2008 Nissan Xterra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 19%of 119 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Nissan Xterra, 19% of the 119 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was in motion (highway driving). I began to hear a whinning sound at any rate of speed.the sound never went away. It became louder during acceleration. I checked any recalls on the Xterra models and found out that it has a faulty timming chain issue. I had the vehicle serviced and indeed, the problem was the timing chain.”
NHTSA complaint #11193910, filed 2019-04, 58,000 miles“I was told the timing belt tensioners needed to be replaced. It only has 60,800 miles on it. The dealer quoted me 1400.00. There is a high pitched whine from the engine, most noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle runs ok but I'm afraid if the tensioners fail, so will the timing belt and so will the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10883008, filed 2016-07, 60,000 miles“Timing chain.I would like to send out a letter of complaint on my 2008 Xterra. I'm one of the hundreds with the premature wear of the timing chain shoe and tensioners mentioned in your 2009 service bulletin em09-007; ntb09-128; nov. 16, 2009. Substandard parts. Your customer service was no customer service.”
NHTSA complaint #10555786, filed 2013-12, 77,000 miles“Car's heater blows cold air when car is idling. Nissan service technician advised that this was caused by an air pocket forming in the cooling system? The air pocket has to be removed - which of course costs money. We own two 2008 xterras. This also happened with our other 2008 Xterra.”
NHTSA complaint #10562314, filed 2014-01, 102,975 miles“Cracked radiator leaking fluid into transmission. I was driving when I felt a slip I parked the car and with in minutes a creme colored fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. Took car to mechanic who told me it was a good thing I took it then because if it would have continued to leak it would have damaged my transmission. I now have to have new radiator put in thermostat put in and engine flushed this does not guarantee I will not have any more problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10870846, filed 2016-05, 159,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 10% |
| 2012 | 4 | 25% |
| 2011 | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 | 4 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 23 | 19% |
| 2007 | 85 | 15% |
| 2006 | 104 | 13% |
| 2005 | 114 | 13% |
| 2004 | 8 | 10% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Nissan Xterra
47 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Nissan Xterra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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