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Nissan Xterra 2002

The 2002 Nissan Xterra came with 3 engines: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 3.3 L 6-cylinder, 3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo. It gets 15 to 19 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 6 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD AWD
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Nissan Xterra
Representative photo of the Xterra. It may show a different year or version. Photo: OWS Photography · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
3,300 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic · 4 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)4,520 × 1,790 × 1,890 mm (178.0 × 70.5 × 74.4 in)
Wheelbase2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Curb weight1,897 kg (4,182 lb)
Body styleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 3 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2002 Nissan Xterra 4-DR.
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
14 MPG
Highway
18 MPG
Combined
15 MPG
Emissions
368 g/km
COâ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
2.4 L 4-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 17 MPG 22 MPG 19 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 14 MPG 17 MPG 15 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 15 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 15 MPG 17 MPG 16 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo Manual · 5 speeds AWD 13 MPG 17 MPG 15 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 15 MPG 17 MPG 16 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

6 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
STEERING:COLUMN 10V554000 · 2010-11-11 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E026000 · 2006-03-23 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP 04V230000 · 2004-05-24 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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.

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, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE 03V061000 · 2003-02-27 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CLOCK SPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 21, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

SUSPENSION:REAR 02V299000 · 2002-11-12 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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.

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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 02V298000 · 2002-11-12 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM TO GO INTO THE FAILSAFE MODE. UNDER THIS CONDITION, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND ENGINE SPEED WILL NOT EXCEED 2400 RPM REGARDLESS OF THE THROTTLE POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

5 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Steering 2010402 · 2010-11-12 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit the movement of the joint. Limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft and, if the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed manoeuvres that require large steering inputs. In an extreme case, the shaft may break which would result in loss of steering control and could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected column shafts and joints.

Fuel System 2004151 · 2004-05-06 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel sending unit can develop a crack. When exposed to heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, if road salt enters the crack, the terminal strip will corrode and eventually could break due to corrosion. This will cause the fuel pump to stop operating and will result in not being able to start the engine or cause the engine to stop running without warning. Correction: Dealer will replace the fuel sender unit.

Airbag 2003045 · 2003-02-21 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the clockspring electrical connector may not be fully secured to the driver side air bag module squib pin connector due to the retaining groove in the module not having sufficient depth to hold the connector in the assembled position. If the connector comes loose, the supplemental air bag warning light will come on. However, the driver side air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealer will install a retaining clip on the clockspring electrical connector.

Brakes 2002206 · 2002-11-13 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain four wheel drive vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the ABS sensor in the axle housing. This may result in corrosion and eventually failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. Correction: Dealer will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and replace any affected components. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion.

Engine 2002204 · 2002-11-13 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain supercharged vehicles, the amount of intake air flow through the air flow meter may exceed the maximum preset diagnosis limit value which would cause the engine control system to go into the failsafe mode. Under this condition, the malfunction indicator lamp will illuminate and engine speed will not exceed 2400 rpm's regardless of throttle position. Correction: Dealer will reprogram the electronic control module (ECM).

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION Crash Fire 10 injured 2025-07-08 · NHTSA

The registered owner of this vehicle is registered tp the arab known as the polish polako missing a leg and is claiming to be a wanna be fake cop police. Hes bald and on the thinner side and ugly. im being framed for rapes & murders that hes done along w\ everyone i know from my pass that are deseased and and still al…

SEAT BELTS 2024-12-05 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the rear passenger’s seat occupied, the rear passenger’s seat belt thread unraveled, and the buckle detached and remained latched. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. Th…

WHEELS 2021-04-25 · NHTSA

MY WIFE'S CAR WAS IN NEED OF TWO FRONT TIRES SO I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO WHEELS 360- IT WAS THE ONLY SHOP OPEN AND I WAS CRUNCHED ON TIME. SHE IS AN EMT AND I AM AN EDUCATOR SO WE DO NOT HAVE MUCH SPARE TIME DURING THE WEEK. THE SHOP OVER CHARGED ME FOR TWO LOW QUANTITY TIRES. THERE WERE TWO WORKERS REPLACING THE TIRES ON…

STEERING,AIR BAGS Crash 2 injured 2021-03-06 · NHTSA

MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA'S AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A COLLISION WITH A TELEPHONE POLE AT APX. 45 MPH. THE ACCIDENT WAS ON A BADLY MAINTAINED CITY STREET, THE STEERING HAS BEEN PROBLEMATIC EVEN THOUGH I HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE APX. 6 MO.S AGO.

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2021-03-01 · NHTSA

LOSES PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES, THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVING SIDEWAYS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2020-12-29 · NHTSA

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 2020-08-14 · NHTSA

TIRES ARE RECALLED AND CAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER TO REGISTER SLOWER THAN ACTUAL SPEED

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 2020-08-14 · NHTSA

VEHICLE STALLS AT 100MPH ALSO ABS LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY BRAKES AREN'T BAD BUT IT'S LIKE THEY'RE GOING OUT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOBBLES WHEN STOPPING HARD OR ON WET ROADS ALSO WHEN ACCELERATATING AND DRIVING THE RPM GAUGE WILL JIMP UP FOR A SECOND AND MAKE THE ENGINE SOUND LOUDER WHILE IT DOES IT AND ALSO …

SERVICE BRAKES Crash 2020-08-02 · NHTSA

I HAD MY BRAKE BOOSTERS REPLACED ON 05/22/2019.I WAS BACKING UP SLOWLY ON 07/24/2020 IN A PARKING LOT OF A CONVENIENCE STORE. AS I WAS BACKING UP, I TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THEY BECAME STIFF. I TRIED TO PUMP HARDER ON THE BRAKES AND THEY WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE IN WHICH IT WAS TO LATE AND MY CAR COLLIDED INTO…

STEERING Crash 2 injured 2019-06-10 · NHTSA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STEERED OUT OF CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED FIVE TIMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO THE ELBOW AND BODY PAINS WHILE HER PASSENGER SUSTAINED SEVERAL LACERATION…

SERVICE BRAKES Crash 2019-01-18 · NHTSA

UPON SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL GOT HARD NOT ALLOWING VEHICLE TO STOP AND VEHICLE ALSO STARTING RAPIDLY ACCELERATING WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL.RESULTED IN A CRASH WITH A STOPPED VEHICLE AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT.NO SERIOUS INJURIES THANKFULLY.

STEERING 2018-02-18 · NHTSA

I HAVE HAD A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE SINCE 2010 AND I HAVE NEVER N=BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE STEERING ISSUE. THIS IS THE 2ND RECALL I HAVE HAD WITH NO ALARM FROM NISSAN

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2002 Nissan Xterra have?
The 2002 Nissan Xterra came with 3 engines: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 3.3 L 6-cylinder, 3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo.
What is the fuel economy of the 2002 Nissan Xterra?
It gets 15 to 19 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2002 Nissan Xterra have recalls?
6 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Steering (2010-11-11).
What are the common problems of the 2002 Nissan Xterra?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Steering.

Other years

Which Nissan Xterra year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Nissan

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