Before you buy
This 2008 Nissan Xterra has 119 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2008 Nissan Xterra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2008 Nissan Xterra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2008 Nissan Xterra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated25.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
25.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
NISSAN XTERRA 2008 has 119 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls. Top issues include 47 transmission/drivetrain complaints, 31 engine problems, and 23 airbag malfunctions. Buyers should inspect these systems and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Xterra
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 119
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2008 Nissan Xterra problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2008 Nissan Xterra?
The 2008 Xterra is a risky choice due to frequent transmission and drivetrain failures. Unless you are prepared for potential costly repairs, consider other model years with fewer complaints.
Transmission and drivetrain problems can lead to expensive repairs or safety hazards, while airbag malfunctions pose direct safety risks.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in pre-purchase inspection and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those unable to absorb unexpected repair costs should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Nissan Xterra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, hard shifting, or leaks.
- Check engine for unusual noises, check engine light, or stalling.
- Verify airbag system operation and recall status.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and airbag repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission hesitation or engine stalling.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Nissan Xterra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Nissan Xterra shows a high volume of transmission and drivetrain complaints (47), along with significant engine (31) and airbag (23) issues. With 8 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, buyers should approach this year with caution. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other Xterra years, 2008 has a high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided here.
Recall context: With 8 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Transmission and drivetrain complaints total 47, the highest among all components.
- Engine problems account for 31 complaints, indicating potential reliability concerns.
- Airbag malfunctions were reported in 23 complaints, raising safety issues.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures are the most reported issue.
- Engine problems, including stalling or loss of power.
- Airbag malfunctions that may prevent deployment.
Full breakdown
All 2008 Nissan Xterra complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Nissan Xterra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 47 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 31 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 23 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Nissan Xterra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact shifted the vehicle into drive, and the vehicle unexpectedly went into reverse with no warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the failure reoccurred. …
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact…
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. T…
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasona…
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan XTerra. The contact's son was driving the vehicle at approximately 25 MPH when he hydroplaned on a wet road and crashed into a wall built along the side of the road. The contact stated that her son crashed into the wall head-on. The contact stated …
driving and transfer case locked up sending me in to oncoming traffic and guardrail
A leak developed in the radiator that allowed engine coolant into the automatic transmission and visa versa. Engine coolant in the automatic transmission can cause sudden failure of the transmission which could cause an accident. This is a known design flaw of Nissan transmission…
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, she heard an abnormal sound while depressing on the brake pedal. The contact stated that the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) & the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lights w…
The brake master cylinder failed multiple times, leaving the system in bypass mode. The resulting delay in braking led to potential collision on multiple occasions.
Total transmission and radiator failure. a dealership "fixed" the coolant contamination problem when nissan offered the warrantied coverage for what's known as SMOD. all the dealership did was flush the transmission and radiator. they did not repair or replace any components even…
THE RADIATOR HAS TAKEN IN FLUIDS FROM THE TRANSMISSION OR? THE RADIATOR FLUID APPEARS MILKY AND LOTION LIKE CONSISTENCY FROM THE RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW TANK IT HAS BEEN SHIFTING VERY LOUD AND HARD..
I HAVE AN 08 XTERRA AND WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT ONE DAY IT FELT LIKE IT WAS HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING UP HILLS AND ALMOST FELT LIKE IT WOULDNT DOWNSHIFT. THEN FINALLY WHEN AT A LIGHT HAD TO REALLY GAS IT TO GET THE CAR GOING. LIMPED THE CAR TO A FAMILY MEMBERS HOUSE TO LET IT SIT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED FALSE READINGS. THE GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD LESS FUEL THAN WHAT WAS ACTUALLY PRESENT. ALSO, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DE…
COOLANT LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS HOME. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND 4WD WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CAME TO T…
AIRBAG LIGHT IS BLINKING. I'VE RESET THE ALERT AND THEN AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES, IT RETURNED. DEALERSHIP WAS UNSURE IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR IF NISSAN WOULD REPLACE THE AIRBAGS. I FOUND THIS SITE AS I WAS LOOKING FOR INFORMATION. THE AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS WHEN THE VEHICLE I…
TURNS OFF. BLINKS. DOESN'T TURN ON UNLESS CAR IS RESTARTED.
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SURGES AND SPUTTERS AND RPMS SKYROCKET AND THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SHUTS DOWN. THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, TOWN STREETS AND COUNTY ROADS. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO LOSE POWER AND SHUT DOWN WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC…
THE VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AND RUNNING ROUGH WHILE DRIVING AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS AND SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIPS THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSISTENT. THE MECHANICS SEEM NOT TO UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE ISSUE ANY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (HIGHWAY DRIVING). I BEGAN TO HEAR A WHINNING SOUND AT ANY RATE OF SPEED.THE SOUND NEVER WENT AWAY. IT BECAME LOUDER DURING ACCELERATION. I CHECKED ANY RECALLS ON THE XTERRA MODELS AND FOUND OUT THAT IT HAS A FAULTY TIMMING CHAIN ISSUE. I HAD THE VEHICLE SER…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Safety recalls
2008 Nissan Xterra recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Nissan Xterra. With 8 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Nissan Xterra buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Nissan Xterra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 119 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Xterra is a risky choice due to frequent transmission and drivetrain failures. Unless you are prepared for potential costly repairs, consider other model years with fewer complaints. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Xterra?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (47 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (31 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Nissan Xterra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Nissan Xterra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Nissan Xterra, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 119 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Nissan Xterra. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. With 8 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Nissan Xterra?▾
The 2008 Xterra is a risky choice due to frequent transmission and drivetrain failures. Unless you are prepared for potential costly repairs, consider other model years with fewer complaints. Transmission and drivetrain problems can lead to expensive repairs or safety hazards, while airbag malfunctions pose direct safety risks. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Xterra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.