What are the worst years for the Nissan Xterra?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2011 Nissan Xterra are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80, the highest in the model lineup.

What are the best years for the Nissan Xterra?

The 2014 and 2015 Nissan Xterra rank best, with complaint index scores of 0 and 20, the lowest of the six model years with data.

Is the 2012 Nissan Xterra reliable?

The 2012 Xterra is a caution year, with 16 complaints, a complaint index of 60, and Transmission & Powertrain as its top problem area.

Does the Nissan Xterra have airbag recalls?

Yes. NHTSA recall 23V067000 covers 2008-2011 Xterras for a driver's airbag cover that can crack and detach, affecting both the 2010 and 2011 model years.

How many total complaints does the Nissan Xterra have on file?

NHTSA lists 102 total complaints and 6 recall campaigns across the 2010-2015 Xterra model years.

Nissan Xterra Best and Worst Years (2010–2015)

Avoid the 2010 and 2011 Nissan Xterra, which lead the model with complaint index scores of 100 and 80 and top complaint counts of 38 and 24. The 2014 and 2015 model years score lowest at 0 and 20 and are the best bets based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2011 Best 2014 Best 2015

Model years: 6; 2010–2015
NHTSA complaints: 102
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Airbags

Xterra Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Nissan Xterra problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	38	4	4	Airbags	17	—
2011	Avoid	80	24	0	2	Airbags	17	—
2012	Caution	60	16	0	2	Transmission & Powertrain	17	—
2013	No verdict	40	4	1	0	Engine	17	—
2014	Best	0	10	0	0	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	17	—
2015	Best	20	10	0	0	Transmission & Powertrain	17	—

Xterra years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Nissan Xterra Index 100 · 38 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2010 Xterra has the highest complaint index (100) of any year in this model, with 38 complaints and 4 recalls. Airbags and Transmission & Powertrain each account for 29% of complaints, at a median mileage of 83,800 and 66,400 miles respectively. Owners describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes and vehicles lurching forward unexpectedly while in neutral. Electrical issues were also common, with a median failure mileage of 100,000. NHTSA recorded 4 crashes and 3 injuries tied to this year.

2011 Nissan Xterra Index 80 · 24 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2011 Xterra has a complaint index of 80, the second-worst in the lineup, with 24 complaints and 2 recalls. Airbags make up 38% of complaints at a median mileage of 42,432, including reports of side curtain airbags deploying without a crash. Engine problems account for 25% of complaints at a median of 54,000 miles. Owners also reported suspension tire wear issues and a transmission clutch failure at 22,000 miles. NHTSA recorded no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths for this year.

Most common Nissan Xterra problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags27 (26%)
Transmission & Powertrain26 (25%)
Engine20 (20%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (15%)
Electrical System13 (13%)
Brakes10 (10%)
Fuel System8 (8%)
Other6 (6%)
Structure & Body5 (5%)
Steering4 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the Nissan Xterra?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2011 Nissan Xterra are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80, the highest in the model lineup.
What are the best years for the Nissan Xterra?: The 2014 and 2015 Nissan Xterra rank best, with complaint index scores of 0 and 20, the lowest of the six model years with data.
Is the 2012 Nissan Xterra reliable?: The 2012 Xterra is a caution year, with 16 complaints, a complaint index of 60, and Transmission & Powertrain as its top problem area.
Does the Nissan Xterra have airbag recalls?: Yes. NHTSA recall 23V067000 covers 2008-2011 Xterras for a driver's airbag cover that can crack and detach, affecting both the 2010 and 2011 model years.
How many total complaints does the Nissan Xterra have on file?: NHTSA lists 102 total complaints and 6 recall campaigns across the 2010-2015 Xterra model years.