The Lemon Index
20031st generation
About average · most complaints: engine
81 owner complaints, first 3 years 15–19 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2002 Jeep Wrangler 692002 Toyota 4Runner 362002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 134
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2002 Nissan Xterra
- Engine stalling19 complaintsmostly at 80,000–170,000 miles (129,000–274,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Xterra (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 14,000 and 47,000 miles (22,000–75,000 km) (the middle half of the 35 complaints, of all 81 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 10V554000 (steering), 06E026000 (lights) and 04V230000 (fuel system, gasoline) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Nissan sent dealers 74 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Oil leak from front of transfer case”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Nissan's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 81 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 13K to 46K miles (22K to 75K km) on the car (35 of all 81 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Right rear shock broke while driving 35 mph. Manufacturer was notified, and they informed the consumer that it was considered normal wear at 80,000 miles.
2002 Nissan Xterra owner · NHTSA complaint 10081565
More owner reports
Consumer was traveling about 55mph on a main highway and without prior warning vehicle shutdown. Vehicle was costed to side of road, dealership is aware of problem.
NHTSA complaint 8000877
While driving the vehicle pulls to the right, if the brakes are applied aggresively the vehicle runs of the road, as a result the dealer noticed that the tires were beginning to feather on the right side. Nlm
NHTSA complaint 567987
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 74 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Oil leak from front of transfer case
- SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Steering · recall issued 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 FRONTIER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001 THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 2004, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2004, XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001, THROUGH JANUARY 6, 200…
- Lights · recall issued 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDIN…
Show all 6 recalls
- Airbags · recall issued 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE.
- Suspension · recall issued 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR AXLE HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE SEALING OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR.
- Speed control · recall issued 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGER, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FULL THROTTLE IN LOW GEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT FULLY WARMED UP AND AT COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, THE AM…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedBrake rotor warpage2003
- ClosedDriver's air bag system failure2002–2003
- ClosedDriver's air bag system malfunction2002
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover ★★☆☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,150–$5,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
Every Nissan Xterra year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/nissan-xterra/?y=2002" title="Nissan Xterra reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="399" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/nissan-xterra/2002/">Lemon Index</a> (2002 Nissan Xterra reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2002 Nissan Xterra reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 100; 100 is average, lower is better). The Nissan Xterra year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2002 Nissan Xterra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (22%), suspension (14%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Nissan Xterra have?
6 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Nissan Xterra get?
15 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Nissan Xterra problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 14,000 and 47,000 miles (22,000–75,000 km) (the middle half of the 35 complaints, of all 81 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2002 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2002 Nissan Xterra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2002 Nissan Xterra cost in fuel a year?
About $3,150 to $5,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Nissan Xterra have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Xterra year is better than the 2002?
Nearby, the 2004 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a third as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2010 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works