There are 3 owner-reported suspension complaints for the 2003 Nissan Xterrain NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
2003 NISSAN XTERRA, REAR AXLE FELL OFF DURING DRIVING. 6-27-09 BY CHANCE WE GOT OUT OF LINE TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE, AND DRIVE INTO A DRIVE-THRU, AS WE TURNED IN, WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST POWER OF THE TRUCK, WE WERE ABLE TO DRIFT INTO A PARKING SPOT THE REAR AXLE AND STILL ATTACHED TO THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE WERE IN THE PARKING SPOT NEXT TO US. *TR
PRODUCT DEFECT. NO SUMMARY LISTED (NISSAN). *AK *SC *JB WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN A SMOOTHLY PAVED ROAD SHE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED SHARPLY ACROSS THE YELLOW LINES AND FLIPPED END OVER END AT LEAST TWICE. THE VEHICLE LANDED UPSIDE DOWN ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD FACING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER'S SENT AN EMPLOYEE OF AN ENGINEERING FIRM AS AN UNBIASED THIRD PARTY. THE ENGINEER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE BALL JOINT TO CAUSE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER IGNORED HIS FINDINGS AND DENIED THE CONSUMER'S CLAIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *NM *TC
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. A TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT UPPER BALL JOINT ON DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THIS ACCIDENT. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN BALL JOINT FAIL THIS WAY BEFORE. *AK *NM
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026