My son missed a sharp turn going approx 40 mph. Went up an embankment, off a 4 ft retaining wall and struck a guard rail with the front passenger side of the xterra. Airbags failed to deploy.
The worst 2003 Nissan Xterra 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
- Engine13
- Brakes12
- Steering12
- Airbags10
- Body7
- Visibility5
- Electrical4
- Tires4
- Acceleration3
- Suspension3
- Lights2
- Transmission2
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Nissan Xterra
Recalls 3
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
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
See all 3 recalls for the 2003 Nissan Xterra
Defect investigations
Brake rotor warpage
Mr. Kent jones of kernersville, nc, submitted a petition to the federal safety agency by e-mail dated july 1, 2003, requesting the federal safety agency to investigate the brake rotors on my 2002 nissan xterra vehicles.the petitioner alleged that the brake rotors in these vehicles were defective because the rotors overheat and warp from normal usage.a review of odi's database for complaints regarding my 2001 through my 2003 nissan xterra vehicles identified only two reports related to brake rotor warping; one for a my 2001 and one for a my 2002.the complaint for the my 2002 nissan xterra was reported by the petitioner.brake rotor warping can result in brake pulsation and shaking when the brake is applied.brake pulsation, tire or suspension vibration, and similar conditions are an obvious annoyance to the driver, but generally do not cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle.furthermore, even if left uncorrected, any potential increase in stopping distance will be negligible. Therefore, this condition does not normally constitute a safety defect, even if it occurs with far more often frequency. In view of the foregoing, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification and remedy of an alleged safety-related defect as defined by the petitioner in the my 2002 nissan xterra vehicles at the conclusion of an investigation.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied.
DP03005
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Nissan Xterra 49
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 Xterra 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 | 22 | 19 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 17-19 | 15-17 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 17-19 | 15-16 |
What 2003 Nissan Xterra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Fuel pump power steering abs O2 sensors yes it's available for inspection upon requests car shut off while driving at 70 miles an hour on a highway due to fuel pump because my VIN number is not with all the other 2003 Nissan xterra's that have recalls on all of the same problems I have just for some reason my car has zero recalls which is ridiculous and not believable so yes my life was put at risk I took it to an independent service my mechanic because I can't take it to a dealer because all the parts that are broken and that need replacement that have been recalled on every other 2003 does not apply to my VIN so I've had to pay for labor and parts and the headache that I could have had this all replaced and fixed due to the recall and I would have taken it to the dealership immediately after purchasing the car in 2019 and since the previous owner didn't have any recalls why would he bother either I will not pass inspection if they do not fix this evap O2 sensor and now my fuel pump I would like to be reimbursed on that was purchased through Nissan dealership the gauge is no longer working just put in brand new part so I would like someone from the dealerships take a look at my car and replace everything that's wrong with it with every other 2003 Nissan Xterra regardless of my VIN number and I have check engine light on forever for evac leak replace catalytic converters exhaust system O2 sensors power steering fuel pump ABS sensors I would just like to take the best care of this vehicle that I can and that would be done through the dealership replacing all of the recalled parts on this make model of the Xterra 2003 3.3 l V6 non supercharged. The vehicle stalled while driving due to the fuel pump check engine light's been on for EVAP code for the fuel tank cap gas cap small leak and O2 sensors which I've been replaced but codes are still there no code has popped up pertaining to fuel pump car died at 70 miles an hour on a Thruway at midnight not fun.7Codes remaining
Engine overheating all cooling parts have been replaced still overheating with no known issue found very common in the 2000 to 2004 models and yet no recalls to fix the issue and keeps blowing radiator hoses
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan xterra. After the vehicle was filled with fuel, it would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated there was a crack in the fuel sending unit. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan xterra. The contact stated that there was a premature failure of coolant leaking into the radiator, which impacted the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The independent mechanic replaced the radiator and flushed the transmission. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall campaign and provided no solution. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan xterra. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the power steering and brakes failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at casa nissan (5855 montana ave, el paso, tx) per the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v230000 (fuel system) three times previously. The dealer inspected the vehicle and added sealant twice before; however, the fuel tank was replaced during the final visit. The remedies failed to repair the vehicle over the past three years. The vehicle was driven to nissan of las cruces (1801 s main st, las cruces, nm, 88005), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 28820775. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan xterra. While driving 55 MPH, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and back injuries, but did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
June 12 2016 at the tri-par in slinger, wi I was filling up the gas tank, when gas began spilling out of the vehicle's wheel well. I immediately stopped it after I noticed it. The station along with the slinger fire department estimated a gallon was spilt. It appears the vehicle's gas tank neck has rusted out. They deemed the vehicle not safe to drive and recommend we have it towed home, which we did.
I was driving to work one day and while I was turning corners I felt it was getting harder to steer. I stop at the red light and when drove off again I was going maybe 5-10 MPH, I turned left and I was going to straighten the car up the car started to swurve and bear to the left. I tried to regain control but the car would not respond I ended up crashing into a pole.
Nissan xterra frame rusted beyond any safety justification. Oil leaks from engine up two 2 quart a day lead to engine seized up without warning.
Compare the 2003 Nissan Xterra
Other model years
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Questions about the 2003 Nissan Xterra
Is the 2003 Nissan Xterra reliable?
Owners have filed 72 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Xterra, close to a typical Xterra model year.
What is the 2003 Nissan Xterra year score?
The 2003 Nissan Xterra scores 64 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Xterra: 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 Xterra?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 16 complaints, typically around 108,000 miles. Next is engine (13).
How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have?
3 recalls, covering steering, fuel system, gasoline and suspension.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Nissan Xterra fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V230000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Xterra have the most fuel system problems?
The Nissan Xterra model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2006 (368 complaints), 2005 (323 complaints) and 2007 (228 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Nissan Xterra get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Nissan Xterra range from 15 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 22 highway.
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