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.
2010 Nissan XterraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 38 owner complaints about the 2010 Nissan Xterra, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 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 November 14, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 Nissan Xterra has problems
38 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Power train2 crash/fire/injury
11Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system
4Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
4Engine1 crash/fire/injury
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Steering
2Structure
2Fuel system, gasoline
66 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 11 | 2 |
| Air bags | 11 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2010 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
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
no report yet
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TRAJECTORY MIGHT BE AFFECTED.
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
2010 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
2010 Nissan Xterra safety ratings
2010 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 2010 Nissan Xterra, and the recalls they led to.
- Transmission FailuresNo recall
In owners' words
What Xterra owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
No warning lamps had my vehicle repeatedly looked at was told that my vehicle had no transmission warninfsigns was told by mechanic to replace the radiator I replaced the radiator and then the vehicle stopped running now I have transmission fluid mixed with my radiator fluid and the vehicle doesn't…
THIS IS A COMPLIANT FOR THE WELL KNOWN RADIATOR ISSUE. OURS RUPTURED AND RUINED THE TRANSMISSION COSTING US ABOUT $6K IN REPAIRS.
AT A LITTLE OVER 180,000 MILES NEED A NEW REAR DIFFERENTIAL. READ ON AN XTERRA FORUM THE SPTHIDER GEARS WERE NOT HEAT TREATED PROPERLY BY THE MANUFACTURER WHICH CAUSES REAR DIFFERENTIALS TO FAIL.THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR TOWED ANYTHING. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED.
Own a 2010 Xterra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.