2002 Nissan Xterra Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 12%of 157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,804miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Nissan Xterra, 12% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,804 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2002 Nissan Xterra's airbags failed to deploy in a collision with a telephone pole at apx. 45 MPH. The accident was on a badly maintained city street, the steering has been problematic even though I had an alignment done apx. 6 mo.s ago.”
NHTSA complaint #11399557, filed 2021-03, 155,000 miles“Vehicle was wrecked on a dirt road. The vehicle rolled four times and was totaled; the airbags did not deploy. Driver was the only person in the car so passenger side airbags not deploying is not a surprise. Driver was severely injured from accident, incurring significant medical costs as well as job loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10863215, filed 2016-05, 98,000 miles“The vehicle started to sputter and the ABS and airbag lights started to come on. When the gears shifted up, it started to resist acceleration and losing transmission power. Started to shift down and coast. Pulled over to the side and the vehicle shut off. Would not start back up.”
NHTSA complaint #10700786, filed 2015-03, 245,000 miles“Dt: the contact stated the driver and passenger's side air bags did not deploy. This was a rear impact. There were no indicator lights on before the crash to indicate air bag failure. The consumer stated she also hit a fire hydrant. Updated 01/11/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10140965, filed 2005-10, 38,000 miles“The air bag warning light began blinking on my 2002 Nissan Xterra. I found that the car had a recall. Nissan and it's dealers refuse to make the repair, claiming that they had already done so for a previous owner in 2003.”
NHTSA complaint #10160405, filed 2006-06Related recalls
- 03V061000Feb 27, 2003On certain vehicles, the electrical connector for the driver air bag may come loose. If the connector comes loose, the supplemental air bag warning light…Covers: Nissan Xterra 2002, Altima 2002
Related service bulletins
- 10192513Jan 16, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags…
- 10192305Jan 27, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM)…
- 10025522Jan 27, 2014Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 | 30% |
| 2012 | 4 | 25% |
| 2011 | 9 | 38% |
| 2010 | 11 | 29% |
| 2009 | 6 | 32% |
| 2008 | 23 | 19% |
| 2007 | 26 | 5% |
| 2006 | 20 | 3% |
| 2005 | 19 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 10 | 14% |
| 2002 | 19 | 12% |
| 2001 | 8 | 5% |
| 2000 | 15 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Nissan Xterra
28 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Nissan Xterra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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