2003 Nissan Frontier Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Frontier years
- More complaints than other years 12th of 29 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Nissan Frontier. That ranks 12th out of 29 Frontier model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (13 complaints, 17%), typically at around 84,854 miles. Complaints mention 9 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.
_Pro-4X_Automesse_Ludwigsburg_2022_1X7A5885.jpg){kind=link}
- 77owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 9complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Nissan Frontier problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 13 | 17% | 84,854 | — | — |
| Suspension | 10 | 13% | 78,218 | — | — |
| Steering | 9 | 12% | 50,113 | — | — |
| Structure | 9 | 12% | 102,500 | — | — |
| Power Train | 7 | 9% | 56,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 5 | 6% | 139,500 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | 6% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 5% | 16,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 5% | 22,750 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 3 | 4% | 1,778 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 4% | 102,500 | — | — |
| Wheels | 3 | 4% | 61,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 2 | 3% | 20,550 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 3% | 30,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 3% | 122,500 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 3% | 65,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 3% | 17,317 | — | — |
| Engine | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1% | 130,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Nissan Frontier recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Steering:column
Problem: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 frontier vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001 through october 20, 2004, and model year 2002-2004, xterra vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001, through january 6, 2005. Over time corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit movement of the joint. The limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, it may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs.
Risk: The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The steering column shaft and joint will be replaced with a shaft of a different design. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on december 13, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with six cylinder engines and sport utility vehicles equipped with four or six cylinder engines, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel-sending unit can develop a crack in the plastic molding. This can cause the terminal strip to corrode under some environmental conditions.
Risk: If corrosion occurs, the terminal strip could eventually break causing the fuel pump to stop operation. This will result in not being able to start the engine or cause the engine to stop running without warning, which can result in a crash.
Fix: In the following states, dealers will replace the fuel-sending unit. These states are connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, tennessee, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In the other states, the dealer will inspect the fuel pump terminal on the sending unit for corrosion. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the unit. If there is not corrosion, the dealer will apply sealant to the terminal housing to help prevent corrosion in the future. Owner notification began on june 28, 2004. Owners should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Wheels:rim
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a v6 engine, an incorrect size wheel rim for the spare tire was provided in these vehicles. The wheel rim does not fit properly as a replacement for a front wheel.
Risk: When installed on the front of the vehicle, the wheel rim will contact the brake caliper causing a loud rubbing noise and could result in wear on the caliper and/or wheel rim if driving continues. Continued usage of the spare tire wheel at the front location can also result in loosening of the lug nuts and deterioration in braking performance. This could eventually cause the wheel assembly to separate form the vehicle and result in loss of control and a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the spare tire wheel rim with a new one, and remount the spare tire on it. Owner notification began january 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Suspension:rear
Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (abs) sensor.
Risk: This can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and any affected components will be replaced. The abs sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. Owner notification began december 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
I was driving and my truck started drifting and I felt like I was losing control. Could of caused a very serious and dangerous accident - scared me to death, had just bought this Nissan, and love the brand. Had great tires and brakes just completely done. Brought it to my mechanic and he put it up…
The transmission is not working
Emergency Parking Brake lock
Wheel bearings keep backing off spoke with other people who own a frontier and they have same problem this is a saftey issue have to tighten them regularly
I was recently involved in a frontend collision in my 2003 nissan frontier and neither airbag deployed. I was accelerating from a stop sign on a farm to market road. Denison tx.
Other Nissan Frontier years
← 2002 Frontier · 2004 Frontier →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Frontier | 11 | 1 |
| 2025 Frontier | 9 | 3 |
| 2024 Frontier | 22 | 3 |
| 2023 Frontier | 66 | 1 |
| 2022 Frontier | 112 | 6 |
| 2021 Frontier | 20 | 2 |
| 2020 Frontier | 23 | 2 |
| 2019 Frontier | 28 | 1 |
| 2018 Frontier | 25 | 2 |
| 2017 Frontier | 38 | 1 |
| 2016 Frontier | 43 | 1 |
| 2015 Frontier | 33 | 0 |
| 2014 Frontier | 42 | 2 |
| 2013 Frontier | 48 | 1 |
| 2012 Frontier | 79 | 3 |
| 2011 Frontier | 64 | 1 |
| 2010 Frontier | 59 | 4 |
| 2009 Frontier | 37 | 3 |
| 2008 Frontier | 136 | 5 |
| 2007 Frontier | 520 | 1 |
| 2006 Frontier | 617 | 4 |
| 2005 Frontier | 532 | 3 |
| 2004 Frontier | 66 | 1 |
| 2003 | 77 | 4 |
| 2002 Frontier | 124 | 4 |
| 2001 Frontier | 134 | 3 |
| 2000 Frontier | 189 | 3 |
| 1999 Frontier | 78 | 2 |
| 1998 Frontier | 129 | 2 |
See all Nissan Frontier problems by year, every Nissan model, or the Nissan VIN decoder.
Similar Nissan models
Embed this 2003 Nissan Frontier badge on your site
Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline, suspension, steering problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 13 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2003 Nissan Frontier a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Frontier model years, the 2003 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.