Before you buy
This 2009 Nissan Xterra has 19 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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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2009 Nissan Xterra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 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.
2009 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.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Nissan Xterra has 19 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Xterra
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 19
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- 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 2009 Nissan Xterra problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. 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 2009 Nissan Xterra?
This NISSAN XTERRA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Nissan Xterra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 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
The NISSAN XTERRA has 19 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 19 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2009 Nissan Xterra complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Xterra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 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 2009 Nissan Xterra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I took my car to complete Recall NumberPC945, I was told that my car has an issue with the driver side air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE - C1163/B1049 and also another issue related to the driver side airbag that is under the steering wheel. I wa…
Cracked cooler tube caused transmission oil & coolant to mix causing transmission failure.
A FAULTY RADIATOR CAUSED MY TRANSMISSON AND COOLANT TO LEAK TOGETHER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. NOW MY TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED
I PURCHASED THIS 1 OWNER TRADE IN 4/11/19. AS OF 5/9/19 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE PRONOUNCED ISSUES WITH LOSING POWER AROUND 40 MPH . DIAGNOSTICS CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE COOLING COIL WHICH RESULTED IN COOLANT IN MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH DAMAGE THE TRANSMISSIO…
I TOOK MY XTERRA IN BECAUSE IT CONSTANTLY BLEW HOT AIR. UPON INSPECTION I WAS INFORMED OF THE TSB ISSUED BY NISSAN THAT THE RADIATOR TUBES CAN CRACK AND MIX COOLANT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THAT I WAS LOW ON COOLANT BECAUSE OF THAT. THE TECH INFORMED ME THAT THE LEAK WAS MINIM…
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DURING THE LAST YEAR I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE BREAK SYSTEM OF MY NISSAN XTERRA. WHEN USING THE BREAKS THE ANTI LOCK BREAK SYSTEM (ABS) WONT WORK AND THE VEHICLE TAKES LONER TO STOP. I HAVE TO PRESS THE BREAKS ALL THE WAY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. ON SEV…
RADIATOR INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSING ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL.
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE, WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN RUSH-HOUR IN AUGUST IN PHOENIX, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND LOST ALL POWER TO THE TRANSMISSION, I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER HAD FAILED AND SPRAYED FLUID ALL OVER THE ENGINE,-THIS ALL HAPPEN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP LAMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE AC FA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL DISENGAGED AND DAMAGED THE RING…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE…
AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AFTER ENGINE STARTUP AND CONTINUES TO BLINK UNTIL ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. SENT EMAIL TO NISSAN IN DEC 2013 REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND THEY INDICATED "A REVIEW OF OUR SYSTEM INDICATES THAT THE ABOVE-REFERENCED VEHICLE IS NOT CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE STARTED THE ENGINE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAG SATELLITE SENSOR HAD CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR HATCH AND REAR BUMPER WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REAR BUMPER AND HATCH DOOR NEEDED TO BE PULLED…
TIMING CHAIN GUIDES ARE WORN AND ARE NOW UNSTABLE AND CAN CAUSE THE TIMING CHAIN TO BREAK WHICH WILL RUIN ENGINE. NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HAS CHANGED TO A NEW PART IN 2010. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME 1500 DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT COST 2 D…
AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT 23 JUNE 2011 LOCATION: PLEASANT VALLEY TRAIL, PANAMINT MOUNTAINS, DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6 PM I WAS DRIVING ON A POPULAR 4X4 TRAIL ON THE WESTERN EDGE OF DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK ON THE EVENING OF 23 JUNE 2011. I WAS ALONE A…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE HORN BUT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME FORCE FOR IT TO SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STE…
PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE IN 2ND GENERATION NISSAN XTERRA. CLUTCH BURNT OUT AT UNDER 5000 MILES WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW IN 4WD LO. I HAVE 20 YEARS MANUAL DRIVING EXPERIENCE, AND HAVE NEVER BURNED OUT A CLUTCH. DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PAY FOR IT BECAUSE IT IS A WEAR …
WE PURCHASED A NEW 2009 NISSAN XTERRA ON JUNE 5, 2009. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE FOLLOWING DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS COME ON FOR NO KNOWN REASON: BRAKE, ABS, SLIP, TIRE SENSOR & VDC. ODOMETER FAILS TO OPERATE, MILEAGE NEEDLE RETURNS TO THE START POSITION AND DOES NOT SHOW SPE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Nissan Xterra.
Safety recalls
2009 Nissan Xterra recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Nissan Xterra. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN 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
EQUIPMENT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Nissan Xterra buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Nissan Xterra reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 19 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. This NISSAN XTERRA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. 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 2009 Nissan Xterra?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (6 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Nissan Xterra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Nissan Xterra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Nissan Xterra, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 19 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Nissan Xterra. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Nissan Xterra?▾
This NISSAN XTERRA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions 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
Rate the 2009 Nissan Xterra based on your ownership experience.
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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.