2004 Nissan Xterra Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 14%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Nissan Xterra, 14% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,500 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“June 12 2016 at the tri-par in slinger, wi I was filling up the gas tank, when gas began spilling out of the vehicle's wheel well. I immediately stopped it after I noticed it. The station along with the slinger fire department estimated a gallon was spilt. It appears the gas tank neck has rusted out, causing the spill. They deemed the vehicle not safe to drive and recommend we have it towed home, which we did.”
NHTSA complaint #10874269, filed 2016-06, 131,000 miles“I smell gas inside the car, I took it to a shop and they told me the gas tank is all rusted on top, causing the gas to spill out. Speaking with Nissan they said this is part of wear and tear of the vehicle, which I do not agree with.”
NHTSA complaint #10806577, filed 2015-11, 128,000 miles“Flange around the fuel sending unit is corroded and fumes are escaping from the gas tank every time I fuel up my vehicle. Many xterras have this issue. I believe it should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10534613, filed 2013-08, 140,000 miles“My 2004 Nissan Xterra has a rusted fuel tank. I always smell gas. Nissan corporate told me to bring it to a dealer.I brought it in to Nissan to confirm this and they said its rusted and dangerous to drive I called corporate and they said the will get in touch with me in 3 days, its been 2 weeks. A gas tank should not rot in 5 years(bought in 05) with 58,000. If the tech said I should not drive this truck then why is Nissan corp. Not getting back to me in a timely manner?”
NHTSA complaint #10362705, filed 2010-10, 58,000 miles“I'm surprised with all the complaints about the fuel tanks rusting out that there has not been a recall. Are they waiting for one to blow up or catch fire. The o ring leaks vapor and gas on fill ups because that area is all rusted. Either they have to use better coatings or hide that area from the environment. The flange area is like a well and the water just sits there and rusts away the tank. P0455code is set which is evap system gross leak. Nissan omitted to me that they have problems with rusted fuel tanks . What is it going to take to get Nissan to redesign a fix for this?”
NHTSA complaint #10632312, filed 2014-09, 220,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10182353Oct 21, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SIDE FLANGE MOUNTING BOLT Service Campaign ID # P4134 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 6% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 13% |
| 2008 | 18 | 15% |
| 2007 | 228 | 41% |
| 2006 | 368 | 47% |
| 2005 | 323 | 38% |
| 2004 | 12 | 14% |
| 2003 | 16 | 22% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 32 | 21% |
| 2000 | 66 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2004 Nissan Xterra
20 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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