NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 230 owner complaints for the 2000 Nissan Xterra. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (50) and electrical system (36). The EPA rates it 15–19 mpg combined.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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 MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Xterra model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 230 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 172 |
| 2003 | 72 |
| 2004 | 84 |
| 2005 | 845 |
| 2006 | 780 |
| 2007 | 557 |
| 2008 | 119 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 10 |
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT AND HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MAY BE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 143,000.”
“The engine service soon have been on for quite some time now. I tried to take it to several Smog places to get it smogged , and the mechanic have told me that the Smog scanner cannot read the computer of my car.”
“DRIVING APPROX. 5 MINUTES WHEN CAR WARNING LIGHTS (CHECK ENGINE) AND ALL DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IMMEDIATELY THERE AFTER, CAR ENGINE SHUTS OFF. CAR ENGINE WOULD TURN ON WHEN STARTED BUT AS SOON AS YOU ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION BY MOVING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, AND PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, CAR ENGINE WOULD AGAIN CUT OFF. AT NO OTHER TIME PRIOR TO THIS DID CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON, OIL LIGHT, OR WATER TEMPERATURE GAGE SHOW ANY MALFUNCTION. THE PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC THAT CHECKED MY CAR AND RAN DIAGNOSTIC TESTING CAN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. HE SAYS HE HAS DRIVEN THE CAR BUT, CAN'T GUARANTEE THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xterra 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Xterra V6 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Xterra V6 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Xterra V6 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Xterra V6 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 230 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (50), electrical system (36), engine and engine cooling (36). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Nissan Xterra at 15–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).