Model year
2002 Nissan Xterra
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 157 complaints for the 2002 Nissan Xterra (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are STEERING (18), AIR BAGS (12), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 15–19 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,550–$5,500, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 214 complaints
- 2001 150 complaints
- 2002 157 complaints
- 2003 72 complaints
- 2004 84 complaints
- 2005 845 complaints
- 2006 780 complaints
- 2007 557 complaints
- 2008 119 complaints
- 2009 19 complaints
- 2010 38 complaints
- 2011 24 complaints
- 2012 16 complaints
- 2013 4 complaints
- 2014 10 complaints
- 2015 10 complaints
Recalls
10V554000 · Nov 11, 2010
STEERING:COLUMN
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…
04V230000 · May 24, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME…
03V061000 · Feb 27, 2003
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE. IF THE CONNECTOR COMES LOOSE, THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY.
02V299000 · Nov 12, 2002
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.
02V298000 · Nov 12, 2002
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGER, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FULL THROTTLE IN LOW GEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT FULLY WARMED UP AND AT COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, THE AMOUNT OF INTAKE AIR FLOW THROUGH THE AIR FLOW METER MAY…
Complaints
157 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 21, fire flag on 7, injury field 28, deaths field 17. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02038 | DRIVER'S AIR BAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | Mar 26, 2002 | Aug 29, 2002 |
| EA02020 | DRIVER'S AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILURE · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | Aug 29, 2002 | Mar 3, 2003 |
| DP03005 | BRAKE ROTOR WARPAGE · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | Jul 11, 2003 | Jul 29, 2003 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xterra 2WD · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 22 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Xterra V6 2WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Xterra V6 2WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| Xterra V6 2WD · 3.3L · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 17 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Xterra V6 2WD · 3.3L · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| Xterra V6 4WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
| Xterra V6 4WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| Xterra V6 4WD · 3.3L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 17 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Xterra V6 4WD · 3.3L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 13 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Nissan Xterra at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.