. I have had the car less than a 1 1/2 years And I've already had to have the same issue fixed 3 first time. The heater hose blew out caused an air bubble in the radiator which caused us to have to burp the radiator Which is when we found it the first time had sent it to the mechanic. Had it flushed, had it fixed. it was fine or so we thought until about a month ago. Car overheats radiator fluid spews out everywhere. Fix the hose, add radiator fluid and start. The burping process again and out comes the gray gunk. Sent it back to mechanic had it flush had gaskets to the transmission cooler and Oil cooler fixed. Mechanic cannot find how it's getting into radiator. Break pads wear prematurely due to calipers constantly sticking. …
If you hit the brakes while it is raining or after going thru a puddle, the brakes will lock up. If you hit the brakes suddenly, they will lock up. I have had the vehicle for eight years and the problem has been constant.
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. …
And noise was heard like two metal piece hitting against each other the driver stopped did an inspection didn't see any visual signs got back into the vehicle, traveled about 8 to 10 miles. Then while going over a hill the brakes pedal went down to the floor, unable to stop the truck it picked up speed slamming it to the back of a van causing the truck to rollover. I driver sustained and shatter kneel cap and broken ribs.
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain sport utility vehicles, the antilock brake system/vehicle dynamic control (ABS/vdc) actuator is designed with one ball in the valve section. Some ABS/vdc actuators were manufactured with more than one ball in the valve.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS/vdc actuator with a new one. The recall began on December 31, 2007. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA investigations
Brake rotor warpage
Mr. Kent jones of kernersville, nc, submitted a petition to NHTSA by e-mail dated July 1, 2003, requesting NHTSA to investigate the brake rotors on my 2002 Nissan xterra vehicles.the petitioner alleged that the brake rotors in these vehicles were defective because the rotors overheat and warp from normal usage.a review of odi's database for complaints regarding my 2001 through my 2003 Nissan xterra vehicles…
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Xterra years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (28), 2000 (14), 2008 (13), 2003 (12) and 2001 (9) model years. Brake complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Nissan Xterra brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 07V-528 (control unit/module, Nov 16, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Xterra brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14 mentions), followed by the foundation components › master cylinder (2).
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.