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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-NISSAN-XTERRA
2008 · Nissan

Nissan Xterra problems

2 safety recalls. 119 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
1
Moderate

Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
40 reports · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
21 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
15 reports · avg $3,100
severe
brakes
11 reports · avg $450
severe
fuel system
8 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
electrical
6 reports · avg $850
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Xterra · electrical
COOLANT MIXED INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING ELECTRONIC MODULE TO BURN OUT. THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO STOP OPERATING CORRECTLY AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ENGINE TO RESTART.
12/29/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057316.0
2008 Xterra · airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V690000 (AIR…
12/29/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10816726.0
2008 Xterra · electrical Fire
PLASTIC TRAY THAT THE BATTERY SITS ON BROKE, CAUSING THE BAR THAT HOLDS THE BATTERY IN PLACE TO ARCH OVER AND SET THE PLASTIC FUSE HOLDER ON THE BATTERY TO CATCH FIRE. THE VEHICLE STALLED THE DIED. I SAW WHAT I THOUGHT WAS "STEAM" COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I POPPED TO HOOD…
12/28/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297108.0
2008 Xterra · brakes
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, she heard an abnormal sound while depressing on the brake pedal. The contact stated that the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) & the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lights…
12/21/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11444535.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 07V528000 16/11/2007

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM/VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (ABS/VDC) ACTUATOR IS DESIGNED WITH ONE BALL IN THE VALVE SECTION

IN ABS/VDC ACTUATORS WITH MORE THAN ONE BALL, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT FLUID FLOW COULD BE BLOCKED AND CAUSE A REDUCTION IN BRAKE FORCE IN ONE OR BOTH FRONT WHEELS OR AFFECT OPERATION OF THE ABS AND/OR VDC. THIS COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS WITHOUT WARNING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS/VDC ACTUATOR WITH A NEW ONE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
moderate NHTSA 08V045000 25/01/2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE SELECTION TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.

Fix: NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Nissan Xterra reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Nissan Xterra is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Nissan Xterra?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 40 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Xterra has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Nissan Xterra?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 119 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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