2013 Nissan Xterra problems
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Common 2013 Nissan Xterra problems
The Nissan Xterra, particularly the 2013 model, is known for its off-road capabilities and above-average reliability ratings. However, it does have several major reliability issues that potential buyers should be aware of.
One common problem with the Nissan Xterra is a defective fuel level sensor, which can cause inaccurate fuel gauge readings. This issue is prevalent in the 2001-2011 Xterra models, including the 2013 model. A faulty fuel level sensor can make it difficult to know how much fuel is left in the tank, leading to the risk of running out of fuel unexpectedly.
Another issue with the Xterra is a leaky radiator, which was particularly prevalent in the 2005 model year.
Fuel injector failure is another common problem with several Xterra models, including the 2013 model. A failed fuel injector can cause symptoms like engine misfires, loss of power, hesitation when accelerating, and excessive vibrations. The check engine light will come on when the vehicle detects a bad fuel injector.
To address these issues, it is important to maintain the Xterra regularly and have any problems addressed promptly by a qualified mechanic. Regular maintenance, such as checking and changing the oil, checking the brakes, and inspecting the tires, can help prevent many common problems. It is also important to address any issues with the fuel system, radiator, or transmission as soon as they arise, to prevent more serious and expensive repairs.
In summary, while the Nissan Xterra is a reliable off-road SUV, it does have several major reliability issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any problems can help prevent more serious and expensive repairs.
What is the major problem of Nissan Xterra?
Many drivers consider the 2015 model year the best in terms of performance, reliability, and relative modernity. The 2012 and 2014 Nissan Xterra models also get good marks. A few common problems of the Nissan Xterra include a faulty fuel level sensor, radiator leaks, and transmission failure.
Is the Nissan Xterra a good car?
The Xterra is a superb off-road SUV with above-average reliability ratings. However, it does have several major reliability issues that would-be buyers should know: Defective fuel level sensor – Many Xterra owners complained about inaccurate fuel gauge readings due to faulty fuel gauge sensors.
Are Nissan Xterras expensive to maintain?
Solid Reliability
The annual repair costs for this vehicle are likely to be lower than average at around $514, which is a plus for potential owners. However, you might need to take your Xterra for unscheduled repairs about 0.3 times per year, similar to other vehicles in its class.
Why stop making Nissan Xterra?
The Xterra was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2015 model year. Poor fuel economy, declining sales, and mandated upgrades to safety and emissions were cited as reasons.
2013 Nissan Xterra car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Xterra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Nissan Xterra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2013 Nissan Xterra complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Nissan Xterra.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-03
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER HEAVILY LOADED AND WAS ALWAYS DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS. THE BOTTOM LEAF IN EACH OF THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS BROKE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF ONE ANOTHER. THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED THE BROKEN LEAF AND HAD IT REPAIRED BEFORE THE BROKEN PIECE OF LEAF COULD COME OUT OF THE ASSEMBLY. THE SECOND TIME THE BROKEN PIECE OF LEAF CAME OUT OF THE ASSEMBLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING STRAIGHT ON A PAVED CITY STREET. THE BROKEN PIECE MUST HAVE HIT THE TIRE BECAUSE IT FLEW UP AND STRUCK THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A TIRE TO BLOW OUT, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, OR HIT A PEDESTRIAN. THE BROKEN PIECE OF LEAF WAS 13.5 INCHES LONG AND WEIGHED ABOUT 2.5 POUNDS - CERTAINLY DANGEROUS IF IT HIT A PEDESTRIAN. THE PICTURE SHOWS THE LEAF ASSEMBLY WITH THE BROKEN PIECE OF THE BOTTOM (I.E., THIRD) LEAF RE-INSERTED AND SLIGHTLY ROTATED TOWARD THE TIRE AS IT MAY HAVE APPEARED BEFORE THE PIECE CAME OUT OF THE LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-28
