One problem related to engine rattling and whining sounds has 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.
Vehicle was in motion (highway driving). I began to hear a whinning sound at any rate of speed. The sound never went away. It became louder during acceleration. I checked any recalls on the Xterra models and found out that it has a faulty timming chain issue. I had the vehicle serviced and indeed, the problem was the timing chain.