2009 Nissan Xterra recalls and problems

3 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Xterra.

3
recalls
19
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2009 Nissan Xterra recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 23V067000 · reported February 10, 2023 · Nissan North America, Inc. · 404,690 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
The risk
A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

Equipment: electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)

NHTSA campaign 10V401000 · reported September 10, 2010 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 7,948 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can overheat.
The risk
Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
The fix
Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2010. Owners may contact garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 08V690000 · reported December 29, 2008 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 242,720 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, a mixture of snow/water and salt can enter into the front crash zone sensor (czs) housing. If this occurs, the czs may internally rust resulting in a signal interruption. If this happens, the red air bag warning light will illuminate to alert the vehicle operator.
The risk
This issue could result in the non-deployment of the driver and passenger front air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front czs with a redesigned sensor. The recall began on january 26, 2009. Owners in the other states will receive extended warranty coverage for the sensor to 10 years. These owners will be notified of the warranty extension by mail and will receive a sticker to place in their warranty booklet explaining the extended warranty coverage. Owners may 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.

Mar 6, 2026 · Air bags

I took my car to complete Recall NumberPC945, I was told that my car has an issue with the driver side air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE - C1163/B1049 and also another issue related to the driver side airbag that is under the steering wheel. I was quoted over $2000 to fix the issue…

Aug 27, 2021 · Power train

Cracked cooler tube caused transmission oil & coolant to mix causing transmission failure.

Jul 21, 2020 · Power train · 260,000 miles

A FAULTY RADIATOR CAUSED MY TRANSMISSON AND COOLANT TO LEAK TOGETHER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. NOW MY TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED

Jun 12, 2019 · Power train · 98,600 miles

I PURCHASED THIS 1 OWNER TRADE IN 4/11/19. AS OF 5/9/19 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE PRONOUNCED ISSUES WITH LOSING POWER AROUND 40 MPH . DIAGNOSTICS CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE COOLING COIL WHICH RESULTED IN COOLANT IN MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH DAMAGE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM UNDER THE CLASS…

Apr 24, 2019 · Engine · 103,000 miles

I TOOK MY XTERRA IN BECAUSE IT CONSTANTLY BLEW HOT AIR. UPON INSPECTION I WAS INFORMED OF THE TSB ISSUED BY NISSAN THAT THE RADIATOR TUBES CAN CRACK AND MIX COOLANT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THAT I WAS LOW ON COOLANT BECAUSE OF THAT. THE TECH INFORMED ME THAT THE LEAK WAS MINIMAL BUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACES ASAP. THE…

Xterra model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2006 3780123
2007 155733
2008 611993
2009 31900
2010 43840
2011 22400
2012 21600

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

Questions

Does the 2009 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Nissan Xterra, the most recent reported on February 10, 2023 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Xterra?
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (6 complaints), followed by power train (6).
How many 2009 Nissan Xterra complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 19 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 6, 2026.