NissanXterra2002Overview/nissan/xterra/2002/base/

2002 Nissan Xterra

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2002 Xterra.

Body SUVTransmission Manual 5-spd

The 2002 Nissan Xterra is a rugged SUV featuring a manual 5-speed transmission and maintaining the powertrain configuration typical of this generation, requiring 3.6 quarts of 5W-30 API-rated engine oil for service intervals. EPA fuel economy ratings of 17/22/19 mpg place it within the expected efficiency range for its class and powertrain configuration during this model year. Across its complaint history spanning 1999 to 2015, the 2002 model year recorded 172 total owner complaints with six documented recalls, with the top complaint area being Engine & Engine Cooling—a figure that falls well below the model's peak complaint year of 2005 (845 complaints) and positions it more favorably within the model's reliability trajectory.

Model year201520142013201220112010200920082002

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity3.6 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque98 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/22/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 25 · 490 CCA battery, OE oil filter 152089E01A. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 25 · 490 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnTURNOEM · verified
Tire sizeP265-70R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter152089E01A
Engine air filter165460Z000 alt 1654686G00
Fuel filter164000W005
Spark plug224011P116 alt 224011P115
Front wiper blades288908Z300
Serpentine belt0211725023 alt 0211792523
Thermostat212000C82A alt 2120042L0A
Cabin air filter27277VP02A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionManual 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178 in
Overall width70.5 in
Overall height74.4 in
Wheelbase104.3 in
Curb weight4059 lb
Track (front / rear)60.2 / 59.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 22 / 19 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Xterra of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

10.2–10.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 10.20 sec — 2000 SE V6
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2001XE V6 3.3L V610.50 sec17.90 sec170 hp4x4
2000SE V6 3.3L V610.20 sec17.70 sec170 hp4x4
2000SE V6 3.3L V610.40 sec17.80 sec170 hp4x4
2000SE V6 3.3L V610.90 sec18.10 sec170 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 3.6 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 98 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-90 · 80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.6 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity3.6 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts105-112 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts141-156 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts105-110 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts62-68 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts12-14 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts28-35 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts21-25 ft-lbs
Main Bearings34-41 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts98 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug18.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug18.0-25.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance1.0 approx. ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance10,000 approx. ohms

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.32-1.54 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type100
Oil Capacity6.80 oz
Standard BCI Group Number25
Standard BCI Cranking Performance490 cca
Standard BCI Group Number25

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)43.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)34.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)43.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)34.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance13.5-17.5 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance10-14 ohms
Engine Compression178-149 PSI. 14 Maximum variation PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure60-70 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket17-22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle101-130 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.028 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.103 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.103 in
Rotor Minimum Machining1.024 in
Rotor Discard at or Under1.023 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17-9
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
110-12 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60-6510–12 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
110-12 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60-6510–12 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
243 ft. lbs.43 ft. lbs
3Loosen all bolts.
47 ft. lbs.7 ft. lbs
522 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
660-65 degrees.60–65 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
243 ft. lbs.43 ft. lbs
3Loosen all bolts.
47 ft. lbs.7 ft. lbs
522 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
660-65 degrees.60–65 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
259 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
3Loosen all bolts completely.
418-25 ft. lbs.18–25 ft. lbs
586-91 degrees.86–91 degrees
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9 ft. lbs., step 2: 6.5 ft. lbs., step 3: 5.8-72.9 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAxle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Breather Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect)
At 60,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miSteering System (inspect) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 105,000 miTiming Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2002 Xterra sits at the tail end of the first generation's highest-complaint period, with 172 complaints — comparable to 2001's 161 but well above the 72-84 range seen in 2003-2004. It carries the generation's peak recall count at six and the most investigations at three, while TSB volume remains elevated at 76 versus 48 in the following two years. The top complaint categories — Engine & Engine Cooling (20), Steering (14), Air Bags (13), and Service Brakes (11) — along with 22 crash and 7 fire complaints, indicate broad system involvement, though the data doesn't specify root causes. The generation arc shows a clear improvement after 2002, while the subsequent second generation (2005+) experiences a massive complaint surge to 845 in its launch year. For a buyer prioritizing federal-record stability within this model line, the 2003-2004 models present a demonstrably cleaner profile than the 2002.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
76
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
3
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
172
Owner complaints
22 involved a crash · 7 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 172 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling20
Steering14
Air Bags13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11
Electrical System10
Suspension9
Fuel System, Gasoline7
Service Brakes, Air7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

10V554000Steering:ColumnReported 11/11/2010

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… Remedy: THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND JOINT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHAFT OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 13, 2010…

06E026000Exterior LightingReported 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL… Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 76 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB17-019H2024-04-29Visibility/WiperWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY…
NTB13-028I2024-04-29Visibility/WiperREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Xterra. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2002 Xterra take?

3.6 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2002 Xterra have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Xterra get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined mpg.