2009 Nissan Xterra Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 66,550miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Nissan Xterra (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2009 Nissan Xterra. The part named most often is air bags, with 6 complaints (32% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (6) and electrical system (3). 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 44% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,550 miles. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 87 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 9 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 6 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags6 32%
- Electrical system3 16%
- Engine3 16%
- Brakes2 11%
- Body and structure2 11%
- Engine cooling1 5.3%
- Suspension1 5.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 5.3%
Example complaints
Air bags: “Air bag sensor light starts blinking after engine startup and continues to blink until engine is turned off. Sent email to Nissan in dec 2013 regarding this issue and they indicated a review of our system indicates that the above-referenced vehicle is not currently involved in any recalls or service campaigns. I find it hard to believe this is not a Nissan issue when there have been air bag sensor recalls in 2005, 2006, 2007 ,2008 ,2009, and 2010.”
NHTSA complaint #10577708, filed 2014-04, 73,100 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I purchased this 1 owner trade in 4/11/19. As of 5/9/19 I started to experience pronounced issues with losing power around 40 MPH . Diagnostics confirmed that it was due to a leak in the cooling coil which resulted in coolant in my transmission fluid which damage the transmission. I have filed a claim under the class action required extended warranty. As I was unaware of this issue and didn't know what was happening and honestly afraid to find out since I still owe 5000 dollars on the car I put off getting the diagnostics. …”
NHTSA complaint #11219416, filed 2019-06, 98,600 milesElectrical system: “We purchased a new 2009 Nissan Xterra on june 5, 2009. While driving the vehicle, the following dashboard warning lights come on for no known reason: brake, ABS, slip, tire sensor & vdc. Odometer fails to operate, mileage needle returns to the start position and does not show speed, and fails to register miles covered when the odometer fails. Cruise control fails to operate. The vehicle has been brought to the service department of the dealership on 5 different occasions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10295705, filed 2009-12, 8,247 milesEngine: “I took my Xterra in because it constantly blew hot air. Upon inspection I was informed of the TSB issued by Nissan that the radiator tubes can crack and mix coolant with transmission fluid and that I was low on coolant because of that. The tech informed me that the leak was minimal but needed to be replaces asap. The radiator was replaced and lines flushed and also had to take my car into a trans expert to flush and inspect the transmission”
NHTSA complaint #11203345, filed 2019-04, 103,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
44% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 27,500 and 98,600 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Nissan Xterra. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xterra · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 · 25.6% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Nissan Xterra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xterra 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Xterra 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Xterra 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Xterra 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V067000Feb 10, 2023Air bags › FrontalCovers: Nissan Xterra 2008–2011, Pathfinder 2008–2011, Frontier 2008–2011 +3 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
- 10V401000Sep 10, 2010Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)Covers: Nissan Xterra 2008–2010, Versa 2008–2010, Altima 2008–2010 +4 more
Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can overheat.
- 08V690000Dec 29, 2008Air bags › FrontalCovers: Nissan Xterra 2005–2009, Pathfinder 2005–2009, Frontier 2005–2009
Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new…
Recall details for the 2009 Nissan Xterra → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 87 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11007001Jul 8, 2024Air bags. VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51)…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Xterra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 10 | 66,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 10 | 68,090 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 16 | 4,291 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Rising |
| 2011 | 24 | 54,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Rising |
| 2010 | 38 | 81,900 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2009 | 19 | 66,550 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 119 | 95,000 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2007 | 557 | 89,468 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 780 | 81,460 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 845 | 88,684 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 84 | 59,000 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 72 | 72,700 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 157 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 150 | 65,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 214 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Nissan Xterra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Nissan Xterra have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2009 Nissan Xterra as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Nissan Xterra is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 6 complaints (32% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 6.
Has the 2009 Nissan Xterra been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Nissan Xterra get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Xterra (Xterra 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Nissan Xterra reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,550 miles and the middle half falls between 27,500 and 98,600 miles; 44% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.