Three problems related to radiator have 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.
2004 Xterra had been low on radiator fluid and needed topping up each week, then each day. After filling with water and coolant night before car began to overheat on hwy. Car sat in sun all day, then overheated in traffic. Had towed to work on it. Replaced split radiator hose where dripping occurs and refilled car radiator, no leaking apparent. Next day, drove on hwy to work. At 65-75 mph car began making clicking/tapping noises from engine. Went uphill towards interchange and car shook violently, steam (or smoke) came from under hood as I carefully crossed freeway to exit, all lights came on on dash and smoke or steam poured into the car through air vents. I had lost all power and power steering, but I steered it safely to hwy service road street with parking lot. Car was smoking under hood, steam or smoke was coming out of vents and all lights remained on on the dash. Under the hood, the a/c condenser or radiator has a 5" break on top of it. When I put water in the radiator it pours through several places where hoses connect (gaskets and seals, I presume). Had the car towed home and I'm afraid to drive it ever again, but now I can't get to work or pick my kids up from school anymore and I can't afford to fix it or pay for repairs since I can't get to work.
The lower radiator support bar for my Nissan Xterra has rusted out. This causes the main radiator to sink which has since hit the main fan. Only replacement is to replace the entire radiator brace. As a main structure component of the vehicle this should not be rusting out.
Vehicle overheated while driving down the highway. Upon inspection, an approximately 4in crack was noticed on the top of the radiator, passenger side, near the thermostat. Replacement of the radiator was required.