Before you buy
This 2010 Nissan Xterra has 38 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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2010 Nissan Xterra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 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.
2010 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 2010 Nissan Xterra has 38 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Xterra
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 38
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- 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 2010 Nissan Xterra problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. 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 2010 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 2010 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 2010 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 38 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 38 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 4 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 2010 Nissan Xterra complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Nissan Xterra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 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 2010 Nissan Xterra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
THE NISSAN WAS IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. THERE WERE 4 PEOPLE IN CAR WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY AND THOSE TWO PEOPLE RECEVED INJURIES BUT NOT LIFE THREATING. THE DRIVERS SIDE WHERE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSED S…
After getting the air bag control module reprogrammed per the recall, I was on a dirt road and the rollover airbags deployed when they shouldn’t have. The dealership I got the recall done at is claiming the airbag system registered “rollover conditions”. When I asked what the con…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that he 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 ex…
My air bag quit working. The light started going off. I took it to Nissan and they said I had to pay to have the light turned off before they would fix the recall. I could not afford to pay to have the light turned off. The line connecting to my transmission and radiator has fai…
No warning lamps had my vehicle repeatedly looked at was told that my vehicle had no transmission warninfsigns was told by mechanic to replace the radiator I replaced the radiator and then the vehicle stopped running now I have transmission fluid mixed with my radiator fluid and …
THIS IS A COMPLIANT FOR THE WELL KNOWN RADIATOR ISSUE. OURS RUPTURED AND RUINED THE TRANSMISSION COSTING US ABOUT $6K IN REPAIRS.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Xterra equipped with Interco Tires, Tire line: LTB-02 SST LTB, Tire Size: 31/11.5/16LT. The contact stated that the while her son was driving approximately 65 mph, a loud noise suddenly occurred. After stopping and inspecting the vehicle, the driver…
The passenger side airbag sensor broke , sensor that detects a person in the seat and engages the airbag, took it to dealer to fix and was told Nissan no longer supports that part and should go to a junk yard and pull a a seat cushion and install it myself.
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STEADILY FLASHES. I LIVE IN A COASTAL AREA WITH HIGH HUMIDITY AND AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A CORROSION ISSUE IN THE SENSOR
AT A LITTLE OVER 180,000 MILES NEED A NEW REAR DIFFERENTIAL. READ ON AN XTERRA FORUM THE SPTHIDER GEARS WERE NOT HEAT TREATED PROPERLY BY THE MANUFACTURER WHICH CAUSES REAR DIFFERENTIALS TO FAIL.THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR TOWED ANYTHING. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED.
AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES WHEN LIGHT IS RESET IT FLASHES AGAIN AFTER A FEW MILES HORN DOESN'T WORK UNABLE TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS & PEDESTRIANS
DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK EITHER STAYS LOCKED AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, OR, THE LOCK DOES NOT LATCH SO THE DOOR SWINGS OPEN. THIS HAPPED BOTH WHILE PARKED AND WHILE DRIVING.
INTERMITTENT STALLING ISSUE. VEHICLE HAS 98,700 MILES ON IT AND HAS NOT HAD ANY OTHER ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS. ON THE FIRST OCCASION THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GOING BETWEEN 5 AND 10 MPH, TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE START TO SLOW DOWN, LOST POWER STEERING AND ALL DASHB…
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-15 MPH. IMMEDIATE LOSS OF BRAKES, ACCELERATION, AND POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE 405 FWY/SEPULVEDA PASS AREA DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR IN STOP-GO TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD, AND SHUT OFF V…
NISSAN XTERRA HAS FAULTY ABS ACTUATOR AND IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD. THE VEHICLES ABS, BRAKE, SLIP, AND VDC LIGHTS WILL COME ON WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE LIGHTS WILL GO OFF AND COME BACK ON PERIODICALLY. AFTER INSPECTION AT DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BAD ABS ACTU…
MY 2010 XTERRA LIGHTS FOR ABS SLIP AND VDC GO OFF AFTER THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO MOVE ONLY. IF THE AUTO IS IDLE THE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON AT ALL. I DO HAVE A TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT THAT COMES ON AND OFF ALSO BUT IT STAYS ON ON ONCE IT FINALLY GOES ON. I BELIEVE THIS IS PART OF THE N…
MY AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THAT MY AIR BAGS HAVE BEEN DISABLED BECAUSE OF A FAULT IN THE SPIRAL CABLE IN MY STEERING COLUMN. THEY TOLD ME THE PART COST $460 TO REPLACE. THEY SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT BELTS TO B…
CRACKED RADIATOR LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN IT MIXES WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, IT RUINED TRANSMISSION AND RADIOTOR. OVER AN $4000 BILL!
THE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTERS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE IS $3761.00.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Nissan Xterra.
Safety recalls
2010 Nissan Xterra recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Nissan Xterra. 6 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
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
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
2010 Nissan Xterra buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Nissan Xterra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 38 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 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 2010 Nissan Xterra?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (11 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (11 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Nissan Xterra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Nissan Xterra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Nissan Xterra, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 38 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Nissan Xterra. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 6 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 2010 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
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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.