2001 Nissan Xterra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Nissan Xterra: 3 recalls, 150 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #02V300000 · 2002 · 44,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the fuel tank inlet shutter valve does not meet the sealing performance specification.
Why it matters: Under certain conditions such as high ambient temperature and when winter grade gasoline is being sold, fuel could spill from the filler inlet as the tank is being filled. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank inlet shutter valve. Owner notification is expected to begin December 10, 2002.
Suspension Vehicle recall #02V299000 · 2002 · 143,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On 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.
Why it matters: This can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and any affected components will be replaced. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. Owner notification began December 10, 2003.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V230000 · 2004 · 586,196 vehicles
What's wrong: On 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.
Why it matters: If corrosion occurs, the terminal strip could eventually break causing the fuel pump to stop operation. This will result in not being able to start the engine or cause the engine to stop running without warning, which can result in a crash.
The fix: In the following states, dealers will replace the fuel-sending unit. These states are connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, tennessee, vermont, virginia,…
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (43): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), noise or vibration (5).
- Fuel system (22): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8).
- Electrical (17): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), fire / smoke (6), warning light on (2).
- Wheels (11): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
The 2001 Nissan Xterra has 150 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 16 Xterra model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 194). Complaints peaked in 2003 (38 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 65,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (214 complaints, 3 recalls), 2002 (157 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Nissan Xterra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Nissan Xterra, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Nissan Xterra problems?
Owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (43), fuel system (22), electrical (17).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Nissan Xterra get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Nissan Xterra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.