2004 Nissan Xterra steering problems

20 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 83,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints: 20
of this car's complaints: 24%
typical mileage: 83,000
crashes: 1
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Column
3
Linkages: tie rod assembly
1

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 steering problems in other years

Related recalls

Steering: columnReported November 11, 2010 · 500,552 vehicles affected

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

What 2004 Nissan Xterra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Steering · TX

I took my xterra to get inspected 12/27/2024. I was informed I have a recall on this vehicle.

Filed Jan 1, 2021 · Steering · CA

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.

Filed Oct 17, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 150,000 miles · CO

Speeds over 60 hits a bump and starts rocking and bouncing

Filed Aug 4, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 220,715 miles · NC

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.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Steering · 212,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 nissan xterra. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to courtesy nissan (1777 n central expy, richardson, tx 75080) to be repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v554000 (steering). After retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, it was discovered that the steering wheel was loose. The contact stated that the steering wheel was able to turn three inches to the right or left, but the wheels failed to move. The contact also stated that a loud noise was heard coming from the front driver's side tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer because courtesy nissan had lost the vehicle for several days. The approximate failure mileage was 212,000.*pm consumer stated dealer wanted the vehicle to be left a the dealer for 2 weeks but consumer could not, without a loaner, due to work.

Filed Dec 21, 2018 · Steering · 155,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 nissan xterra. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized while driving. The contact had to use extra strength just to turn the steering wheel. In addition, the ABS and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the catalytic converter was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2017 · Steering · 60,000 miles · IN

Steering is sloppy. Steering wheel has excessive play. There is a lot on this topic across the internet forums.

Filed Jan 23, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 125,450 miles · PA

I took my vechicle to ace auto and he claim he fixed it gave me a list the second time but not the first time it sat there for a year than I got it out for 2 months back in again its goes real slow back fires now and sterring wheel locked one day now its acting like it dont have power to it.everytime you go sppeed limit the steering locks it shakes and not enough power to go barely go up the hill too.

Filed Dec 24, 2015 · Steering · 94,000 miles · NV

Steering binds when coming to complete left turn, will not return when moving forwrd unless manually assisted, now steering gear starting to leak.

Filed May 15, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 128,138 miles · LA

I have replaced my starter 3 times. My brake lights have a short or faulty wiring I'm sure because we have replaced the bulbs several times. I have gotten tickets because of this as a result I have a expired brake tag I cant get a new one because the wiring will cost to much. My uv joint broke while I was driving on the high way. That part they tell me is not a common breaking part. Nissan charges over a thousand dollars to repair that. I'm told my wiring is bad after I replace my starter 2 months ago. They sent me a recall for my column steering and I had it repaired but it still is a slight hassle to change gears. I have received a letter telling me they are buying 2004 nissan xterra's but when I called the sales man says it's nothing wrong with the xterra's that's just a sales stunt. I think its a bunch of bull nissan knows they didn't do a good job with these 2004"s.

Questions about the 2004 Nissan Xterra steering

Does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have steering problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Nissan Xterra, 24% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2004 Nissan Xterra steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 83,000 miles.

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).