The 2004 Nissan Xterra is a SUV that came with a choice of 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.3L 6-cyl engines. At 22 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl (turbocharged versions available) (supercharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Manual 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 13–17 city / 17–23 highway / 15–19 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,550–$5,500 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 468–592 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 7 configurations: Xterra 2WD, Xterra V6 2WD, Xterra V6 4WD |
| Age | 22 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2004 Nissan Xterra. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 frontier vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001 through october 20, 2004, and model year 2002-2004, Xterra vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001, through january 6, 2005. Over time corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit movement of the joint. The limited…
Risk: The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
On certain sport utility vehicles, the accessory tow hitch attachment bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Risk: This could cause the tow hitch to loosen or separate from the vehicle which could result in a crash without warning.
Owners have filed 84 complaints about the 2004 Nissan Xterra with NHTSA. 10 reports involved a crash and 3 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 7 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 48 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2004 Nissan Xterra. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate/L
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate/L
VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions o
WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2004 Xterras that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Nissan Xterra; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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