Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 30% | 66,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 30% | 59,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% | 56,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% | 41,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% | 89,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% | 37,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% | 53,000 miles |
| 2004 | 11 | 13% | 125,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% | 18,000 miles |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% | 38,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% | 106,000 miles |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% | 138,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the emergency brake activated, the emergency brake button was stuck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was diagnosed that the axles were leaking oil and needed to be replaced. However, there were no axles available for replacement and that there probably not be any available in the future. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Leaf spring snapped. Large piece of metal was found in the road. Rear shocks were replaced under warranty several years prior. Known weak point of xterras. Dealer replacement costs were astronomical so I upgraded the equipment for the same cost and did the work myself as I am now slightly out of warranty.
The Nissan dealership has looked at my Xterra and found that a nut welded to the frame from the inside has broken free of the frame. This is causing my suspension noise/issue. The problem I am having is Nissan does not want to fix my problem. The dealership is waiting on Nissan to give the go ahead to schedule repairs but they/I can't get Nissan to move forward with the repairs. The noise is getting worse and I am afraid it will lead to a safety issue if not handled soon. The last I have heard was on August 13th the dealership was waiting to hear back from Nissan but several calls to Nissan has turned up nothing I can't even talk to a supervisor or anything.
My truck has a suspension issue for squeaky noises coming from the front wheel. There was a recall on them but my VIN number isn't included. The truck is sitting down at the local Nissan dealer now to have both fixed. How can this stuff that was previously recalled and now applies to my truck be excluded from recall repairs the tire pressure monitoring system also had 4 bad sensors. It is there now to be fixed. Again my VIN number was excluded for exactly what the recall is for.
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.
Boch Nissan south ( formerly Nissan village)sold me a truck on March 30, 2013 where they rolled back the odometer & failed to mention 2 serious accidents in 2011 prior to my purchase March 2013. I believe we were shown a different car fax I was told it was the salesman's wife's truck that she had just traded in. I have had very serious issues that made no since for a truck that had been babyed by me . Complete enigen fire in febuary nuremous oil leaks & radiator mixing with the coolant oil past 10 months. I brought it into to nissian boch south of north attleboro in April they accused me of rolling back the odometer. I was horrified told them you guys sold me this truck. I went home and ordered a carfax and it clearly happened at the dealership when it went in for repairs on 2 accidents that I was not aware of! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. While driving, the vehicle swayed from lane to lane. The vehicle drifted without turning the steering wheel. Ken garff Nissan salt lake (777 s w temple, salt lake city, ut 84101, [phone]) and the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on file. The contact filed a case with the manufacturer and received a case number. A case manager was scheduled to call the contact back. The failure mileage was 97,000.
My transmission and drive shaft went out of my vehicle today out of nowhere. I have a new job to get to and no money to fix or replace this vehicle. It's ridiculous considering it only has 136,000 miles on it. I was 2 miles from my house and driving approximately 20mph and it just stopped accelerating. I was stuck on the side of the road in 5 degree weather. I am beyond dismayed and completely without options.
Related recalls (3)
Suspension › Front › Hub
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replaced the left and right side front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on October 22, 2012.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 titan, armada, qx56, frontier, xterra, and pathfinder vehicles manufactured from November 19, 2009 through March 3, 2010. The lower control link assembly has two cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment points to the chassis.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on May 20, 2010. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Suspension › Rear
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, water May enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and any affected components will be replaced. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. Owner notification began December 10, 2003.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Xterra years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (13), 2006 (12), 2004 (11), 2007 (11) and 2000 (9) model years. Suspension complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Nissan Xterra suspension problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 12V-462 (hub, Sep 20, 2012); 10V-208 (lower arm, May 14, 2010); 02V-299 (rear, Nov 12, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Xterra suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (17 mentions), followed by the front (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.