The vehicle dossier US · 2004

2004 Nissan
XTERRAProblems & recalls

84 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Steering appears in 20 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 84 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Steering20 reports
Other components16 reports
Engine14 reports
Fuel system12 reports
Electrical system11 reports
Suspension11 reports
Transmission & drivetrain6 reports
Brakes6 reports
Visibility5 reports
Air bags4 reports
Body & structure2 reports
See original component labels
STEERING17
ENGINE8
SUSPENSION7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
AIR BAGS4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
SUSPENSION:REAR3
STEERING:COLUMN3
WHEELS3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR1
VISIBILITY1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS1
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY1
TIRES1
STRUCTURE1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
SERVICE BRAKES1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
POWER TRAIN1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Aug 9, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

59,000 miles is the median among 66 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 20,000–128,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Nov 11, 2010 Safety recallSTEERING:COLUMNCampaign 10V554000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: R1037

Read campaign 10V554000 at NHTSA
Jul 3, 2007 Safety recallEQUIPMENTCampaign 07E046000

Reported concern

CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING OF WIRES BETWEEN THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER AND THE TOWING VEHICLE WIRING SYSTEM.

Manufacturer’s stated response

HOPKINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WITH A REVISED HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT HOPKINS AT 800-835-0129.

Read campaign 07E046000 at NHTSA
Dec 15, 2004 Safety recallTRAILER HITCHESCampaign 04V581000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCESSORY TOW HITCH ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE TOW HITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 3, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Manufacturer campaign: PB124

Read campaign 04V581000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

48 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Apr 13, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB09-131CCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (F…NHTSA ID 11031705

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11031705 at NHTSA
Apr 13, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB09-131CCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (F…NHTSA ID 11031704

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11031704 at NHTSA
May 21, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB13-107GVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.NHTSA ID 11004962

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004962 at NHTSA
Apr 30, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB17-019HWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.NHTSA ID 11001201

WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11001201 at NHTSA
Apr 30, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB13-028IREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.NHTSA ID 11001194

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11001194 at NHTSA
Apr 30, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB09-081KWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.NHTSA ID 11001191

WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11001191 at NHTSA
Sep 21, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB08-097LDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.NHTSA ID 10243708

DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Components: STEERING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10243708 at NHTSA
Jun 16, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB23-053SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe pe…NHTSA ID 10239062

SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10239062 at NHTSA
Jun 16, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB23-04912 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommenda…NHTSA ID 10239060

12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect “Test with DCA” and “Replace” results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT:  CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000  CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/  DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/  DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10239060 at NHTSA
Apr 27, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB13-107FVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.NHTSA ID 10235707

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235707 at NHTSA
Apr 17, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB16-003CINTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.NHTSA ID 10235710

INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235710 at NHTSA
Feb 27, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNTB13-028HREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.NHTSA ID 10232658

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Components: STRUCTURE · VISIBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10232658 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

Your next step

Take good questions
to the inspection.

Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.