Best and worst Nissan Xterra years — which to avoid

Xterra’s reliability status implies that you are getting a good bargain. However, you must be careful when selecting a model to buy as some deviate from Xterra’s reputation of reliability, and this guide presents the Nissan Xterra years to avoid and which make a profitable purchase.

Our team of automotive experts put all the effort into giving you some pointers on Nissan Xterra reliability complaints submitted to NHTSA, manufacturer recalls for problem identification, and general ratings of the model by year. We’ll further explain all the issues that may arise if you decide to go with a used Xterra, as well as recommend some of the best model years for potential buyers.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Nissan Xterra years

As we ventured into the Xterra model years, our team used a specific approach to deliver factual and ground-based information regarding reliability ratings and common problems. We first based our research on proven and verified driving safety organizations like NHTSA and IIHS for safety ratings and complaints.

Up next, we wanted to see what real Xterra owners had to say about their cars and their impressions on overall reliability and frequent issues. That’s why we proceeded by taking a look at Edmunds, KBB, Consumer Reports, and other platforms where owners left their comments, and we finally checked the forums for some extra insight into real problems.

Most common Nissan Xterra problems

Certain problems are common to every vehicle. You need to be fully aware of these problems to draft and implement a good maintenance routine that would double as a preventive measure to reduce the possibility of such issues. Here are the common problems the Nissan Xterra is prone to developing.

1. Radiator leaks

Undetected radiator leaks are one of the worst things to happen to any Xterra owner. It causes transmission failure and engine overheating when left undetected for too long.

The 2005 Nissan Xterra is most notorious for having this issue. Drivers had to repair the leaks and replace their lower intake manifold to resolve the problem.

2. Defective fuel level sensor

Inaccurate fuel gauge readings may not seem to be much of a problem, but on the Nissan Xterra, they are indicators of a bigger problem. The incorrect reading is usually caused by a faulty fuel level sensor which causes the engine to stall or the car to run out of gas quickly.

It is a dangerous issue, especially when driving on the highway or in fast-moving traffic. Xterras produced between 2001 and 2011 had this problem in excess, with that of the 2006 to 2008 models at an alarming rate. As a result, Nissan had to issue a recall and subsequently addressed the issue such that Xterras produced after 2011 were devoid of this problem.

3. Failed transmission

Most of the transmission problems that the Xterra encounters are due to unchecked radiator leaks.

The radiator leak often gets coolant into the transmission, mixing it with the transmission fluid and reducing its potency. The combined fluids increase the rate of corrosion in the transmission, eventually causing it to overheat or slip.

Because of this problem, drivers of the Xterras have experienced delayed engagement when shifting, erratic engine behavior, excessive grinding and noise during a gear change, gear slippage, and visible fluid leaks accompanied by a burning smell. The problem is worse for the 2005 Xterra.

To help prevent the worst parts of this problem from manifesting, you must keep an eye on your radiator’s fluid levels and inspect the entire vehicle if you notice the slightest of these symptoms.

4. Faulty fuel injector

Some models of the Nissan Xterra are known to struggle with misfires caused by fuel injector faults. These problems include but are not limited to engine misfires, rough idling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel economy, and excessive shaking. They all sum up to affect Xterra’s performance and ride comfort.

It is important to note that repairs for a faulty fuel injector should not be delayed as the symptoms tend to get worse with time. You might face more severe problems like engine damage if left for too long.

5. Timing chain failure

Again, the 2005 Xterra is well-known for its timing chain issues which often contribute to engine failure if left unchecked. Among the bad timing chain symptoms, drivers typically experience reduced power output and acceleration, burnt smells when accelerating, and grinding or whining noises emanating from the engine.

Following the complaints, Nissan corrected the issue in recent models. However, if you plan on buying an older model, it is best to take note of the problem and be wary.

6. Clogging EGR valve

The responsibility of the exhaust gas recirculation valve is to control the amount of gas getting into the exhaust system according to the engine load. A clog in the valve reduces the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and reduces power and acceleration while increasing the amount of vehicle emission.

The EGR valve of the Nissan Xterra often gets clogged with buildups of carbon which causes engine misfires when the car is speeding. Fortunately, cleaning the valve passages and the EGR valve is an easy fix for the issue.

