Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Nissan Titan
The 2004 Nissan Titan shows a significant number of owner complaints and six recall campaigns, mostly related to the power train and service brakes. The issues affect crucial systems, suggesting a cautious approach when considering this model. Verify functionality since the evidence is notable, but not overwhelming for some categories like electrical system and seat belts.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Nissan Titan has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,046 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #10V517000 ENGINE CONTROL MODULE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10E019000 LOWER LINK REPLACEMENT PARTS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E046000 TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V150000 REAR CENTER SEAT BELT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V459000 WIRE HARNESS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V408000 NISSAN/SHIFT LEVER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V345000 NISSAN/FMVSS 201/SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 464 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 194 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 87 complaints
- Service Brakes 72 complaints
- Suspension 56 complaints
- Electrical System 51 complaints
Of the 1,046 complaints on file, 28 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 1,046 complaints, owners report 19 injuries and 6 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
ECM relay failure
How to check: Inspect for any check engine light indicators.
Control arm failures
How to check: Check for any irregular wheel alignment or noises.
Harness wire breakage
How to check: Inspect door area wiring for damage.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for any dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine light on
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Notice any hesitation or rough shifting.
Red flag: Sluggish response or jerks
- 04
Normal city driving
What to check: Feel for smooth gear transitions.
Red flag: Harsh or erratic shifting
- 05
Steering test
What to check: Ensure responsive and steady steering.
Red flag: Excessive play or pulling
- 06
Cruise on highway
What to check: Monitor for vibrations or noise.
Red flag: Steering wobble or loud hum
- 07
Braking test
What to check: Check for smooth, responsive braking.
Red flag: Pedal feels spongy or unsteady
- 08
Return idle
What to check: Observe if idle is stable and quiet.
Red flag: Rough or fluctuating idle
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ECM relay been replaced?
- Any history of service brake repairs?
- Has the wiring harness been inspected?
- Are there any unresolved recall notices?
- Do you have records of regular maintenance?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall history
- Service and repair records
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
- Proof of emissions test compliance
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Nissan Titan at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2004 Nissan Titan? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.