- VIN: 5N1AN0NW8CC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: VERY SOFT BRAKE PEDAL OBSERVED PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE OVER PERIOD OF ABOUT 15K / 1 MONTH TRIGGERING INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCE ESPECIALLY DURING WET CONDITIONS AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS OCCASIONALLY PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR PRIOR TO VEHICLE COMING TO COMPLETE STOP. HOT PADS/ROTORS OBSERVED DURING EVEN COLD AND OR WET CONDITIONS ABOVE NORMAL UNTIL AT HIGHWAY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED TRIGGERING CALIPERS TO CEASE UP AT A STOP AT APPROX. 90K (3+ WEEKS AFTER ORIGINAL OBSERVATION OF OCCASIONAL SOFT PEDAL) AT LOW SPEEDS PEDAL APPEARED TO BE SLIGHTLY SOFT, HOWEVER AT HIGHER SPEEDS ABOVE 35-40 UPWARDS OF 60-65 THE ISSUE BECAME VERY NOTICEABLE ESPECIALLY DURING HEAVY RAIN OR WET ROAD CONDITIONS OR IF VEHICLE SAT FOR MORE THAN A FEW HOURS. ISSUE WITH SOFT PEDAL STARTED AROUND 75K AND CONTINUED UNTIL ABOUT 90K UNTIL CALIPERS CEASED ON ROTORS AS NOTED. HAD I NOT EXITED AND CAME TO A STOP VEHICLE COULD HAVE LOCKED UP ALL 4 WHEELS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY. SHOP DIAGNOSED ISSUE TO BE FAULTY HCU WITHIN THE ABS MODULE MANUFACTURED BY ATE. A VERY SIMILAR ISSUE WITH A RECALL NOTED ALREADY BY NISSAN IN 16/18 SELECT MODEL VEHICLES WHERE HCU CAN LEAK CAUSING A SHORT IN THE ECU TRIGGERING A FIRE BUT THIS ISSUE IS NOT OBSERVED OR RECOGNIZED ON PRIOR MODEL YEAR OR VEHICLES NOR DOES NISSAN RECOGNIZE THAT THE HCU APPEARS TO BE THE ROOT CAUSE DUE TO FAULTY SEALS. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: A FAULTY ABS SEAL ON ONE OF THE VALVES CAUSED THE PISTON TO STICK AND THE VALVE TO REMAIN IN THE OPEN POSITION REDUCING PRESSURE THAT WOULD NORMALLY GO BACK INTO THE MAIN LINES DOWN TO THE CALIPERS WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE SOFT PEDAL SYNDROME. THE MIL ON THE DASH FOR THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL NEVER TURNED ON UNTIL AFTER FAILURE AND CEASE UP OF CALIPERS. ABS MODULE MANUFACTURED BY ATE. FORD ALSO NOTES A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH SAME MANUFACTURED ABS MODULES BY ATE .
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-18
- VIN: 5N1AN0NU1DN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY, DISENGAGED SPEED CONTROL USING BRAKE, BUT DID NOT ORIGINALLY TURN IT OFF TO BE ABLE TO MANEUVER BETTER IN TRAFFIC NEAR A CITY. VEHICLE ORIGINALLY SLOWED DOWN, BUT AFTER RELEASING BRAKE IN 3 SECONDS, CAR SPED UP ON ITS OWN WITH AN ACCELERATION PROFILE GREATER THAN THE ONE WHEN YOU ARE SETTING THE SPEED. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT TO QUIT WITH THIS BEHAVIOR AND FINALLY HIT THE CANCEL AND OFF BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS ON THE DASH WERE OFF AND NO CHECK ENGINE WARNINGS WERE ON. THIS DID NOT HELP THE SITUATION. WHEN BRAKE WAS ON, VEHICLE QUIT ACCELERATION, SO WITH BRAKE ON, PULLED ON TO SHOULDER AND PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE ENGINE OFF WITH KEY IN FULL OFF POSITION. WAITED 20 SECONDS AND RESTARTED CAR AND MADE WAY BACK TO FREEWAY. DID NOT USE SPEED CONTROL ANYMORE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP. AT THE TIME THE ODOMETER WAS SHOWING ABOUT 19150 ACTUAL MILES. MADE APPT WITH NISSAN DEALER AND TOOK IT IN. ON WAY TO DEALER, I PUSHED ACCELERATOR HALF-WAY TO THE FLOOR TO SPEED UP QUICKLY AND THE ACCELERATOR SLAMMED ITS WAY TO THE FLOOR. I APPLIED BRAKE AND VEHICLE QUIT ACCELERATING. I DID NOT QUIT BRAKING UNTIL VEHICLE WAS BELOW 40. VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE AGAIN WILDLY THE REST OF THE 30 MILE TRIP TO THE DEALER AND I DID NOT PUSH THE PEDDLE VERY HARD THE REST OF THE WAY. KEEP IN MIND THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCHES WERE NOT PUSHED AT ALL DURING THIS INCIDENT AND NONE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS WERE LIT ON THE DASH; THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON EITHER. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND SAID THEY SHOULD REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY ON THE DASH. I PERSONALLY CONSIDER THIS A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE MODE.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5N1AN0NW0DN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: MY 2013 NISSAN XTERRA PRO4X ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITH ME STANDING NEXT TO IT. IT IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON. IT REVERSED RAPIDLY AND CAUGHT ME UNDER IT. I SUFFERED PERMANENT NERVE DAMAGE IN MY ARM AND EXTREME SCARING ON BOTH LEGS. AFTER IT RAN ME OVER, IT CRASHED INTO MY GARAGE. NISSAN REFUSED TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPENED AND NOW I AM STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT I AM AFRAID OF. *TR
Negative 2013 Nissan Xterra car reviews
Positive 2013 Nissan Xterra car reviews
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I love my X-Terra! It gets great mileage both on and off the highway. While it can fit 5 people, the back seat may not be the most comfortable for long trips with 3 people.
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I used to own a 2002. It was nice until it got stolen. I miss my baby blue. Now I am trying to get another. I really enjoy them. They are great on gas and easy to handle.
