Clutch plates tend to need replacing often here in the UAE, this is to the extreme temperatures, road conditions and traffic. Also, alot of people I have known, tend to make the mistake of taking their vehicles off-road after a long drive. In fact a friend of mine replaced the clutch 3 times in his '09 wrangler, each time it was a heavy duty unit from MOPAR.
As for the steering column, this can be related to three factors. First is the road conditions and potholes we face while coming into or out of a corner (Ittihad Road Just Before the Underpass to Garhoud Bridge). Second, the number of speed bumps we go over effects the joints and chasis badily as SUV's tend to shake more, especially if we take the 'humps' at higher speed. Third and final, SUV's in general require higher maintenance when it comes to tyre rotation, balancing and alignment.
I also beleive your car is american because, generally Xterra is not avaialble in manual here in the UAE unless ordered, or atleast it wasnt when I purchased my '08.
Or it could be just your bad luck you got the 1 in so many that has an issue. Not all cars come out perfect, some tend to have issues. Remember the chevy lumina ss in '11 was in recall because of elect. issues.