Brake Master Cylinder Problems of Nissan Xterra

On 5/2/2012 at approximately 2:30pm in the afternoon vehicle traveling on a divided highway in moderate traffic at approximately 30mph. While braking for traffic at a stop light operator felt a sudden drop in the brake pedal and loss of stopping ability requiring them to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid the car in front of them. The vehicle was drivable but required more stopping distance to brake. Light smoke noted while stopped but none at speed. Upon stopping to investigate the light smoke, which was coming from the front right wheel area the hood was opened to investigate and a small flame was noted on the exhaust manifold which was extinguished with an abc extinguisher. Brake fluid noted to be low in the master cylinder. Vehicle towed to shop for investigation and repair. Brake line found to have been rubbing against exhaust manifold shielding which rubbed away the rubber protective liner over time allowing water/rain to slowly rust the brake line which burst and squirted brake fluid onto the manifold where it ignited. Online research shows this to be a known problem experienced/reported by other owners of same make/model. High potential for bodily harm via accident (inability to stop) and loss of property (fire).

See all problems of the 2002 Nissan Xterra 🔎.

I was driving my 2000 Nissan Xterra on a ohv trail when I lost brake pressure and had my "brakes" light come on. After investigation, I found that my brake line had rusted through where the line passes by the passenger side exhaust manifold. The spot was completely hidden underneath where the oem had placed a protective heat wrap on the line. The heat wrap was saturated with water and therefore promoted the line to rust through. This caused a loss of brake fluid to power to my rear brakes. I had to remove the brake line from the anti skid controller cut it and clamp it off. I refilled the master cylinder and was able to regain the use of my front brakes and get the vehicle home. I will be replacing both the front and rear brake lines from the anti skid box to the distribution point and having the brake system purged and refilled. The old parts will be kept.

See all problems of the 2000 Nissan Xterra 🔎.

The brakes of my wife's 2000 Xterra failed due to poor engineering. Fortunately it happen when my wife was driving at low speed on the back road we live on. The hard line from the master cylinder to the front brake is routed past a manifold heat shield. The line is installed so it rubs on the heat shield. The heat shield eventually cuts into the line causing it to fail. The car is at a local repair shop where a new brake line will be installed.

Front right brake froze in the "on" position while driving impeding acceleration and braking capacity. Brake also caused smoke. This occurred on two occasions. After first occurrence the brake pads were replaced and braking cylinder seemed to be working. After second occurrence the brake cylinder was replaced.

See all problems of the 2003 Nissan Xterra 🔎.

While driving 35-40 mph had to apply brakes hard and pedal went to the floor. Vehicle went through a red light, and jumped a ditch before consumer was able to stop vehicle. Consumer suffered light injuries. Consumer found studs that connect master cylinder to brake booster had broken. Vehicle not taken to dealer yet.