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You've had quite a few vehicles in your driving life, including a Mustang GT, Maxima, several Nissan trucks, and now your second Xterra. It's great to hear that this vehicle meets all your current needs, especially with 4WD for winter commutes, getting to the back of the woods, and job sites. The cargo area is perfect for your furry friend, while the rear seats can accommodate gear or occasional passengers. It's impressive that you're enjoying the 6-speed manual and 260hp, which are perfect for you. The PRO 4X and Bilstein shocks make a BIG difference in handling and ride, which is fantastic. It's great to hear that you're getting 20.5 mpg with the manual, which is an improvement from your previous Xterra. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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This is definitely the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I have had no issues in nearly 7 years of ownership. I previously owned an '03 X and it was okay. I kept it for 13 years. I would continue to purchase them if they were still being produced.
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Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to say that I bought a 2012 Xterra Pro-4X about 4 months ago with only 9k miles on it, and I'm really happy with it so far! It's been super reliable, fun to drive, and it looks great too. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the interior, but the comfortable leather seats and awesome stereo make up for it. I've taken it off-roading a few times and it's seriously impressive - other jeeps can barely keep up! Honestly, if you're not having fun in this car, you're not doing it right. Thanks for listening!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Nissan Xterra problems:
I am torn between nissan xterra 2013 or 2011 : r/XTerra
Jan 5, 2023 ... My 2007 is at 222K miles and I drive 50-90 miles a day 6 days a week. Go with the one with less issues.
2013 Nissan Xterra Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2013 Nissan Xterra? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Is the Automatic transmission in the 2013 Nissan Xterra S 4WD ...
Dec 20, 2023 ... The tranny in the X is very reliable. I have over 350K on a pair of them ( two different X's ).. Have never had an issue. The SMOD issue which ...
2013 Xterra S 4wd Stalling Issue | Second Generation Nissan Xterra ...
Jun 20, 2023 ... Cam and crankshaft position sensors are common problems on the Xterras, and the symptoms you described definitely seem to point in that ...
Nissan Xterra Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Top Nissan Xterra Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Fuel Level Sensor · No Start, Engine Stalls · Noise From the Front of the Engine · Coolant Outlet on ...
Other years of Nissan Xterra
Are you having problems with your 2013 Nissan Xterra?
Jabari Conroy 2024-08-13
I purchased my Xterra specifically for its off-road capabilities and wanted to share my thoughts after driving it for 36k miles. I opted for the manual transmission model because I was unsure if Nissan had resolved the automatic transmission issue. The first gear on the 6-speed is well-suited for crawling around technical rocky terrain, which is prevalent in my home state of Nevada. However, the stock tires were not suitable for hard wheeling conditions and performed poorly in snow and mud. I had to pull the fuse to allow the front wheels to spin in the snow, which unfortunately resulted in the front axle blowing up. Towing can be a bit sketchy, but overall, the vehicle's functions performed above average. The Rockford Fosgate sound system was excellent for a stock radio, and the fuel economy never exceeded 17 mpg, even when cruising down the highway in 6th gear. The paint on the Xterra was impressive, as it withstood scrapes from bushes and buffed out nicely during detailing. Overall, I enjoyed my Xterra, as it was not perfect but performed well off-road and had enough room for camping gear and other awkward items with the seats folded down.
Alexzander Goyette 2024-07-28
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that my 2012 Xterra is currently in the shop having its transmission rebuilt. Unfortunately, there were no warning signs before it broke down, but I'm hopeful that it will be back on the road soon. It only has 47k miles on it, so I'm confident that it will be running smoothly again in no time!
Santos Howe 2024-07-18
After purchasing my Xterra, I took it through a car wash and unfortunately water came through the roof. I immediately took it in for servicing and it turned out that the roof required major repairs. Thankfully, Nissan offered to repurchase the vehicle in accordance with the CO lemon law. However, I was disappointed that they subtracted $945 for only 2 months of driving. Additionally, they refused to refund a few items on the purchase agreement, citing that they were non-Nissan items. Throughout the arbitration process, Denise C. was difficult and unhelpful, claiming that Nissan and the dealership were separate entities. Despite these challenges, I remained persistent in my efforts to recoup my money.
Jarrell Lind 2024-07-02
I recently purchased this car to replace my 2004 Discovery. While it looks cool, I have to say that it has been a disappointing experience. The handling in snow is the worst I have ever experienced and I had a negative experience with the Nissan dealership in Aurora, Co. I feel like I got ripped off with this certified car. If you're in the market for a new car, I would recommend spending the extra money to get a 4Runner. The interior is not very comfortable and the seats feel cheap and flat. Additionally, there are lots of creaks and vibrations from parts that sound like they're about to fail, but are certified
Eli Larkin 2024-01-10
I was looking for a four-wheel drive to navigate Iowa's back roads during the winter with all the space of an SUV. My 08 Edge was not cutting it anymore. I really like my Xterra, but on windy days, I seem to sway as much as semis do because of the height of the truck. I thought I could overlook the lack of powered seats, navigation in the dash, or TVs in the headrests, but I can't. For the final price of all the options I could add, I wish Nissan would have allowed or given the choice of those three other options. I am surprised Nissan would not offer those unless you want a Murano. I am just really bummed over the limited options.