2001 Nissan Xterra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Nissan Xterra, 4% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The Xterra started missing and hesitating (engine) eventually dying and not restarting. The missing and hesitation occurred while underway on a busy 4 lane divided highway, but thankfully made it home before dying and not restarting. Missing and hesitation occurred while traveling straight on and while stopped at red lights.”
NHTSA complaint #11405499, filed 2021-03, 217,000 miles“While driving, engine goes to idle mode and can't accelerate. I have to shift to neutral and back to drive to again drive normally, then problem happens again and have to do the same continuously every few miles while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11144792, filed 2018-11, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, there was a fluttering sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the exhaust manifold was fractured and would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10499378, filed 2013-02, 95,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while at a traffic light the vehicle stalled without any warnings. The vehicle engine failed to restart and as a result, the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The dealer was notified who offered no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 182,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10486011, filed 2012-11, 182,000 miles“After the car warms up it will stall while driving and when coming to a stop to idle.sometimes it will not start immediately after stalling. This is a safety hazard and could cause an accident. We have also had multiple problems with the alignment due to the wheel bearings.”
NHTSA complaint #10644150, filed 2014-10Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 10% |
| 2012 | 4 | 25% |
| 2011 | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 | 4 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 23 | 19% |
| 2007 | 85 | 15% |
| 2006 | 104 | 13% |
| 2005 | 114 | 13% |
| 2004 | 8 | 10% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2001 Nissan Xterra
43 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsWheels
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Nissan Xterra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology