I have been in three accidents, of decent speed, and my airbags never deployed. I was told to report that.
The worst 2004 Nissan Xterra problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering20
- Engine14
- Fuel system12
- Electrical11
- Suspension11
- Brakes6
- Transmission6
- Visibility5
- Airbags4
- Acceleration3
- Wheels3
- Body2
- Driver assistance1
- Lights1
- Tires1
Recalls 2
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 10V554000 · Recall details
Trailer hitches
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the accessory tow hitch attachment bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
- Risk
- This could cause the tow hitch to loosen or separate from the vehicle which could result in a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will tighten the tow hitch. The recall began on january 3, 2005. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 04V581000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Nissan Xterra 49
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
- Diagnosis of vehicle pull (DRIFT) and/or steering wheel off-center
- 12 volt battery testing for in-service vehicles service information
- Silicone-based lubricant or grease CAN damage electrical components service information
- Intelligent key replacement or swapping between vehicles
2004 Nissan Xterra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 18-20 | 15-17 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-15 | 17-19 | 15-16 |
What 2004 Nissan Xterra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Water pump went out replace water pump motor blown
I took my xterra to get inspected 12/27/2024. I was informed I have a recall on this vehicle.
My vehicle has been in 3 accidents. Being rear-ended at 70MPH, again six months later at 60MPH, then the forward vehicle slammed their brakes, and I hit them at around 30MPH. In any of these accidents, NONE of my airbags deployed.
UNKNOWN. Wanting to make a recall appointment that was reported on my SMOG check.
The steering weal it's becoming stiff and is becoming hard to maneuver around and it might affect my driving and I'm scared I might crash and this is the only vehicle I have and own and have no other means to purchase another car. I was heading to work and I tried turning on the corner and it just became hard to steer the steering weal.
Speeds over 60 hits a bump and starts rocking and bouncing
When driving my xterra, it loses power and cuts out on me. This is very dangerous and cuts completely off when I'm accelerating. There is a declaration and then the vehicle won't crank or start leaving me stranded. This is not the first time over years that the xterra has cut off on me. All dashboard systems stop completely when it happens. I have no control over the car when it happens.
Coolant in transmission! Bought new in march of 2015. Was driving on I-10 in biloxi and it started smelling like a burnt rubber smell and it started smoking! Pulled over and got out of it! Left me and my daughter stranded on the side of the highway!
Fuel gauge registering improperly. Only shows 3/4 tank upon filling tank full and will not drop upon usage of fuel. Gauge has only dropped once since I have owned the vehicle.
Compare the 2004 Nissan Xterra
Other model years
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Questions about the 2004 Nissan Xterra
Is the 2004 Nissan Xterra reliable?
Owners have filed 84 complaints about the 2004 Nissan Xterra, 1.2 times a typical Xterra model year.
What is the 2004 Nissan Xterra year score?
The 2004 Nissan Xterra scores 62 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Xterra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Nissan Xterra?
Steering, with 20 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles. Next is engine (14).
How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have?
2 recalls, covering steering and trailer hitches.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Nissan Xterra steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 10V554000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Xterra have bad steering?
The Nissan Xterra model years with the most steering complaints are 2002 (22 complaints), 2006 (22 complaints) and 2004 (20 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Nissan Xterra get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Nissan Xterra range from 15 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 23 highway.
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