2004 Nissan Xterra Reliability
The 2004 Nissan Xterra has 84 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about steering and suspension. Compared with nearby Xterra model years (2002–2006), it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Xterra's typical year, while the 2005 drew 845 complaints.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
84
NHTSA owner complaints
3
Recall campaigns
10
Complaints citing a crash
3
Complaints citing a fire
2004 Nissan Xterra complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 model year, filed between 2004 and 2025. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 20 | 24% |
| Suspension | 11 | 13% |
| Electrical system | 11 | 13% |
| Engine | 8 | 10% |
| Fuel system | 7 | 8% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 6 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 7% |
| Engine & cooling | 6 | 7% |
2004 Nissan Xterra recalls
3 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2004 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V581000 | Dec 15, 2004 | Trailer hitch | On certain sport utility vehicles, the accessory tow hitch attachment bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification. |
| 07E046000 | Jul 3, 2007 | Equipment | Certain hopkins aftermarket trailer brake control connection harnesses sold for use on certain models of Nissan vehicles which are listed above. The internal part numbers within hopkins are: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025,… |
| 10V554000 | Nov 11, 2010 | Steering — column | 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… |
How the 2004 compares with nearby Xterra years
Verdicts compare these Xterra model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 172 | 6 | Service brakes | Avoid |
| 2003 | 72 | 3 | Steering | Solid |
| 2004 (this page) | 84 | 3 | Steering | Solid |
| 2005 | 845 | 6 | Powertrain / transmission | Avoid |
| 2006 | 780 | 5 | Fuel system | Avoid |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2004 Nissan Xterra
- Steering: check for a steering warning light, heavy or notchy steering and clunks over bumps; power-steering faults show up at low speed.
- Suspension: listen for clunks over bumps, look for leaking struts and uneven tire wear.
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for ticking or knocking, check for oil leaks and oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 3 campaigns above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2004 Nissan Xterra can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2004 Nissan Xterra reliability FAQ
Is the 2004 Nissan Xterra reliable?
The 2004 Nissan Xterra has 84 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about steering and suspension. Compared with nearby Xterra model years (2002–2006), it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Xterra's typical year, while the 2005 drew 845 complaints.
What are the most common 2004 Nissan Xterra problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Nissan Xterra are steering (20), suspension (11), electrical system (11), engine (8). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2004 Nissan Xterra, including 04V581000 (trailer hitch) and 07E046000 (equipment). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2004 Nissan Xterra compare with the 2003 and 2005 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2003 has 72 complaints and 3 recalls (solid); the 2005 has 845 complaints and 6 recalls (avoid). The 2004 has 84 complaints and 3 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2004 Nissan Xterra?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Nissan Xterra research
Other Nissan Xterra model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2004 Xterra, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.