Nissan Xterra years to avoid (and the best years)
98 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recalls across 5 model years, 2010 to 2015. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 98complaints
- 8recalls
- 4reported crashes
- 0reported fires
- 3reported injuries
Which Nissan Xterra years should you avoid?
No Nissan Xterra model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Nissan Xterra year has 16 complaints on file.
What are the best Nissan Xterra years?
The Nissan Xterra years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2015 (10), 2014 (10) and 2012 (16). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 10 | 0.6× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 10 | 0.6× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Suspension |
| 2012 | 16 | 1.0× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2011 | 24 | 1.5× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2010 | 38 | 2.4× | 6 | 4 | 3 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 62 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain19 (31%)
- Airbags & seat belts18 (29%)
- Steering, suspension & tires9 (15%)
- Electrical & infotainment7 (11%)
- Other systems5 (8%)
Recalls (8)
Airbags · 23V067000 · Feb 2023 · model years 2010, 2011
A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Suspension · 12V462000 · Sep 2012 · model year 2012
If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Engine · 11V592000 · Dec 2011 · model years 2011, 2012
IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Safety · 10V401000 · Sep 2010 · model year 2010
OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Safety · 10E043000 · Sep 2010 · model year 2010
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
Suspension · 10E019000 · May 2010 · model year 2010
IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Suspension · 10V208000 · May 2010 · model year 2010
IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Steering · 10V115000 · Mar 2010 · model year 2010
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TRAJECTORY MIGHT BE AFFECTED. THE FASTENERS COULD POSSIBLY COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN POSITIONING BRACKET INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.