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N50 · SUV

2008 Nissan Xterra

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2008 Nissan Xterra.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2008 Nissan Xterra

Recall·10E019000

Suspension: lower arm

54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN…

Recall·10V075000

Fuel system: auxillary tank

THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE…

Recall·08V045000

Equipment: labels

110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

5 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 119 owners reported

Power train40
Air bags21
Service brakes11
Engine and engine cooling8

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2008 Nissan Xterra at a glance

Trims
Off-RoadSSE
Engine
4.0L 6-Cylinder
Transmission
Manual 6-spd, Automatic 5-spd
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
SUV
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2008 Nissan Xterra?

Owners have filed 119 complaints about the 2008 Nissan Xterra with NHTSA, most often about the power train. There are 8 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2008 Nissan Xterra reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 8 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2008 Nissan Xterra?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2008 Nissan Xterra listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.