2008 Nissan Xterra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Nissan Xterra has a Complaint Index of 70, ranking 4th-worst out of 11 model years, with 119 complaints and 6 recalls. It earns a Caution verdict, driven mostly by transmission and powertrain issues (39% of complaints) and airbag problems (19%).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #4 of 11 Xterra years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 119
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15.5 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2008 Nissan Xterra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain47 (39%)
- Engine33 (28%)
- Airbags23 (19%)
- Fuel System18 (15%)
- Brakes15 (13%)
- Electrical System13 (11%)
- Other10 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (6%)
- Structure & Body3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags deployed unexpectedly during normal driving, in one case knocking the driver unconscious and causing a crash.
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including a 45 mph collision and a rollover after losing control on ice.
- Engine lost power suddenly while driving, in one case leading to a rear-end collision and in another to a head gasket failure with smoke under the hood.
- A transfer case locked up while driving, sending the vehicle into oncoming traffic and a guardrail.
- A battery tray broke and caused a fire under the hood after the vehicle stalled and died.
- Brakes reportedly pushed the vehicle forward instead of stopping it during an emergency stop.
2008 Nissan Xterra recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V067000Feb 10, 2023Airbags404,690 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Risk: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driverÂs airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
- NHTSA 10V401000Sep 10, 2010Other7,948 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can overheat.
Risk: Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2010. Owners may contact garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 10V075000Mar 3, 2010Fuel System80,689 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:auxillary tank
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2006 and model year 2008 frontier, xterra and pathfinder vehicles. The molded fuel tank shells can deform, causing the fuel sender float arm to contact an embossment molded into the tank shell causing the instrument panel fuel gauge to show that the vehicle has approximately one quarter tank when the fuel tank is empty.
Risk: This could cause the vehicle to run out of gas and stall in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit inside the fuel tank with a new one that has a modified float arm. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before march 22, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2008 Nissan Xterra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15.5 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Nissan Xterra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Xterra has a Complaint Index of 70, ranking 4th-worst among 11 model years, with 119 complaints. It carries a Caution verdict, mainly due to transmission and airbag problems.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Xterra?
- Transmission and powertrain issues account for 39% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 95,500 miles overall. Engine problems make up 28% of complaints and airbags 19%, including reports of non-deployment and unexpected deployment.
- Does the 2008 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2008 Xterra, covering airbags (twice), fuel system, brakes, tire placards, and a GPS unit battery issue. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year Nissan Xterra should I avoid?
- Among Xterra years with data, 2005, 2006, and 2007 carry Avoid verdicts with higher Complaint Index scores of 90, 100, and 80. The 2008 model is rated Caution, an improvement over those years but still above the newer 2011-2015 models.
- How many complaints does the 2008 Nissan Xterra have?
- NHTSA lists 119 complaints for the 2008 Nissan Xterra, including 9 crashes, 3 fires, and 6 injuries.