repaired · 2025 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
2009 Nissan XterraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 2009 Nissan Xterra, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-067 the manufacturer reports only 16% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Nissan Xterra has problems
19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Air bags
6Power train
3Electrical system
3Engine
2Service brakes
2Structure
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Engine and engine cooling
1Suspension
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2009 Nissan Xterra recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)
Risk. OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Xterra year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Xterra median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Nissan Xterra safety ratings
2009 Nissan Xterra 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (25.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Nissan Xterra, and the recalls they led to.
- Transmission FailuresNo recall
In owners' words
What Xterra owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I took my car to complete Recall NumberPC945, I was told that my car has an issue with the driver side air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE - C1163/B1049 and also another issue related to the driver side airbag that is under the steering wheel. I was quoted over $2000…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP LAMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE AC FAILED AND THE BLOWER…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS…
Own a 2009 Xterra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.