2008 Nissan Xterra
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 47 of 119 complaints (39%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (5) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 557 in 2007 to 119 in 2008.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | vs. 2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,650–3,900 | 3,650–3,900 | 3,650–3,900 | 3,450–3,650 | 3,450–3,650 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–17 | 16–17 | 16–17 | 17–18 | 17–18 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–15 / 19–20 | 14–16 / 19–20 | 14–16 / 20 | 15–16 / 20–21 | 15–16 / 20–21 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 523–555 | 523–555 | 523–555 | 494–523 | 494–523 | |
| Complaints filed | 780 | 557 | 119 | 19 | 38 | |
| Recalls issued | 5 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 4 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 19 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Xterra have?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2008 Nissan Xterra?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 47 of 119 NHTSA complaints (39%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Nissan Xterra get?
EPA rates it 16–17 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2008 Nissan Xterra?
EPA estimates $3,650–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 15 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 523 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 16 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 523 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 16 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 523 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 31 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 47 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 11 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 23 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (8)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 23V067000 · Feb 10, 2023
Defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) · Campaign 10V401000 · Sep 10, 2010
Defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM · Campaign 10E019000 · May 21, 2010
Defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK · Campaign 10V075000 · Mar 3, 2010
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 08V690000 · Dec 29, 2008
Defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 08V045000 · Jan 30, 2008
Defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.' THE TIRE PLACARD LISTS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE SELECTION TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 07E105000 · Dec 17, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE ABS AND ESC CONTROL MODULES SOLD FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME OF THE HYDRAULIC VALVES IN THE ESC MODULE WERE BUILT WITH EXTRA CHECK BALLS.
Consequence: THE EXTRA CHECK BALLS CAN RESTRICT THE FLOW OF BRAKE FLUID THROUGH THE VALVE AND CAUSE REDUCTION OF BRAKE FORCE.
Remedy: EACH VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WILL FILE A DEFECT REPORT AND REMEDY PLAN FOR THEIR VEHICLES WHICH INCLUDED THESE MODULES AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. OWNERS CAN CONTACT EITHER THEIR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE AT 248-393-5300 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 07V528000 · Nov 16, 2007
Defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM/VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (ABS/VDC) ACTUATOR IS DESIGNED WITH ONE BALL IN THE VALVE SECTION. SOME ABS/VDC ACTUATORS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH MORE THAN ONE BALL IN THE VALVE.
Consequence: IN ABS/VDC ACTUATORS WITH MORE THAN ONE BALL, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT FLUID FLOW COULD BE BLOCKED AND CAUSE A REDUCTION IN BRAKE FORCE IN ONE OR BOTH FRONT WHEELS OR AFFECT OPERATION OF THE ABS AND/OR VDC. THIS COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS WITHOUT WARNING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS/VDC ACTUATOR WITH A NEW ONE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.