2007 Nissan Xterra

Above average

Owners filed 557 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
89,533 milesMedian miles at failure

496 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train151
101
Fuel System, Gasoline128
000
Engine62
000
Fuel/Propulsion System49
000
Engine and Engine Cooling33
000
Fuel System, Other24
000
Unknown or Other19
000
Air Bags16
203
Electrical System10
020
Power Train › Automatic Transmission8
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm10E019000
Filed May 20, 20101,873 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

Risk. IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Air Bags › Frontal08V690000
Filed Dec 29, 2008242,720 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.

Risk. THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 6, 2025CA

I took my 2007 Nissan Xterra to the dealer on 08/04/2025 to complete the air bag safety recall. The dealer performed the recall service, but the recall status has not been updated in the system or on the NHTSA website. It still shows as “incomplete.” Because the recall remains listed as open, I am unable to pass my brake and light inspection or complete my vehicle registration with the DMV. I have contacted the dealer and Nissan customer service multiple times, but they have not corrected the recall record or provided a timeline for when it will be updated. The recall has technically been completed, but Nissan’s failure to update the record is preventing my vehicle from being legally inspected and registered. I am requesting NHTSA’s help to ensure the manufacturer updates the recall status properly.

Power Train
Filed Apr 26, 2025TN

Oil is getting into the radiator and causing a gray gunk build up in radiator and possibly the engine. I have had the car less than a 1 1/2 years And I've already had to have the same issue fixed 3 × first time. The heater hose blew out caused an air bubble in the radiator which caused us to have to burp the radiator Which is when we found it the first time had sent it to the mechanic. Had it flushed, had it fixed. it was fine or so we thought until about a month ago. Car overheats radiator fluid spews out everywhere. Fix the hose, add radiator fluid and start. The burping process again and out comes the gray gunk. Sent it back to mechanic had it flush had gaskets to the transmission cooler and Oil cooler fixed. Mechanic cannot find how it's getting into radiator. Break pads wear prematurely due to calipers constantly sticking. Rust is everywhere on frame, suspension, shocks undercarriage and body. Vdc/slip light will come on while driving causing the car to stall at any speed. Fixed those sensors 2 times since I bought the car in December 2023 from a used car lot. State I I've in has no laws to protect people buying from used car lots but they do for new cars even though new cars come with warranties. Should be the other way around protect the people who can't afford the 30000 dollar cars. There's a reason we go to used car lots. Paid 4500 after taxes and registration and have put almost 5000 into it. Nissan is aware of the problem just not enough to deem a recall.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 18, 2024167,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V690000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the air bag warning light was blinking. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The contact refused to pay for the diagnostic test and stated that the warning light was not illuminated prior to the recall repair being performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2024AL

The vehicle was driving just fine, then about a month later the heat gauge started to fluctuate, i replaced the radiator caps, thermostat...it ran good for another month, started to overheat....i made sure water was in radiator and overflow...about a month went by the gauge started to fluctuate again, i had it towed to sayre auto parts in sayre, al to have a water pump installed and the mechanic told me their is now there is water in my oil, meaning a cracked head gasket...the vehicle never got over the 3/4 mark on gauge and this is the 2nd vehicle ive purchased that the same thing has happened to.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 18, 2024IL

My 07 Xterra has extreme rust in the door jams and rear panels. The rack-n-pinion, power steering system leaks fluid.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 31, 2023IL

There is usual rust on body of truck. There is some kind of electrical problem rather it’s the security system or wiring. There’s a clicking sound coming from dash area. There is a suspension problem, has to change leaf springs, struts and shocks often.

Steering
Filed Oct 4, 2023CO

The recall has been in place with no solution presented by the manufacturer since February of 2023 with no remedy for the steering wheel emblem issue, making airbag deployment potentially unsafe.

Air Bags
Filed May 30, 2023110,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and produced codes: B1049 and B1054. Additionally, the contact indicated Part Number: 4790453X10A needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that they were not responsible for the individual dealers and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact stated that there were 3 parts that needed to be replaced but the parts were unavailable. The contact paid a bill from the dealership, yet the vehicle was returned back without any repairs being made.

