The most-reported Xterra run is 5N1AN08W06C (2006 builds) with 49 complaints, 6.2× the typical run. Power train problems make up 26% of reports; 2005 is the worst model year at 18.8 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns for Xterra model years 2000–2012.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Nissan Xterra has 323 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 9% of every Xterra complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5N1AN08W06C•••••• | 2006 | 1 | — | |
| 5N1AN08WX5C•••••• | 2005 | 1 | 1 | |
| 5N1AN08W85C•••••• | 2005 | — | — | |
| 5N1AN08W47C•••••• | 2007 | 1 | — | |
| 5N1AN08W75C•••••• | 2005 | 1 | 1 | |
| 5N1AN08W87C•••••• | 2007 | — | 1 | |
| 5N1AN08W56C•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| 5N1AN08W25C•••••• | 2005 | — | — | |
| 5N1AN08W35C•••••• | 2005 | — | — | |
| 5N1AN08W86C•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| 5N1AN08W76C•••••• | 2006 | 1 | — | |
| 5N1AN08W65C•••••• | 2005 | — | — |
Each of the other 311 Xterra runs has 38 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 54 Xterra VINs so far, most often 2006, 2014, 2010 builds; 5 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Nissan Xterra the gap between build years is 18.8×: a 2005 car draws 18.8 complaints per run, a 2013 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 9 | 8 | — | |
| 2014 | 10 | 8 | — | |
| 2013 | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 14 | 7 | — | |
| 2011 | 23 | 10 | — | |
| 2010 | 34 | 15 | 4 | |
| 2009 | 17 | 10 | — | |
| 2008 | 103 | 24 | 8 | |
| 2007 | 465 | 31 | 3 | |
| 2006 | 650 | 41 | 11 | |
| 2005 | 678 | 36 | 7 | |
| 2004 | 76 | 23 | 8 | |
| 2003 | 63 | 27 | 15 | |
| 2002 | 131 | 43 | 15 | |
| 2001 | 117 | 30 | 12 | |
| 2000 | 151 | 27 | 20 |
Heaviest year here is 2005 at 18.8 complaints per run; lightest is 2013 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 26% of everything Nissan Xterra owners report: Power Train, 872 of 2,544 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 12 | 5 | |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2 | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 | 3 | |
| Engine | 2 | 6 | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 4 | 17 | |
| Air Bags | 55 | 1 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 28 recall campaigns on the Nissan Xterra; the 6 below cover build years 2000 to 2011. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 10E019000 | Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm | 2005–2010 |
| 08V690000 | Air Bags:frontal | 2005–2009 |
| 23V067000 | Air Bags:frontal | 2008–2011 |
| 04V230000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump | 2000–2003 |
| 10V401000 | Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) | 2008–2010 |
| 07E046000 | Equipment | 2004–2006 |
The Xterra against its rivals
The Xterra draws 7.9 complaints per production run; the Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 and the Land Rover LR2 1.7. That is the highest rate of the 3.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Xterra | 2,544 | 323 | 4.1% | |
| Suzuki Grand Vitara | 490 | 298 | 11.2% | |
| Land Rover LR2 | 161 | 93 | 1.9% |
How serious were they
Of the 2,544 reports on the Nissan Xterra, 4.1% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Nissan Xterra | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 2,544 | 1,116,631 |
| Involved a crash | 104 (4.1%) | 64,221 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 29 (1.1%) | 26,977 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 108 | 58,047 |
| Deaths reported | 19 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The Nissan Xterra share of that is 2,544 complaints over 323 runs, 0.23% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Nissan Xterra VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 2,544 NHTSA complaints from 323 Xterra runs and 28 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Xterra production run has the most complaints?
5N1AN08W06C, a 2006 build, with 49 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical Xterra run has 7.9.
Which Xterra years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2005 is heaviest at 18.8 complaints per run and 2013 lightest at 1.
Does the Xterra get more complaints than the Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Yes: 7.9 complaints per production run for the Xterra against 1.6 for the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
How many Xterra complaints involve a crash?
4.1% of 2,544 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 29 involved a fire.
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