2001 Nissan Xterra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Nissan Xterra, 4% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Exiting one freeway (315s) to enter another (270w). On a light wet ground, my Xterra spun off the road doing a spin (approx 360 degrees) off the road. There was a light rain 5-10 mins prior, I was doing nor more than 25mph on the exit and without a known reason, and despite tires with tread, the vehicle spun out of control. I purschased this vehicle used and I attempt not to drive this vehicle in the winter because of it not being able to maintain the road in the snow. In addition, if I hit a bump, the rear wheels jerk/skips when it makes contact back with the ground.”
NHTSA complaint #10471804, filed 2012-08, 106,000 miles“Steering wheel is separating from the steering column, causing the steering wheel to have to much play in it. Vehicle is at dealers shop at this time for analysis.”
NHTSA complaint #10048744, filed 2003-11, 27,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving at low speeds and making a turn he heard a loud noise in the steering wheel. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor was it repaired. The manufacturer advised him that there were no recalls. The failure and current mileage was approximately 160,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10410033, filed 2011-06, 160,000 miles“While driving 30-35 MPH right rear axle and wheel disconnected from vehicle. Vehicle at dealership at this time. Consumer states that the right rear axle and tie rod flew off causing the the consumer to be pulled to the shoulder of the road. The consumer had no brakes and the steering wheel locked up, the vehicle was thrown in park in order to stop. There was one injury.”
NHTSA complaint #8016318, filed 2002-08“The consumer noticed that the spindle on each front wheel had rusted, the consumer feels this is a design flaw especially since the vehicle is less than two months old. Nlm Nissan consumer affairs informed consumer that the problem is cosmetic rust and does not present any risk, therefore nothing will be done.”
NHTSA complaint #562501, filed 2001-08Related service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 10% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 22 | 3% |
| 2005 | 10 | 1% |
| 2004 | 20 | 24% |
| 2003 | 12 | 17% |
| 2002 | 22 | 14% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
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 complaintsEngine
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 30, 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