2010 Nissan Xterra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 11%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Nissan Xterra, 11% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,200 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I started the car to let it warm up. The manual gearshift was in neutral and the emergency brake was engaged. As I got out of the vehicle, it lurched forward and I attempted to get back into the vehicle to apply the brake. It lurched a second time before I was able to get inside. I attempted to get inside the vehicle a second time to apply the brake but was not able to due to the car lurching forward again.. On the third lurch it continued to drive forward, hitting my mother's parked car and pushing it back approximately 3-4 feet into the back wall of her carport. …”
NHTSA complaint #10559437, filed 2014-01, 37,200 miles“I am writing to report repeated problems with my vehicle, an Xterra 2010. I am very concerned about risk of crash and damage to the transmission. The problems include - slow acceleration on surface streets after light changes ? This happens frequently. - slow acceleration when entering the expressway, car shifts gears slowly ? This happens frequently, - car fills with kerosene or exhaust smell for a short time, even when there are no other cars around ? This occurs occasionally, - car revved up followed by a sweet smell (like coolant/antifreeze) when standing at stop lights ? …”
NHTSA complaint #10494832, filed 2013-01, 50 miles“When outside temperature falls below 40 degrees Xterra will not start. Vehicle is stationary and not parked in a garage. Battery was replaced 11 months ago trying to fix the same problem. No other major issues with vehicle ever. Vehicle just towed yesterday dealer will not be able to diagnose until monday.”
NHTSA complaint #10936031, filed 2016-12, 160,000 miles“My air bag quit working. The light started going off. I took it to Nissan and they said I had to pay to have the light turned off before they would fix the recall. I could not afford to pay to have the light turned off. The line connecting to my transmission and radiator has failed. Transmission fluid is leaking into my radiator and coolant is leaking into my transmission. Both must be replaced. The repair shop looked up the recall and said that was why this happened. I cannot afford thousands of dollars to have this repaired. My car is 10 years old with 163k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11469853, filed 2022-06Related 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…
- 10109200Mar 9, 20172010-2015 FRONTIER, 2010-2012 PATHFINDER AND XTERRA; VIBRATION WHILE IDLING This bulletin has been amended to add 2013-2015 Frontier and additional steps for that model range…
- 10192478Nov 25, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Starting with 2010 Model Year, Nissan vehicles have been gradually incorporating a new type of DTC known as Permanent DTC or P-DTC. If a vehicle is equipped…
- 10192293Jan 13, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Nissan vehicles are now "Blank" ECMs. Blank ECMs come without software and must be programmed (not…
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 2010 Nissan Xterra
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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