Nissan Xterra steering lock-up problems

Filed Jun 11, 2022 · Brakes, Fuel system · OR

The vehicle disabled and the steering wheel locked on the highway once the speed hit 70mph. The wheel bearings are always rattling and if I go through a pothole the steering and tire feel really loose. The brake system doesn't feel right and has made a loud metal grind sound. The exhaust and or gasoline smell is way potent and not normal either it is strong smelling all the time. Potential recalls with fuel system, gasoline delivery, fuel pump and suspension, REAR , gasoline storage , tank assembly, filler pipe and cap. All are potential recalls also the exterior lighting

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 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 Nov 17, 2015 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · OR

Fuel sending unit ceased to function. Dealership said the vehicle was not on the recall list. Full tank registers after 50 or so miles and then drops to empty around 120 miles. We are forced to fill the tank full, reset the odometer and never go past 325 miles. Twice I have been travelling at freeway speeds when the car steering locks up and vehicle loses power. Both times I have been lucky to be able to limp off to the side of the road without incident. Both times occurred late at night and alone. One location I was forced to walk along the road until my phone registered a signal. I believe this occurred around 70,000 miles. To date, we have not fixed the problem and if we lived in an emissions controlled city, we probably would not be driving it right now as it has thrown a code and activated the check engine light. I'm curious to know who qualified to have this repaired. Based on what I have read, not many and certainly not those who too have experienced the problem. I loved my xterra but due to the lack of care and issues ignored by nissan, I steer people away from buying one.

Filed Oct 16, 2015 · Brakes, Visibility · 147,300 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan xterra. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel seized and made an abnormal noise when turned to the right. In addition, the brake pedal had to be depressed with force in order to bring the vehicle to a stop. The contact also stated that the driver side window would not close. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the diagnosis was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 147,300.

Filed Oct 7, 2014 · Steering · 125,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was included in recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v554000 (steering). The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Jan 1, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 118,000 miles · MS

I was driving my 2005 nissan xterra down the highway around 65mph when I noticed the vehicle would not accelerate when pushing the gas pedal. I was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road just before the steering wheel locked up & the vehicle went dead. Had it towed into dealership, was told the transmission had failed & would have to be replaced. Issues caused from faulty radiator drainage into transmission fluid. I have read of countless other reports of this same issue. This year vehicle should be recalled by dealership to correct this recurring problem. It wont be long before someone loses control of their vehicle due to failed transmission & hits another vehicle or kills someone!

Filed Apr 18, 2010 · Steering, Transmission · 53,000 miles · NJ

2006 nissan xterra: steering column ("control unit") was defective causing shorts in break/turn lights, and most importantly, steering locking up in a turn, requiring me to fight to get the wheel to turn and avoid an accident. Mechanic indicated that the parts vendor said they get this a lot with xterras!

Filed Sep 6, 2007 · Steering · 180 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 nissan xterra. While driving 30 MPH, the steering locked and prevented the vehicle from moving. The dealer stated that the steering column locked and the entire component was replaced. The dealer also stated that this failure was common on many nissans. The current mileage was 200 and failure mileage was 180.

Filed Aug 14, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · NJ · 1 injury

While driving 30-35 MPH right rear axle and wheel disconnected from vehicle. Vehicle at dealership at this time. *ak consumer states that the right rear axle and tie rod flew off causing the the consumer to be pulled to the shoulder of the road. The consumer had no brakes and the steering wheel locked up, the vehicle was thrown in park in order to stop. There was one injury.