2009 Nissan Xterra Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2009 Nissan Xterra?
A true contender for a rugged, capable SUV, the 2009 Nissan Xterra offers excellent off-road prowess and a no-nonsense design. Smart buyers must be aware of its specific electrical and emissions-related vulnerabilities to ensure long-term satisfaction and avoid unexpected, costly repairs. Despite these known quirks, a well-maintained Xterra is a robust and reliable companion for adventure.
Biggest Strengths
- Rugged body-on-frame construction
- Proven VQ40DE engine power and durability (with proper care)
- Exceptional off-road and utility capabilities
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2009 Nissan Xterra. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
5 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.
EQUIPMENT
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
What breaks on the 2009 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 reliability scores across nearby years of the Nissan Xterra. Click any year for its full report.
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Similar class, similar year range — ranked by reliability score.
Relevant Products for Your 2009 Nissan Xterra
Parts and accessories matched to your 2009 Nissan Xterra
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Frequently Asked Questions
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