Nissan Xterra Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
Owners have filed 721 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Nissan Xterra across 10 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (242). The words owners use most often: “fuel gauge” (37% of reports).
- 721fuel system, gasoline complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $770typical repair cost reported by owners
- 41%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuel gauge: mentioned in 268 of 721 complaints (37%)
- Sending unit: mentioned in 220 of 721 complaints (31%)
- Service engine: mentioned in 143 of 721 complaints (20%)
- Level sensor: mentioned in 91 of 721 complaints (13%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical fuel system, gasoline repair on the Nissan Xterra at $770, and half of them between $610 and $930.
Based on 115 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2003–2015), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?
Based on 655 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 721 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 2 a fire.
Nissan Xterra fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel System, Gasoline complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Xterra | 2 | 5% | 38,250 |
| 2008 Xterra | 8 | 7% | 57,000 |
| 2007 Xterra | 136 | 24% | 52,000 |
| 2006 Xterra | 237 | 30% | 53,094 |
| 2005 Xterra | 242 | 29% | 61,750 |
| 2004 Xterra | 6 | 7% | 108,000 |
| 2003 Xterra | 10 | 14% | 70,000 |
| 2002 Xterra | 9 | 6% | 89,000 |
| 2001 Xterra | 22 | 15% | 64,000 |
| 2000 Xterra | 49 | 23% | 62,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:auxillary tank
Model years: 2006, 2008
Problem: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2006 and model year 2008 frontier, xterra and pathfinder vehicles. The molded fuel tank shells can deform, causing the fuel sender float arm to contact an embossment molded into the tank shell causing the instrument panel fuel gauge to show that the vehicle has approximately one quarter tank when the fuel tank is empty.
Risk: This could cause the vehicle to run out of gas and stall in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit inside the fuel tank with a new one that has a modified float arm. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before march 22, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
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.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Model years: 2001
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 nissan xterra. The contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer riverside nissan (8330 indiana ave, riverside, ca 92504) where it was diagnosed and…
Fuel gauge never goes below 1/4 sticks and is inaccurate, same symptoms as recalled vehicles, yet this vin wasn't include in the recall and should be. Tank runs empty yet still indicates 1/4 full a safety hazard. This vehicle should be included to the recall for the exact same defective parts!…
Fuel gauge stopped working. At first, it would go to empty after filling the tank, and driving for a while, start working normal. But now it has stopped working completely. *tr
2008 nissan xterra. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle fuel gauge inaccuracy issues. *smd the consumer stated she ran out of gas on the highway, even though the tank read a quarter tank remaining. *jb
Frequently asked questions
Do all Nissan Xterras have fuel system, gasoline problems?
No. NHTSA has 721 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the Nissan Xterra. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Nissan Xterra fuel system, gasoline?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix fuel system, gasoline problems on the Nissan Xterra?
Owners report a typical cost of $770 (half paid between $610 and $930), from 115 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Nissan Xterra?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel gauge”, in 268 of 721 complaints, followed by “sending unit” (220).
Other Nissan Xterra problems
- Power Train problems (1,032)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (440)
- Engine problems (375)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (231)
- Electrical System problems (204)
- Air Bags problems (177)
- Fuel System, Other problems (139)
- Steering problems (108)
See all Nissan Xterra problems.