2008 Nissan Xterra Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2008 Nissan Xterra
- Has 8 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the suspension:front:control arm:lower arm.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2006 Nissan Xterra earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2008 Nissan Xterra?
The 2008 Nissan Xterra is a highly capable and rugged body-on-frame SUV, a true adventurer's vehicle, but it demands careful inspection and proactive maintenance to avoid a few critical, well-known flaws. While its powertrain is robust for its segment, a specific automatic transmission defect could lead to a catastrophic failure, turning a great deal into a money pit. Proceed with caution and ensure the vehicle's Achilles' heel has been addressed.
Biggest Strengths
- Rugged body-on-frame construction
- Excellent off-road capability (especially Pro-4X)
- Powerful 4.0L V6 engine (VQ40DE)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2008 Nissan Xterra. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
8 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
What breaks on the 2008 Nissan Xterra?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Nissan Xterra by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Nissan Xterra. Click any year for its full report.
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