2001 Nissan Xterra recalls and problems

The 2001 Nissan Xterra has 3 safety recalls and 150 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
150
Crashes / fires
15 / 5
Injuries / deaths
11 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Nissan Xterra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Nissan Xterra recalls

Recall 04V-230: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported May 24, 2004 · 586,196 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with six cylinder engines and sport utility vehicles equipped with four or six cylinder engines, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel-sending unit can develop a crack in the plastic molding. This can cause the terminal strip to corrode under some environmental conditions.

Risk: If corrosion occurs, the terminal strip could eventually break causing the fuel pump to stop operation. This will result in not being able to start the engine or cause the engine to stop running without warning, which can result in a crash.

Fix: In the following states, dealers will replace the fuel-sending unit. These states are connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, tennessee, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In the other states, the dealer will inspect the fuel pump terminal on the sending unit for corrosion. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the unit. If there is not corrosion, the dealer will apply sealant to the terminal housing to help prevent corrosion in the future. Owner notification began on june 28, 2004. Owners should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Recall 02V-300: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 12, 2002 · 44,000 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the fuel tank inlet shutter valve does not meet the sealing performance specification.

Risk: Under certain conditions such as high ambient temperature and when winter grade gasoline is being sold, fuel could spill from the filler inlet as the tank is being filled. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank inlet shutter valve. Owner notification is expected to begin december 10, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Recall 02V-299: Suspension

Reported Nov 12, 2002 · 143,000 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (Abs) sensor.

Risk: This can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and any affected components will be replaced. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. Owner notification began december 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

2001 Nissan Xterra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Visibility43
Fuel System, Gasoline23
Electrical System20
Engine and Engine Cooling14
Wheels11
Air Bags8
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Structure7
Power Train7
Steering7
Unknown or Other6

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 34
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 9
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 5
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 5
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 3
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Nissan Xterra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Jun 11, 2022
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
Engine · at 217,000 miles · reported Mar 30, 2021
The xterra started missing and hesitating (Engine) eventually dying and not restarting. The missing and hesitation occurred while underway on a busy 4 lane divided highway, but thankfully made it home before dying and not restarting. Missing and hesitation occurred while traveling straight on and while stopped at red lights.
Electrical System · reported Jun 1, 2019
Car failed to start after being parked overnight. Would crank but not start. Had it diagnosed and the fuel sending unit replaced. The dead unit had a hole through it's plastic which showed a corroded electrical tab. It doesn't look like corrosion from a crack in the plastic as stated in campaign# 04v230000, but more like the electrical connection melted through the plastic, which then allowed corrosion. Nissan hotline told me that the previous owner had the recall taken care of already, but couldn't say if the unit was repaired or replaced.
Engine · at 100,000 miles · reported Nov 1, 2018
While driving, engine goes to idle mode and can't accelerate. I have to shift to neutral and back to drive to again drive normally, then problem happens again and have to do the same continuously every few miles while driving.
Air Bags · at 121,000 miles · reported Feb 11, 2017
Major intrusion on front end after a motor vehicle accident without air bag deployment. This occurred on the highway after sliding on ice and being hit head on by a ford f150.

Other Nissan Xterra years

Compare all Nissan Xterra years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Nissan Xterra: 04V-230 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-300 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-299 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Nissan Xterra?

Owners report visibility problems most often (43 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.