CarRecallDB

2004 Nissan Xterra recalls and problems

2 recalls and 84 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Xterra.

2
recalls
84
owner complaints
10
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Nissan Xterra recalls

Steering: column

NHTSA campaign 10V554000 · reported November 11, 2010 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 500,552 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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. The limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, it may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs.
The risk
The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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

NHTSA campaign 04V581000 · reported December 15, 2004 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 131 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, the accessory tow hitch attachment bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
The risk
This could cause the tow hitch to loosen or separate from the vehicle which could result in a crash without warning.
The fix
Dealers will tighten the tow hitch. The recall began on january 3, 2005. Owners should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 9, 2025 · Air bags · crash reported

I have been in three accidents, of decent speed, and my airbags never deployed. I was told to report that.

Jun 5, 2025 · Engine

Water pump went out replace water pump motor blown

Dec 27, 2024 · Steering

I took my xterra to get inspected 12/27/2024. I was informed I have a recall on this vehicle.

Jun 9, 2023 · Air bags · crash reported

My vehicle has been in 3 accidents. Being rear-ended at 70MPH, again six months later at 60MPH, then the forward vehicle slammed their brakes, and I hit them at around 30MPH. In any of these accidents, NONE of my airbags deployed.

Apr 1, 2022 · Unknown or other

UNKNOWN. Wanting to make a recall appointment that was reported on my SMOG check.

Xterra model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 3149155
2002 5157217
2003 372162
2004 284103
2005 384576
2006 3780123
2007 155733

Across all years, the 2005 Xterra has the most complaints (845). All Nissan Xterra years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Nissan Xterra, the most recent reported on November 11, 2010 (Steering: column). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (20 complaints), followed by electrical system (11).
How many 2004 Nissan Xterra complaints mention a crash or fire?
10 of 84 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 9, 2025.