2002 Nissan Xterra recalls and problems
The 2002 Nissan Xterra has 5 safety recalls and 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Nissan Xterra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Nissan Xterra recalls
Recall 10V-554: Steering
Problem: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 frontier vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001 through october 20, 2004, and model year 2002-2004, xterra vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001, through january 6, 2005. Over time corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit movement of the joint. The limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, it may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs.
Risk: The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The steering column shaft and joint will be replaced with a shaft of a different design. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on december 13, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Recall 04V-230: Fuel System, Gasoline
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 03V-061: Air Bags
Problem: On certain vehicles, the electrical connector for the driver air bag may come loose. If the connector comes loose, the supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
Risk: The driver side air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will install a retaining clip on the clock spring electrical connector. Owner notification began april 21, 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.
Recall 02V-298: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with a supercharger, under certain conditions, such as full throttle in low gear when the engine is not fully warmed up and at cold ambient temperature, the amount of intake air flow through the air flow meter may exceed the maximum preset diagnosis limit value.
Risk: This will cause the engine control system to go into the failsafe mode. Under this condition, the malfunction indicator lamp will illuminate and engine speed will not exceed 2400 RPM regardless of the throttle position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module. Owner notification began january 15, 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.
Recall 02V-299: Suspension
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.
2002 Nissan Xterra problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 25 | |
| Steering | 22 | |
| Air Bags | 19 | |
| Suspension | 13 | |
| Electrical System | 13 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | |
| Unknown or Other | 11 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | |
| Visibility | 9 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 | |
| Service Brakes | 8 | |
| Engine | 8 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 7
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 7
- Air Bags › Frontal — 6
- Electrical System › Wiring — 6
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 2
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 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 2002 Nissan Xterra complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Nissan Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2002 Nissan Xterra: 10V-554 (steering), 04V-230 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-061 (air bags), 02V-298 (vehicle speed control), 02V-299 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Nissan Xterra?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (25 reports), followed by steering (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 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.