Worst Nissan Xterra years to avoid

Some Xterra models promote the model’s credibility and give it a chance in the market. Those models have proven to be worth the money, while others need repair and a little more cautious maintenance to flourish.

However, some Nissan Xterra years are best left alone as they are big inconveniences, so what are the worst Nissan Xterra years? The worst Nissan Xterra years are 2005 and 2006, but you should also avoid all of the listed years:

• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008

We’ll also give you an explanation for each of these to help you figure out what might have caused such bad reliability ratings for those years.

First-generation Xterra (2004 model year)

Being the last vehicle of Xterra’s first generation, it is surprising that it would be less reliable than the first five. It does not have many complaints, but its major problem is severe and costly to repair.

The 2004 Xterra was notorious for having radiator leaks that branch out to affect the transmission system negatively. The cost of repairing this issue towers above $4,000, which is a significant deterrent for any driver, especially one looking to buy an Xterra off the used market. Furthermore, the safety ratings on the 2004 Xterra leave much to be desired, and it is pretty low and suggest inadequate protection in a crash.

Second-generation Xterra (2005-2008 model years)

The second generation of Xterras began with over 400 complaints, with the first model in the line declared the worst Nissan Xterra to avoid. Nissan had to recall hundreds of 2005 models with the most severe issues.

The 2005 Xterra inherited the radiator issue of the 2004 model, which often progressed to transmission problems. Another severe problem was with the timing chain, which cost almost $3,000 to fix. It also had most of the common issues the Xterra is bound to have enshrined in it alone.

The 2005 Xterra was a frustration for drivers as the cost of repairs subtracted a lot from the car’s value.

Though the issues of the model years following the 2005 Xterra pale in comparison, they were no better too. The 2006 Xterra seemed to have only gotten rid of the less serious issues while inheriting the more grievous ones like the leaking radiator and the faulty timing chain. It would mostly be remembered for its timing chain problem, as it was the worst hit.

The 2007 and 2008 Xterras also inherited the radiator leak issue, with the 2008 version requiring a higher amount for repairing the same problem than all the other models. Drivers spent about $5,100 to resolve the radiator leak on the 2008 Xterra. Without the radiator issue, the 2008 Xterra would have been an excellent find, as it has fewer complaints than the other models mentioned above.

What are the best Nissan Xterra years to buy?

Though the Nissan Xterra is no longer produced, you can still find one in excellent condition on the used market. Here are the Nissan Xterra years you should keep your eyes open when searching for one.

• 2009
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2015

The last two are the ones you should keep an eye out for the most. They have more recent technology and fewer problems than all the other models. The other three mentioned hold their ground well and require less strenuous maintenance schedules and repairs.

2013 Nissan Xterra

The 2013 Nissan Xterra turned out to be one of the best models with just several complaints being issued to NHTSA since the time of production. For a model that’s now more than a decade old, it’s an impressive score and it has an excellent reliability rating thanks to positive feedback from drivers.

The only mechanical problems that drivers have complained about include some paint peeling and suspension issues that could easily be fixed, but we have to say that some owners were not fully satisfied with the car’s features and interior quality.

2015 Nissan Xterra

If you decide to go with a 2015 Nissan Xterra, you’d be making one of the best possible decisions since it’s among the best-rated models out there. It had a few issues with paint and accessories, but the revised interior and features made it a better option overall compared with the 2013 one.

One of the main qualities of this model is its reliable V6 engine that easily pushed more than 180,000 miles when properly maintained, and there weren’t any transmission-related issues either.

Is the Nissan Xterra worth buying?

The Nissan Xterra is worth it if you can get your hands on the last two models. Most of its reliability issues affect its models in the first generation and the first four of the second generation. Sadly, the Xterra line had to end just when it began to show significant improvements due to poor sales and the high cost an upgrade would have cost Nissan.

Nonetheless, the last model of the Xterra has shown us what Nissan had in mind for the vehicle. Therefore, if you are looking for a used Xterra, try your best to get the 2015 model so you can adequately enjoy the Xterra experience.

When considering rugged and capable off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and Jeep Liberty, you’re diving into a category of vehicles designed for adventure right off the showroom floor. Our focused reviews are intended to highlight the model years that might be best to avoid, drawing on data from reliability assessments, and owner feedback.