Nissan Xterra Steering Problems
Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Nissan Xterra across 11 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (22). The words owners use most often: “steering column” (23% of reports).
- 108steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 18mention a crash
- 13mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 23%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.
- Steering column: mentioned in 25 of 108 complaints (23%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 85 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 108 complaints, 18 mention a crash, 13 an injury.
Nissan Xterra steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Xterra | 1 | 10% | 24,000 |
| 2011 Xterra | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2010 Xterra | 2 | 5% | 75,600 |
| 2007 Xterra | 6 | 1% | 54,500 |
| 2006 Xterra | 22 | 3% | 65,000 |
| 2005 Xterra | 10 | 1% | 100,145 |
| 2004 Xterra | 20 | 24% | 83,000 |
| 2003 Xterra | 12 | 17% | 100,588 |
| 2002 Xterra | 22 | 14% | 96,000 |
| 2001 Xterra | 6 | 4% | 106,000 |
| 2000 Xterra | 6 | 3% | 87,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Steering:column
Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004
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.
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive; steering:gear box:shaft sector
Model years: 2010
Problem: Nissan has notified nhtsa of a defect in certain model year 2010 frontier, pathfinder, and xterra vehicles manufactured from february 22, 2010 to march 13, 2010. On some of the potentially affected vehicles, the fasteners securing the passenger front air bag module, and also the fasteners securing the steering shaft positioning bracket may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the passenger front air bag deployment trajectory might be affected. The fasteners could possibly come out of the steering column positioning bracket increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column and the passenger front air bag fasteners and any missing fasteners will be replaced and all loose fasteners will be retightened to the proper torque specifications free of charge. The safety recall began on april 19, 2010. Owners may 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.
I took my xterra to get inspected 12/27/2024. I was informed I have a recall on this vehicle.
Unknown
My car dies out while driving. I've replaced so many parts already and it keeps leaving me stranded.
My 07 Xterra has extreme rust in the door jams and rear panels. The rack-n-pinion, power steering system leaks fluid.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Nissan Xterras have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 108 owner complaints about steering 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 steering?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Nissan Xterra?
The most frequent phrase is “steering column”, in 25 of 108 complaints.
Other Nissan Xterra problems
- Power Train problems (1,032)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (721)
- 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)
See all Nissan Xterra problems.