Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2002 Nissan Xterra
The 2002 Nissan Xterra exhibits some concerns primarily related to corrosion issues in the steering column and fuel system. While generally reliable, buyers should thoroughly inspect these areas, as they could lead to safety hazards. Owners have also reported issues with exterior lighting compliance and airbag connections.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Nissan Xterra has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 157 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #10V554000 STEERING COLUMN LOWER SHAFT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V230000 NISSAN/FUEL SENDING UNIT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V061000 NISSAN/AIR BAG MODULE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V299000 NISSAN/AXLE CORROSION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V298000 NISSAN/THROTTLE SUPERCHARGER NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 24 complaints
- Steering 22 complaints
- Air Bags 19 complaints
- Electrical System 13 complaints
- Suspension 13 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 12 complaints
Of the 157 complaints on file, 21 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 157 complaints, owners report 28 injuries and 17 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Corrosion in steering column
How to check: Inspect lower steering column for rust or stiffness.
Driver airbag connector loose
How to check: Check for airbag warning light on dashboard.
Fuel pump terminal cracking
How to check: Inspect fuel pump area for signs of leaks or rust.
Rear axle water infiltration
How to check: Check ABS sensor area for moisture or rust.
Non-compliant exterior lighting
How to check: Verify presence of amber reflectors in lamp assembly.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Airbag or ABS warning lights on
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth engine response.
Red flag: Hesitation or stalling during acceleration
- 04
Steering tests
What to check: Feel for ease of steering movement.
Red flag: Stiffness or resistance in steering wheel
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Check for vibrations or pulling.
Red flag: Vehicle pulls to one side
- 06
Braking
What to check: Check for smooth and effective braking.
Red flag: Spongy brake feel or noise
- 07
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Ensure smooth steering and shifting.
Red flag: Difficulty in steering or transmission noise
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering column recall been addressed?
- Are original lamps with amber reflectors installed?
- Has the fuel pump terminal been inspected?
- Any issues with the airbag warning light?
- Are there any unresolved warning lights?
- Has water ever entered the rear axle?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair receipts
- Vehicle service history
- Title and registration
- Proof of recent emissions test
- Original purchase documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Nissan Xterra at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2002 Nissan Xterra? 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.