Xterra Poor Starting Fuel Consumption

I also own an Xterra and experienced comparable symptoms. Have you inspected the air intake system and throttle body for any obstructions or excessive carbon buildup? A malfunctioning throttle position sensor could also contribute to these issues. When was the last time you cleaned the throttle body?

Thank you for your response. I have not yet inspected the air intake or throttle body directly. Could a dirty throttle body truly account for both the increased fuel consumption and the starting difficulties? I assumed that it would not affect both simultaneously.

In my case, yes, a dirty throttle body was indeed the culprit. The vehicle's computer relies on accurate readings from the throttle position sensor. When the throttle body is dirty, it interferes with these readings, leading to incorrect fuel-air mixture calculations and, subsequently, poor starting and increased fuel consumption. However, considering your initial diagnostics point to the accelerator pedal module, a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified technician is advisable.

I appreciate your advice and the confirmation of a similar experience. Based on your recommendation and the potential complexity, I will schedule an appointment with a trusted workshop for a thorough diagnostic assessment. The repair ended up costing 205€ and fixed the issue.