One problem related to brake light switch has been reported for the 2004 Nissan Xterra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Nissan Xterra based on all problems reported for the 2004 Xterra.
When vehicle is started, the brake lights will stay lit as if you were pressing the brake even when engine is off, cruise control will not set either so you can turn it on but will not engage. It may have something to do with the cruise control switch located by the brake pedal. I've fashioned a spacer to slide in between the brake and switch so they'll go off when I'm not driving. I was just curious as if there is a recall to this or if I have to actually replace the part my self.