2004 Nissan Xterra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Nissan Xterra: 2 recalls, 84 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #04V581000 · 2004 · 131 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accessory tow hitch attachment bolts May not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Why it matters: This could cause the tow hitch to loosen or separate from the vehicle which could result in a crash without warning.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the tow hitch. The recall began on January 3, 2005. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Steering Vehicle recall #10V554000 · 2010 · 500,552 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The shaft May break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The steering column shaft and joint will be replaced with a shaft of a different design. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 13, 2010.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #07E046000 · 2007 · 3,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, and 1290376035. A wire May have been placed in an incorrect position in the electrical connector housing. This results…
Why it matters: This harness would result in power from the trailer brake controller going to the towing vehicle dash light circuit rather than the trailer brakes. This result would be the lack of trailer braking when the towing vehicle brakes were applied. It would also result in the towing vehicles dash lights…
The fix: Hopkins will notify owners and replace the original harness with a revised harness free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2007. Owners can contact hopkins at 800-835-0129.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (20): the most common themes are steering problems (15), leaks (2).
- Electrical (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (5).
- Suspension (11): the most common themes are steering problems (3).
- Engine (8): the most common themes are overheating (2), rust / corrosion (2), fire / smoke (2).
The 2004 Nissan Xterra has 84 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 16 Xterra model years for complaints (well below the 194 average). Complaints peaked in 2005 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 59,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (72 complaints, 3 recalls), 2005 (845 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 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 2004 Nissan Xterra.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Nissan Xterra, plus 1 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 2004 Nissan Xterra problems?
Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (20), electrical (11), suspension (11).
What gas mileage does the 2004 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 2004 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.