2004 Nissan Xterra

The 2004 Nissan Xterra is a mid-size SUV that was offered with two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.3-liter V6 engine. Both engines were paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Xterra was praised for its off-road capabilities, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical components, exterior, and interior.

Engine

• 2.4-liter Four-Cylinder Engine
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, reduced engine power
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.3-liter V6 Engine
  • Timing chain tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, reduced engine power, engine stalling
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Clutch master cylinder failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, clutch pedal feels spongy or sticks to the floor
    • Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
• Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle hesitates or struggles to accelerate, RPMs increase but vehicle speed does not
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Lower ball joint failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace the lower ball joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per side
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension
  • Leaf spring failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or drooping rear end, reduced load-carrying capacity
    • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Battery drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery drains prematurely, difficulty starting the vehicle
    • Solution: Diagnose and fix the cause of the battery drain (e.g., faulty alternator, parasitic draw)
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator
  • Alternator failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, difficulty starting the vehicle
    • Solution: Replace the alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Body Panels
  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Brown or reddish spots on the body panels, bubbling or peeling paint
    • Solution: Remove the rust and repaint the affected areas
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Headlights
  • Headlight condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture inside the headlight assemblies
    • Solution: Replace the headlight assemblies
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard
  • Dashboard cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits on the dashboard
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC System
  • AC compressor failure
    • Description/Symptoms: AC system does not blow cold air
    • Solution: Replace the AC compressor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Nissan Xterra has a number of potential issues that owners should be aware of. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the age and condition of the vehicle. However, some of the more common and costly problems include timing chain tensioner failure, transmission slipping, and rust.