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 the federal safety agency recall. I 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 worst 2003 Nissan Frontier problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system16
- Suspension10
- Body9
- Steering9
- Brakes7
- Transmission7
- Airbags5
- Engine5
- Electrical3
- Wheels3
- Acceleration2
- Lights2
- Tires2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Nissan Frontier
Recalls 4
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 10V554000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 04V230000 · Recall details
Wheels: rim
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 02V316000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 02V299000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Nissan Frontier 48
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
- Diagnosis of vehicle pull (drift) and/or steering wheel off-center
- 12 volt battery testing for in-service vehicles service information
- Silicone-based lubricant or grease CAN damage electrical components service information
- Intelligent key replacement or swapping between vehicles
2003 Nissan Frontier fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17-20 | 22-23 | 19-21 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 17-19 | 15-17 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-15 | 16-19 | 14-17 |
What 2003 Nissan Frontier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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!
Compare the 2003 Nissan Frontier
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2003 Nissan Frontier
Is the 2003 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Frontier, 1.2 times a typical Frontier model year.
What is the 2003 Nissan Frontier year score?
The 2003 Nissan Frontier scores 58 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Frontier: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 16 complaints, typically around 94,000 miles. Next is suspension (10).
How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Frontier have?
4 recalls, covering steering, fuel system, gasoline and wheels.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Nissan Frontier fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V230000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Frontier have the most fuel system problems?
The Nissan Frontier model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2006 (251 complaints), 2007 (200 complaints) and 2005 (160 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Nissan Frontier get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Nissan Frontier range from 14 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17-20 city and 22-23 highway.
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