Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2015 Nissan XterraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2015 Nissan Xterra. Most complaints involve power train (6) and suspension (3). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
17–18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
10
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2015 Nissan Xterra as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2015 – Mar 2024
- Power train6
- Suspension3
- Structure1
- Service brakes1
- Parking brake1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Xterra model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| 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 |
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
6 reports
“VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING SIGNS OF CLUTCH SLIPPING AT 50,000 MILES: ENGINE WOULD REV UP WHILE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS FULLY OUT, THEN YOU WOULD FEEL IT RE-ENGAGE COMPLETELY AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF WHINING AND SPINNING. I'M A LIFETIME CLUTCH DRIVER (NEARLY 20 YEARS), AND EVERY VEHICLE GOT IN EXCESS OF 150,000 MILES BEFORE NEEDING A NEW CLUTCH. THE SECOND GENERATION XTERRA MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH IS UTTERLY JUNK. DON'T EVER BUY THIS VEHICLE IN MANUAL, OR ANY NISSAN. AFTER OWNING 3 XTERRAS IN MY TIME I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN. THIS PREMATURE FAIL IS A MANUFACTURING/OEM DEFECT. PLEASE RECALL!!!”
Suspension
3 reports
“Leaf spring snapped. Large piece of metal was found in the road. Rear shocks were replaced under warranty several years prior. Known weak point of xterras. Dealer replacement costs were astronomical so I upgraded the equipment for the same cost and did the work myself as I am now slightly out of warranty.”
Structure
1 report
“Rear passenger side door will not open from the inside or outside. This is apparently a widespread problem for Nissan Xterra rear doors. It creates a safety problem as passengers cannot leave the vehicle in case of an accident.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 4.0L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 5-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xterra 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 489 |
| Xterra 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 529 |
| Xterra 4WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 526 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Nissan Xterra as of Nov 8, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2015 Xterra questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Nissan Xterra have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2015 Nissan Xterra problems?
Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (6), suspension (3), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2015 Nissan Xterra get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Nissan Xterra at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026