Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2002 Nissan Xterra: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Xterra years.
One of the Nissan Xterra years to avoid. All Xterra years
172 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 Xterra?The 2002 Nissan Xterra has 172 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Nissan Xterra vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Xterra years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Xterra?
Across the 16 Xterra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2013) to 845 (2005). With 172 complaints, the 2002 Xterra sits above the model's median of 84.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Xterra
steering:column
Campaign 10V554000NISSAN 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.
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E026000CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 04V230000ON 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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 03V061000ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE. IF THE CONNECTOR COMES LOOSE, THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY.
Show 2 more recalls
suspension:rear
Campaign 02V299000ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR AXLE HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE SEALING OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR.
vehicle speed control
Campaign 02V298000ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGER, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FULL THROTTLE IN LOW GEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT FULLY WARMED UP AND AT COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, THE AMOUNT OF INTAKE AIR FLOW THROUGH THE AIR FLOW METER MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PRESET DIAGNOSIS LIMIT VALUE.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is strongly bifurcated by generation and specific model years.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Xterra. See the full Xterra owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Xterra listings typically run $9,407–$14,399 across 2000 to 2015 model years.
Other Xterra model years
Compare every Xterra year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Xterra against its rivals
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