The main leaf spring in the rear suspension sheared off next to the axle while driving. I was the only person in the car and the total load in the rear of the car was approximately 100lbs. The spring caught on the brake line as it broke. My ABS light came on. The repairs have not been made yet.
2002 Nissan Xterra suspension problems
13 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 37,500.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 37,500
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf2
- Rear: shock absorber2
- Rear1
- Multiple axle1
- Front1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Nissan Xterra suspension problems in other years
Related recalls
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and any affected components will be replaced. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. Owner notification began december 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 02V299000 · Recall details
What 2002 Nissan Xterra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle left a couple large puddles while parked. Dealer identified the problem as a completely failed rear shock, due to corrosion, and recommended immediate replacement or risk diminished handling. At 37,500 mi, the 2002 model year vehicle was no longer under factory warranty so both rear shocks were replaced at owner's expense.
Right rear shock broke while driving 35 MPH. Manufacturer was notified, and they informed the consumer that it was considered normal wear at 80,000 miles.
The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall #02v299000. The consumer noticed the mechanic did not put sealant on the ABS sensor. The mechanic stated he did everything as he was told.
Car pulls to the right since I bought it. I took it to the dealer several times about 4 to do an alignment and still the same its very dangerous.
This is a very solid, and stable vehicle in the snow and ice, (with studded snow tires, all season radials only work in florida) it handles well, and performs nicely for a small SUV. The only complaints that I have with this vehicle, is that the ride is a bit rough. And it is a bit uncomfortable for taller people on long rides. To those that are complaining about the vehicle pulling to the left and right. Cure #1, get the car aligned. #2, check the road you are driving on, the track width on the xterra is narrow, it may be catching a groove in the road. #3 check the tire pressures, to complaints about the braking....... Have the brakes checked, rotors, pads, or calipers could be sticking.
While driving vehicle pulls to the right or left. Also, when braking it tends to pull on either side making it hard to control.
Vehicle vibrates so hard that passenger's seat back vibrates as it the seat is broken and makes an annoying noise. Contacted dealer they said they can not do anything about it. Please provide any info you have.
I own a 13 month old 2002 nissan xterra that has 32,600 miles on it and has never been driven off-road. The leaf spring on the driver's side broke at the rear mounting bolt. Luckily we caught it immediately and the dealer is replacing it under warranty. Has this been a problem with the xterra and should the other one be replaced at the same time? The dealer claims to have looked at the other one and sees no problem at this time. I'm concerned about the safety because I do a lot of high speed driving with my daughter in the car.
While driving the vehicle pulls to the right, if the brakes are applied aggresively the vehicle runs of the road, as a result the dealer noticed that the tires were beginning to feather on the right side. Nlm
Questions about the 2002 Nissan Xterra suspension
Does the 2002 Nissan Xterra have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Nissan Xterra, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2002 Nissan Xterra suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 37,500 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Nissan Xterra suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 02V299000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Xterra have bad suspension?
The Nissan Xterra model years with the most suspension complaints are 2002 (13 complaints), 2006 (12 complaints) and 2004 (11 complaints).
Other 2002 Nissan Xterra problems
Engine 32Brakes 28Steering 22Airbags 19Electrical 13Fuel system 13Acceleration 11Visibility 8Tires 7Driver assistance 6Transmission 6Body 5Wheels 5Seat belts 3Lights 1Seats 1
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