2001 Nissan Xterra Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Nissan Xterra, 4% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“My Xterra was sitting in my driveway on thursday june 13th and at 2 am my roommates come knocking on my door saying my front end of my car fell. I got up and looked and sure enough it had dropped. Had it towed to a mechanic shop and they said both torsion bars were broke. I had to take it to the dealer to get it fixed because they would not touch it. No can believe that I was not driving it when this happened, my Xterra had been sitting for 7 hours when this happened. It is hard to believe both broke at the same time and while it was sitting in the driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #10519946, filed 2013-06, 83,000 miles“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“Xterra was making a popping sound when turning. After taking drivers side wheel off,I discovered broken sway bar bracket (left hand side). Top bolt missing threads not damaged which resulted in broken frame of vehicle. No other damage to underside of Xterra. Suspect top bolt never installed correctly. Nissan refused to warranty the frame despite my having an extended warranty. Had Xterra repaired by reputable body shop. Expert body shop opinion concurs with bolt backing out and causing damage. Body shop recommend repair before using Xterra, further damage could be caused including wreck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10018515, filed 2003-05, 42,833 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 04v230000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 02v299000 (suspension). The manufacturer stated that the part to do the repair was available; however, when the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair, the dealer stated that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part to do the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10743271, filed 2015-07, 108,000 miles“The vehicle disabled and the steering wheel locked on the highway once the speed hit 70mph. The wheel bearings are always rattling and if I go through a pothole the steering and tire feel really loose. The brake system doesn't feel right and has made a loud metal grind sound. The exhaust and or gasoline smell is way potent and not normal either it is strong smelling all the time. Potential recalls with fuel system, gasoline delivery, fuel pump and suspension, REAR , gasoline storage , tank assembly, filler pipe and cap. All are potential recalls also the exterior lighting”
NHTSA complaint #11468769, filed 2022-06Related recalls
- 02V299000Nov 12, 2002On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (abs)…Covers: Nissan Xterra 2001–2003, Frontier 2001–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10188377Feb 12, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10109211Mar 7, 2017BALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY PROCEDURE SERVICE INFORMATION When working on the front suspension, use the updated service information in this bulletin along with the Electronic…
- 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…
- 10192145Mar 19, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 30% |
| 2014 | 3 | 30% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 11 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
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 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
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 31, 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