CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2004 Nissan Xterra doesn't seem to have any problem trends. The only thing prospective owners should be aware of are the less-than-perfect (but acceptable) crash test ratings.

There are a very few transmission complaints, but nothing like the huge defect that shows up starting in with the 2005 model year.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
99,388 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Nissan Xterra engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Nissan Xterra Owner Comments

problem #7

Aug 032020

Xterra

  • 220,715 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #6

Dec 212018

Xterra

  • 145,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Xterra. While driving 55 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

- Rupert, ID, USA

problem #5

May 222018

Xterra

  • 116,000 miles
2004 Xterra had been low on radiator fluid and needed topping up each week, then each day. After filling with water and coolant night before car began to overheat on hwy. Car sat in sun all day, then overheated in traffic. Had towed to work on it. Replaced split radiator hose where dripping occurs and refilled car radiator, no leaking apparent. Next day, drove on hwy to work. At 65-75 mph car began making clicking/tapping noises from engine. Went uphill towards interchange and car shook violently, steam (or smoke) came from under hood as I carefully crossed freeway to exit, all lights came on on dash and smoke or steam poured into the car through air vents. I had lost all power and power steering, but I steered it safely to hwy service road street with parking lot. Car was smoking under hood, steam or smoke was coming out of vents and all lights remained on on the dash. Under the hood, the A/C condenser or radiator has a 5" break on top of it. When I put water in the radiator it pours through several places where hoses connect (gaskets and seals, I presume). Had the car towed home and I'm afraid to drive it ever again, but now I can't get to work or pick my kids up from school anymore and I can't afford to fix it or pay for repairs since I can't get to work.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #4

Jun 122016

Xterra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

June 12 2016 at the tri-par in slinger, wi I was filling up the gas tank, when gas began spilling out of the vehicle's wheel well. I immediately stopped it after I noticed it. The station along with the slinger fire department estimated a gallon was spilt. It appears the gas tank neck has rusted out, causing the spill. They deemed the vehicle not safe to drive and recommend we have it towed home, which we did.

- Richfield, WI, USA

problem #3

Aug 072015

Xterra

  • 80,000 miles
The lower radiator support bar for my Nissan Xterra has rusted out. This causes the main radiator to sink which has since hit the main fan. Only replacement is to replace the entire radiator brace. As a main structure component of the vehicle this should not be rusting out.

- Richfield, WI, USA

problem #2

Jan 132015

Xterra

  • miles
I have had to replace my starter 3 times in 4 years. I have all of the receipts to show also. I have also had to replace my radiator because of a crack near the cap. I had a hose that goes through my dash with the hot water explode on me and burn my hand pretty bad. My radiator seems to evaporate cooling fluid on a regular basis. I have had a pressure test it is holding pressure. And now my warning bell is no longer working. My battery has gone dead 5 times because no warning sound to tell me I left my lights on.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #1

Feb 232015

Xterra

  • 134,000 miles
Vehicle overheated while driving down the highway. Upon inspection, an approximately 4in crack was noticed on the top of the radiator, passenger side, near the thermostat. Replacement of the radiator was required.

- Auburn, CA, USA

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