Air Bags
Filed May 17, 2023NJ

2007 Nissan Xterra- Consumer refers to recall on airbag. Consumer had driver side front airbag repaired prior to recall. Parts removed, one part no longer made, and airbag not replaced. Copy of consumers letter to Nissan Consumer Affairs attached.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Apr 6, 2023200,000 milesOH

The contact owned a 2007 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact lost control of the steering wheel causing the vehicle to flip three times; however, the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to her head and neck. The contact received medical attention. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 23, 2022IN

The airbag warning light came on. The vehicle is registered in a state that uses heavy amounts of salt on the roads in winter. Nissan had a recall campaign for this exact thing that they closed. Now, they refuse to diagnose or repair the issue and expect me to pay for it completely. They refuse to fix a problem they already admitted was their fault due to the fact they thought everyone should have gotten it fixed already. However, the vehicle is new to me and only started having the problem this winter.

Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2021TX

The radiator has cracked at the top which caused me to break down because the car stopped moving.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 25, 2021TX

Aprox. three years ago, I reported a problem with the fuel gauge not giving true readings. After taking the car to be tested, I was advised that the sending unit was faulty, and the mechanic believed that there was a recall on the matter (he had heard of many people having the same problem). After doing online research, I came across hundreds, if not thousands of Xterra owners reporting the same problem. I called Nissan, and I was advised that there were no recalls on this matter. That does not make sense, for it seems obvious, based on my research, that this--among other common problems (such as the Airbag light coming on)--are very prevalent, and seem to be due to a manufacturing/design problem.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 22, 202190,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFILLED THE FUEL TANK HOWEVER, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V075000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT RECALLS WERE VIN SPECIFIC AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 11, 2021105,000 milesMD

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE SUV STARTED LOOSING SPEED UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETELY STOP IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE BALTIMORE BELTWAY 695 WHICH MADE A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME. CARS FLYING BY ON BOTH SIDES OF ME. HAD A POLICE OFFICER STOP TRAFFIC SO THAT I COULD DRIFT IT BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. FOUND OUT IT WAS THE DDEFAULTY RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT. IT DIDN'T GIVE ME ANY NOTICE THAT IT WAS ANYTHING WRONG. EXCEPT LEAVING ME STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COSTS ME THOUSANDS TO GET A REPLACEMENT RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT THE NISSAN DEALER. MY VEHICLE HAD 105,000 MILES ON IT.

Power Train
Filed Feb 10, 2021149,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN PINK FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT CALLED NISSAN OF ST. AUGUSTINE (2755 US-1, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32086, (904) 447-2960). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 8, 2021FL

EXACT SAME ISSUE AS ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 10V075000 IS APPLICABLE TO MY 2007 NISSAN XTERRA AS WELL. NISSAN MUST RECALL THE PART ON 2007 XTERRAS AS WELL. THIS IS A WIDELY REPORTED ISSUE BY OTHER CUSTOMERS ON THE INTERNET AS WELL.

Power Train
Filed Jan 18, 2021101,123 milesAL

CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE.ATTEMPTED TO LEAVE MY HOME,PUT VEHICAL IN DRIVE.APPLIED ACCELERATOR,TRANSMISSION WILL NOT HARDLY PULL,PUT IN REVERSE.OPERATES IN REVERSE PROPERLY, PARKED MY VEHICAL.TURNED ENGINE OFF.ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE TO GET MY VEHICAL TO LEVEL GROUND TO CHECK FLUIDS,ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE,ENGINE NOW WILL NOT TURN OVER AT ALL.

Power Train
Filed Dec 4, 2020147,257 milesOR

THE TRANSMISSION COOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR FAULTED, CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION INTERNALLY.

Power Train
Filed Jul 26, 2020241,300 milesVA

RED COLOR IN RADIATOR (SEE PHOTO) . WHEN DRIVING TRANSMISSION WOULD RACE LIKE IN OVERDRIVE. LET OFF GAS TO LIKE CATCH UP.

20 of 557 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201510000Routine
201410000Routine
20134000Routine
201216200Routine
201124200Routine
201038600Routine
200919500Routine
2008119830Routine
2007 — this page557230Above average
2006780531Fatalities reported
2005845660Above average
200484330Routine
200372320Routine
2002157672Fatalities reported
2001150550Routine
2000214541Fatalities reported
19990100Routine

Compare every Xterra year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 20, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.