2002 Nissan Xterra Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 8%of 157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,050miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Nissan Xterra, 8% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,050 miles. 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.
“The main leaf spring in the rear suspension sheared off next to the axle while driving. I was the only person in the car and the total load in the rear of the car was approximately 100lbs. The spring caught on the brake line as it broke. My ABS light came on. The repairs have not been made yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10225365, filed 2008-04, 117,950 miles“I own a 13 month old 2002 Nissan Xterra that has 32,600 miles on it and has never been driven off-road. The leaf spring on the driver's side broke at the rear mounting bolt. Luckily we caught it immediately and the dealer is replacing it under warranty. Has this been a problem with the Xterra and should the other one be replaced at the same time? The dealer claims to have looked at the other one and sees no problem at this time. I'm concerned about the safety because I do a lot of high speed driving with my daughter in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10010184, filed 2003-03, 32,600 miles“The vehicle left a couple large puddles while parked. Dealer identified the problem as a completely failed rear shock, due to corrosion, and recommended immediate replacement or risk diminished handling. At 37,500 mi, the 2002 model year vehicle was no longer under factory warranty so both rear shocks were replaced at owner's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10147839, filed 2006-01, 37,500 miles“Vehicle vibrates so hard that passenger's seat back vibrates as it the seat is broken and makes an annoying noise. Contacted dealer they said they can not do anything about it. Please provide any info you have.”
NHTSA complaint #10013788, filed 2003-04, 250 miles“Right rear shock broke while driving 35 MPH. Manufacturer was notified, and they informed the consumer that it was considered normal wear at 80,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10081565, filed 2004-07, 80,800 milesRelated 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 2002 Nissan Xterra
28 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsFuel system
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 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