GradeNissan Xterra Reliability Grade
Above-average reliability
Grade a specific Nissan Xterra
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Nissan Xterra earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 24 midsize SUVs we grade. Its engine (B-) and transmission (B-) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 3,135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000-2015 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Nissan Xterra reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2001, 2003, 2004, 2011, 2014 and 2015
Years to avoid: 2005–2007 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
How long does the Nissan Xterra last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Nissan Xterra vs. other midsize SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | A | A- | A |
| Toyota 4Runner | A | A | A |
| Buick Enclave | A- | B+ | A- |
| Toyota Highlander | A- | B- | B+ |
| Subaru Outback | B+ | B | B |
| Mazda CX-9 | B- | B+ | B |
| Nissan Xterra | B- | B- | B |
| Chevrolet Traverse | B- | C | C+ |
| Nissan Pathfinder | C+ | C | C+ |
| GMC Acadia | B | C | C+ |
| Dodge Journey | B- | B- | C+ |
| Honda Pilot | C- | C+ | C |
| Subaru Ascent | B | C- | C |
| Volkswagen Atlas | D | B- | C |
| Chevrolet Blazer | C+ | C- | C |
| Dodge Durango | B- | C | C |
| Ford Explorer | C+ | C- | C- |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | C | C- | C- |
| Honda Passport | C | C | C- |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | F | C- | D |
| Ford Edge | C | D | D |
| Hyundai Palisade | D | D | F |
| Kia Sorento | F | D | F |
| Kia Telluride | D | D | F |
Nissan Xterra vs. other off-road SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 4Runner | A | A | A |
| Lexus GX | A | A | A |
| Nissan Xterra | B- | B- | B |
| Jeep Wrangler | C | C- | C- |
| Ford Bronco | D | C- | D |
| Jeep Gladiator | D | F | F |
Own a Nissan Xterra?
Tell other buyers how yours has held up: mileage, engine, and any problems with what they cost to fix. It takes about a minute, and your first car earns a free full report.
Rate your XterraNissan Xterra reliability FAQ
Is the Nissan Xterra reliable?
Above-average reliability. The Nissan Xterra earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 24 midsize SUVs we grade. Its engine (B-) and transmission (B-) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 3,135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000-2015 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Nissan Xterra last?
We estimate a well-maintained Nissan Xterra lasts around 190,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Nissan Xterra?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Nissan Xterra model years are 2001, 2003, 2004, 2011, 2014 and 2015.
What Nissan Xterra years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Nissan Xterra years to be most careful with are 2005, 2006 and 2007. The 2005 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2006 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Nissan Xterra transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Nissan Xterra transmission a B- (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Nissan Xterra engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Nissan Xterra engine a B- (average reliability).