2009 Nissan Xterra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2009 Nissan Xterra has a complaint index of 50, ranking 6th out of 11 model years, with a Caution verdict. Airbags and transmission/powertrain issues each make up 32% of its 19 complaints, and it carries 3 recall campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #6 of 11 Xterra years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 19
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15.5 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 Nissan Xterra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags6 (32%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (32%)
- Engine4 (21%)
- Brakes3 (16%)
- Electrical System3 (16%)
- Structure & Body2 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbag warning lights illuminate on startup or while driving, often traced to corroded side airbag satellite sensors, with failures reported around a median of 78,000 miles.
- Some owners report the driver's airbag cover developing cracks tied to a recall covering 2008-2011 Xterra and related Nissan models.
- Clutch failure occurred at low mileage in 4WD low range, with some owners describing the transmission disengaging without warning.
- Dashboard warning lights (brake, ABS, slip, tire sensor, VDC) came on for no clear reason, along with a non-functioning odometer and cruise control on one vehicle at low mileage.
- Timing chain guides were reported as worn, which owners say could lead to timing chain failure and engine damage.
- Rear differential disengagement caused loud abnormal noises and damage to the ring and pinion at lower mileage.
2009 Nissan Xterra recalls
3 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 08V690000Dec 29, 2008Airbags242,720 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, a mixture of snow/water and salt can enter into the front crash zone sensor (czs) housing. If this occurs, the czs may internally rust resulting in a signal interruption. If this happens, the red air bag warning light will illuminate to alert the vehicle operator.
Risk: This issue could result in the non-deployment of the driver and passenger front air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front czs with a redesigned sensor. The recall began on january 26, 2009. Owners in the other states will receive extended warranty coverage for the sensor to 10 years. These owners will be notified of the warranty extension by mail and will receive a sticker to place in their warranty booklet explaining the extended warranty coverage. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2009 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.
2009 compared with other Xterra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Nissan Xterra reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2009 Xterra a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 6th out of 11 model years. It has fewer complaints (19) than earlier years like 2005 and 2006, which are rated Avoid.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Xterra?
- Airbags and Transmission & Powertrain issues are tied as the top problem areas, each accounting for 32% of the 19 complaints filed, followed by Engine problems at 21%.
- Does the 2009 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2009 Xterra, covering airbag cover cracking, a Garmin GPS battery overheating issue, and a front airbag sensor replacement. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2009 Xterra compare to other model years?
- The 2009 Xterra's complaint index of 50 is lower than 2005-2008, which range from 70 to 100 and are rated Avoid or Caution, but higher than 2011 and later years, which reach Good and Best verdicts.
- What mileage do airbag problems typically show up at on the 2009 Xterra?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 78,000 for airbag-related failures on the 2009 Xterra.