CarBrief

NHTSA has 84 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Nissan Xterra, and steering is the biggest group of them[1][2]. It also has a steering column recall that covers this model year[3].

84owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
15–19MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Reported problems

NHTSA lists 84 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Ten mention a crash, 3 a fire and 7 an injury[1]. None report a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Steering[2] 20 83,000
Engine[6] 14 78,000
Electrical system[7] 11 69,500
Suspension[8] 11 90,206
Power train[9] 6 6,000
Fuel system, gasoline[10] 6 not listed
Brakes[11] 6 33,628
Visibility[12] 5 not listed

Steering. Steering has 20 complaints, with 1 crash and 2 injuries[2]. In the sample of steering complaints we read, 4 of 11 distinct texts describe steering trouble continuing or a gear box problem after the recall repair[2]. Five of the 11 describe power steering fluid loss, leaks or corroded parts such as a hose bracket, tie rods or steering linkage[2].

Engine. The engine group has 14 complaints, including 2 fires[6]. In the sample we read, 3 of 12 texts describe a ticking or knocking noise that a dealer called normal, and 3 of 12 describe radiator cracks, coolant loss or overheating[6].

Electrical. There are 11 complaints and 1 fire[7]. In the sample we read, 3 of 10 texts describe a starter replaced repeatedly or a car that would not crank[7].

Suspension. There are 11 complaints, with no crashes, fires or injuries[8]. In the sample we read, 5 of 10 distinct texts describe a rear leaf spring that broke[8].

Power train. Only 6 complaints, but 3 mention a crash and the median mileage is 6,000[9]. With so few reports, we do not treat this as a pattern.

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year[4]. Newest first[3][13]:

Owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 about either recall[3][13]. Our data does not show whether any single vehicle has had the repair.

Fuel economy

EPA lists seven engine and drive combinations for this year[5][14][15][16][17][18][19]. The 2.4L 4-cylinder with a manual gets the best numbers[5]. The 3.3L V6 versions use more fuel[14][15][16][17][18][19].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2.4L 4-cyl, manual 5-speed, rear-wheel drive, regular[5] 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550
3.3L V6, automatic 4-speed, rear-wheel drive, regular[15] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
3.3L V6, manual 5-speed, rear-wheel drive, regular[16] 15 / 19 / 17 $3,950
3.3L V6, automatic 4-speed, 4WD, regular[18] 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
3.3L V6, manual 5-speed, 4WD, regular[19] 15 / 19 / 16 $4,200
3.3L V6 turbo, automatic 4-speed, rear-wheel drive, premium[14] 14 / 18 / 15 $5,500
3.3L V6 turbo, automatic 4-speed, 4WD, premium[17] 13 / 17 / 15 $5,500

The turbo versions are listed with premium fuel and have the highest yearly cost[14][17]. EPA fuel costs use today's fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list this model year as not rated[20]. That means there is no crash-test star score to compare.

Engine and size

EPA data lists a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.3L V6, the V6 in regular and turbo premium-fuel versions[5][14][15]. Our data does not include horsepower.

Size comes from Canadian-market specifications, so US models can differ slightly. All three listed variants are 4-door 4WD SUVs[21][22][23].

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
XE[23] 178 in 70 in 74 in 104 in 4,090 lb
SE[21] 178 in 70 in 74 in 104 in 4,215 lb
SE-SC[22] 178 in 70 in 74 in 104 in 4,231 lb

How 2004 compares with other years

2000: 214 complaints, 3 recalls20002001: 150 complaints, 3 recalls2002: 157 complaints, 5 recalls20022003: 72 complaints, 3 recalls2004: 84 complaints, 2 recalls8420042005: 845 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 780 complaints, 3 recalls20062007: 557 complaints, 1 recalls2008: 119 complaints, 6 recalls20082009: 19 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 38 complaints, 4 recalls20102011: 24 complaints, 2 recalls2012: 16 complaints, 2 recalls20122013: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2014: 10 complaints, 0 recalls20142015: 10 complaints, 0 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Xterra model year. The 2004 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20002143
20011503
20021575
2003723
2004842
20058453
20067803
20075571
20081196
2009193
2010384
2011242
2012162
201340
2014100
2015100

Among Xterra model years, 2004 sits in the middle for complaints. It has 84 complaints and 2 recalls[4]. Several years have more complaints, including 2000 with 214, 2001 with 150, 2002 with 157, 2008 with 119 and the peak of 845 in 2005[4]. Other years have fewer. 2003 has 72, 2009 has 19, and 2013 has 4[4].

For recalls, 2007 has 1, and 2013, 2014 and 2015 have none[4]. 2011 and 2012 also have 2, the same as 2004[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so treat this as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2004 Xterra?

The 2004 Xterra has fewer complaints than several other Xterra years and more than others[4]. Steering draws the most reports, and the steering column recall deserves a close look[2][3]. Ask for proof the recall repair was done, and have the steering and rear springs checked on any car you consider[2][8]. Fuel costs are high on the V6, especially the premium-fuel turbo versions[14][17]. Complaints are owner reports and do not prove how any one vehicle will behave.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
Steering has the largest complaint group with 20 of 84 complaints, followed by engine with 14 and electrical with 11[1][2][6][7].
Are there recalls on the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
Yes, two. 10V554 covers a corroding steering column joint and 04V581 covers tow hitch bolts[3][13].
What gas mileage does the 2004 Nissan Xterra get?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 19 MPG depending on engine and drive[5][14][17].
How does 2004 compare with other Xterra years?
It has 84 complaints, fewer than 2005 with 845 and more than 2003 with 72[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 84 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Nissan Xterra (10 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 20 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 10V554, filed November 11, 2010: Steering › Column. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Xterra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Xterra 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 14 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 11 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 11 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,206). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 6 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 6 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 6 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,628). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 5 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 04V581, filed December 15, 2004: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Xterra V6 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Xterra V6 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Xterra V6 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Xterra V6 4WD, 3.3L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Xterra V6 4WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Xterra V6 4WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, XTERRA 4DR SUV 4WD /SE: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 4,215 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, XTERRA 4DR SUV 4WD /SE-SC: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 4,231 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, XTERRA 4DR SUV 4WD /XE: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 4,090 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.