Recall 10V554 affects 500,552 2002-2004 Nissan Xterra and Frontier vehicles for steering column corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 500,552 2002-2004 Xterra and Frontier vehicles because corrosion can restrict the lower steering column joint and overload the steering shaft. If the shaft cracks or breaks during low-speed turns, the driver can lose steering control and face a higher crash risk; the Nissan dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The lower steering column joint on 2002-2004 Nissan Xterra and Frontier vehicles is part of the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front steering gear. It lets the steering shaft move through its angle while still carrying your steering input to the wheels. The joint has to move freely every time you turn.
On affected vehicles, corrosion forms in the lower steering column joint over time. As the joint stiffens, it limits normal movement and puts excessive load on the lower steering column shaft. Continued driving in that condition can crack the shaft during low-speed maneuvers that need a large steering input, such as tight parking turns.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall information does not identify a symptom owners can rely on before the shaft cracks.
Who's affected?
Spans Xterra SUVs and Frontier pickups across the 2002, 2003, and 2004 model years, all involving the steering column.
| 2004 Nissan Xterra | steering column |
|---|---|
| 2004 Nissan Frontier | steering column |
| 2002 Nissan Frontier | steering column |
| 2003 Nissan Xterra | steering column |
| 2002 Nissan Xterra | steering column |
| 2003 Nissan Frontier | steering column |
| Units affected | 500,552 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 10V554, the steering column shaft can break during low speed maneuvers, causing loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign listed for owners, so schedule the recall repair and avoid tight low speed maneuvers until the vehicle is fixed. Repair will be free at any franchised Nissan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2004 Nissan Xterra or Frontier is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the free steering column shaft and joint replacement that fixes the corrosion-limited steering joint movement.
- Bring the recall notice if Nissan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V554 when you call.
- Avoid low-speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician replaces the steering column shaft and lower steering column joint with a shaft of a different design. Nissan listed the recall start date as December 13, 2010, and the service is performed free of charge. Confirm availability with the dealer before you schedule service. Once the dealer repair is available for your VIN, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| November 11, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 13, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V554?
Recall 10V554 covers 500,552 2002-2004 Nissan Xterra and Frontier vehicles with a lower steering column joint that can corrode and bind. That extra load can crack or break the steering column shaft during low-speed turns. Nissan replaces the shaft and joint for free.
What should I do if my 2002-2004 Nissan Xterra or Frontier is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V554. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer and ask for the steering column shaft and joint replacement. Reference recall number 10V554 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Nissan's remedy says the steering column shaft and joint replacement is free. A franchised Nissan dealer performs the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control during low-speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs. Corrosion in the lower steering column joint can limit movement, overload the shaft, and lead to cracking or breakage, which raises crash risk.
What if I bought my Nissan Xterra or Frontier used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2002-2004 Nissan Xterra or Frontier is included, then call a Nissan dealer with recall number 10V554.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V554000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-647-7261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V554 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V554000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →