- The 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.
- The risk
- The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Nissan Frontier Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Frontier with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (16) and the suspension (10). Those complaints describe 9 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in November 2010 for the column. For comparison, the 2002 has 139 and the 2004 has 66.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Frontier year, for its age
#139 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 9
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2003 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of all 77 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Nissan Frontier recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
- The problem
- Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo usa at 909-468-3688.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
What owners say
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77 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Frontier
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
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 on the hoist. Frame almost completely rusted out and through in many spots. They were surprised it did not completely come apart! Extremely dangerous and they suspect like Toyota that maybe part of a NHTSA recall. I...
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just checked and did not find one, but there should be, how many other un-safe Frontiers are out there be driven every day by the public. I can send pictures if needed, just need to ask mechanic to put back up on hoist, as he would not let me drive the car and it is still there. Horrific danger!
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.
I was in an accident on 12/28/19 and both of my airbags deployed. The drivers side however did not blow up enough to help me or even contact me at all and I suffered a concussion. I was traveling about 20 mph on a city street when a driver pulled out right in front of me and we collided.
Out. Vehicle has severe rust corrosion from the back cab break light. It looks like the seal around the light was compromised and causes moisture to seep in and leak through the roof. It looks as if it is rusting from the inside
Vehicle has severe rust corrosion from the back cab break light. It looks like the seal around the light was compromised and causes moisture to seep in and leak through the roof. It looks as if it is rusting from the inside out.
Takata recall: my son was involved in a moving highway accident where the airbag deployed, sending shrapnel to his face and causing numerous deep lacerations. He required hours of plastic surgery and still suffers the effects of the injury. Please do something. The airbag should not have caused this much damage to his face!
In 2014 my son was involved in an accident on a highway in which the airbag deployed and the shrapnel from the airbag cut his face terribly. He required hours of plastic surgery and still suffers the effects of it. Please help. The airbag should not have done this to his face!
The top of the gas tank is completely rusty and is emitting gas fumes. If you look at the gas tank under the truck you can see gas stains. Had my truck in the shop at my local mechanic and he did a smoke test and shows the smoking coming from the top of the tank where all the rust is. There's a recall on the truck for the previous year but mine is a couple of months off. I find it hard to believe this issue was fixed. You can read about it all over the internet. ...
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Http://tunfs.Yuku.Com/topic/6458/rusted-gas-tank#.Wxeo8ojysdu http://www.Clubfrontier.Org/forums/f46/fuel-tank-where-buy-88558/ search both of those sites and you'll see all the complaints. My 15 month old son sits about the tank and its really troubling to think nissan would let this continue with all the complaints on the internet. Id be more than happy to give you the local mechanics information and you can talk to him directly.
The abs does not function correctly. While moving forward, fast or slow, on wet or icy (slick) pavement, when brakes are applied forcefully the abs does not work, brakes fail, and a clicking noise is heard (as if abs is not fully engaging). This has occurred since purchased new in 2003. Have had service many times and mentioned this problem. Dealer says they find no problem.
I noticed a new sound which I thought might be a stuck caliper, yesterday. This morning I drove to my auto garage to get it checked and just after leaving the highway and a block before the garage the driver side wheel fell off! The garage checked it replaced the lug nuts which had all loosened spontaneously and fallen off. The vehicle was moving at a walking pace, turning to the left when the wheel separated. *Tr
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 nissan frontier. While driving 30 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise and though it was due to a flat tire. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and noticed all the tires were normal. The contact continued to drive and the rear of the vehicle detached. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle flipped over and crashed into a ditch. The contact noticed that the leaf spring fractured, pulling all cables and caused the rear end to detach. The contact was not...
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injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Vehicle has severe rust corrosion from the back cab break light. It looks like the seal around the light was compromised and causes moisture to seep in and leak through the roof. It looks as if it is rusting from the inside out.
Tl * the contact owns a 2003 nissan frontier. While making a right turn at an unknown speed, the contact heard a loud cranking noise. The dealer stated that the steering plate was extremely loose. The steering stops were lubed and the shaft was cleaned multiple times, but the failure persisted. The dealer stated that the steering shaft needed to be replaced, but further approval was required from the manufacturer to determine if the part was available to perform the repair. The contact waited but did not hear back...
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from the dealer. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 10v554000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 112,909.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan frontier. The contact stated while driving various speeds, he continuously had a headache. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician verified that fuel fumes were emitted into the vehicle. As result, the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 105,000.
I heard a sudden thud and then a grinding noise coming from the rear end as if a brake had hung up,metal to metal.When I exited the vehicle there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and a very strong smell of overheating of the brakes or metal and fluid.Upon pulling the wheels,our company mechanic found nothing of the sort to be wrong. I called a friend to have the vehicle trailer-ed to monro muffler and brake in mansfield pa,where it was determined the bearings had failed in the rears,both inner and...
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outer. Nissan usa determined that my vin # did not fall into the recall campaign even though it fell within the same make,model and year within recall campaign #02v299000! Nissan advised me to take the truck to williams nissan in sayre pa and have it diagnosed there. I had previously called them before contacting nissan usa where they had already advised me of the vin # not being within the recall campaign. There is no doubt that an accident could have occurred if not a fire or both! This came with absolutely no warning in the very early morning on my way to work. I would advise anyone who owns these make,model and years to have this checked and repaired. I cannot believe nissan would not take responsibility in such an exact case as this particular recall states. In essence this does start with the abs braking system and seals as monro told me the seals had failed! *Tr
Bought truck new in 2003 original owner. At 36433 miles check engine light came on was told fuel tank was rusted out needed new tank which was replaced under extended warranty. At 91989 miles check engine light again comes on. Was told fuel tank/evap canister valve/evap control system needed replaced again. Again done under extended warranty. At 120,608 miles (28589 miles later) check engine came on again. Took to nissan dealer again for diagnostic check and am told that there is corrosion again on the fuel...
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tank around sending unit. May need another fuel tank, but need to drop tank and see how bad it is. Extended warranty is expired at this point and the charge would be up to me. I was trying to work with nissan to replace this tank if need be. I understand that it is an older truck, but it is garage kept and never off road in excellent shape. They want me to take it and have the tank dropped at my expense. If it turns out to be the tank they will then decide what they might pay if any. They are calling it a good will decision. I need a definite answer from them on how much they will pay before I do this and they won't do that. My theory is that if this turns out to be yet another rusted fuel tank which will make the fourth one they should have a recall on these. I have two other friends with nissan frontiers 2002, and 2003 with the same problem. I believe that this is not an isolated problem for I have googled this and found thousands of complaints about rusted fuel tanks on these years and make of nissan. I am a 66 year old man, and have never in all my years of owning an automobile ever had to replace a fuel tank because it was rusted out, let alone 4 of them. Something needs to be done, and nissan needs to step up and address this problem once and for all. *Tr
I have just over 100,000 miles on my 2003 truck. I have been fighting rust issues all over the rig for the past five years. I wash and clean my truck each week and polish twice a year. I do live near the beach, but I understand this, and being a aircraft mechanic by trade, working with aircraft on ships at sea, know how to properly service my equipment. The rust comes out under the paint, along the rear cab brake light, and along the front wind shield, passenger side. The rig has never been in an accident and...
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since I'm retired and I bought the truck new, I have taken good care of it. Nissan refuses to deal with the issue, and I believe the paint system they use needs serious up grading. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan frontier. While operating the vehicle, the contact noticed that the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuel tank was replaced due to its straps rusting through. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. Updated 05/11/12*lj the consumer stated the gas tank seal on the filer neck also rusted out. Updated 05/15/12
Fuel leaking from tank caused by corroded tank parts. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan frontier. The contact stated the bearings are defective. While driving 10 mph, there was a grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted who stated there are no recalls and the vehicle was out of warranty. They offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Fuel tank assembly - the top of the fuel tank where the fuel pump/sending unit bolts into the tank rusted/corroded causing a vapor leak and the check engine light to come on. This required cleaning/removing rust/corrosion resealing assembly to return vehicle to usable condition. *Kb
My vehicle fuel pump failed and nearly caused me to crash. I have located nhtsa # 04v230000 that notes a recall. The dealer says that my vin number was not part of the faulty pumps that were placed in the vehicles. I want to add that these other fuel pumps are also no good. I am in the coast guard and my vehicle has been near the salty ocean air since I've owned it (the same reason for the corrosion on the other pumps). There should also be a recall for these pumps. *Tr
Nissan Frontier: every year compared
All Frontier years2003 Nissan Frontier vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Nissan Frontier | 77 | 7 | F | |
| 2003 Toyota Tacoma | 372 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Ranger | 0 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Honda Ridgeline | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Altima | 883 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Murano | 799 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan 350Z | 275 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Maxima | 206 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Sentra | 180 | 10 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Nissan Frontier
Does the 2003 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Nissan Frontier: column (November 2010); exterior lighting (April 2009); exterior lighting (July 2006); headlights (March 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (16), suspension (10), steering (9).
How many complaints has the 2003 Nissan Frontier had?
77 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 30, 2002 and the latest on March 13, 2024. Of these, 9 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2003 Nissan Frontier a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Nissan Frontier year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Nissan Frontier years have the most complaints?
2000 (205), 2001 (143), 2002 (139). See every Nissan Frontier year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Nissan Frontier has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data