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.
2003 Nissan Frontier: ABS light or ABS activating
5 of the 77 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Frontier describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 70,000
- recalls
- 0
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
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 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!
I noticed a "ticking" sound from the rear of my truck. My own investigation I found that the "housing" that the rear speed sensor is mounted in is cracked. This is what controls the ABS system for the rear wheels. The "housing" is mounted to the front of the differential. I did check and there is/was a recall on certain nissan frontier trucks during the 03 year. I was told that my truck is not covered under this recall. The part, which I have yet to replace, is extremely corroded for being only 6years old with 45000 miles. It is made of aluminum. I am having a hard time locating the correct part, even from the dealer. The part that I was told is the correct one is $232. But doing a little research that part is only the wiring for the sensor not the metal "housing". I noticed this about 2 months back, but thought it might be some rust in the brake drum from the winter.
Water got into my rear end on a 2003 frontier crew cab due to a faulty ABS seal and ruined the gears. Nissan had a recall on this but said my VIN# was not one of the vehicles recalled even though others of my year, make and model have been and mine had the exact same problem. Nissan said I was on my own and responsible for all repairs.
Dt*: the contact stated there was a loud humming sound coming from the rear end and the ABS light is illuminated. An independent mechanic determined there was water in the rear axle due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor. There is an the federal safety agency recall, # 02v299000, regarding the suspension: rear. The VIN was not included in the recall. *ak updated 9/15/2006 -
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2003 Nissan Frontier abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
5 of 77 owner complaints about the 2003 Nissan Frontier (6%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2022.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Nissan Frontier
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