Two problems related to battery have been reported for the 2008 Nissan Xterra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Nissan Xterra based on all problems reported for the 2008 Xterra.
Plastic tray that the battery sits on broke, causing the bar that holds the battery in place to arch over and set the plastic fuse holder on the battery to catch fire. The vehicle stalled the died. I saw what I thought was "steam" coming from under the hood. I popped to hood from inside and saw flames. I got out and tried to open the hood, which is very difficult since the latch is small and black. I got my grandkids out of the car and tried once more to open the hood. I finally got it opened and realized the battery was on fire. I poured the only liquid I had on it, "a&w cream soda" and put out the fire. It totally melted part of the battery and the battery connector. Amazing enough the vehicle started and I was able to drive home. Had I not been able to open the hood, the vehicle would have burnt to the ground all because of the cheap plastic battery holder broke.
2008 Nissan Xterra, chronic failures of the vdc traction control system, also causing failures in abs and air bags 7 repair attempts since purchased new 6 months ago including computer reprogramming, battery replacement, steering angle sensor adjustments, replacement of air bag control module and replacement of abs control module. These failures cause total failure in multiple electronic safety systems representing a serious threat to life or bodily harm. Multiple incidents - the date below represents date of brand new purchase which was the day of the first malfunction for me. The dealership noticed a malfunction at the time of the pdi (but did not disclose this at the time of sale to my great outrage).