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2003 Nissan Xterra engine problems

13 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 108,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
13
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
108,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1
  • Cooling system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Xterra engine problems in other years

2000200520102014

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Nissan Xterra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 7, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

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

Filed Oct 10, 2020 · Engine · 200,000 miles · AR

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

Filed Jan 31, 2018 · Engine · NV

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.

Filed Jun 12, 2016 · Engine · 131,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Jan 14, 2016 · Body, Engine · 98,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Engine · 120,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan xterra. The contact stated that the rear driver and passenger side catalytic converters failed. The contact also mentioned the egr system failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jul 4, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 108,000 miles · TX · crash

We were driving on vacation and the car stopped. It started back up and then after a couple of miles stopped again. We were stranded and didn't get home for three days.I have take codes off the engine and it showed a 0462 code. Went back to get xterra with a car dolly and dolly broke and car came undone. This unfortunate incident was a direct result of a bad sending unit.

Filed Jun 26, 2014 · Body, Engine · NY

Radiator is falling out of truck ,due to serious rust on framing, hood latch is starting to break free hood could fly up onto windshield .

Filed Apr 24, 2014 · Engine · 118,000 miles · AR

During a drive home from a weekend in the country, my xterra began to overheat. A faint pop, like a backfire, happened. After I heard the noise, a consistent ticking or pinging sound started coming from the right front side of my xterra. The sound is consistent with the acceleration. Once I got home, I started to research the issue online. Found that 2000-2004 xterras have a very common problem with the exhaust manifold cracking due to weak material. I am an active member on www.clubxterra.org and many other members report the same issue. This is quite a set back for most people and can cause serious damage to the engine if it is not taken care of in a timely manner. Nissan should recognize that this is a manufacturing fault and issue a recall. Everyone I know that owns an xterra has or had this issue.

Filed Dec 28, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 78,000 miles · CT

Engine light came on in 09. Vehicle failed emissions due to problem with evac system. Gasket at fuel tank was replaced. Within a year, engine light came back on. There was another problem with the evac system. After $ 862.00 dollars that were spent on vehicle for o ring and gasket repairs, vehicle passed emissions. Within 8 months, engine light was back on due to evac system. Mechanic states that there is major corrosion of the fuel tank and that he has seen the same thing on many nissan vehicles of this age due to the material used to construct the fuel tank and believes that it is a widespread problem that should have been recalled and that nissan started using a different material once the problem was known. The entire interior of the vehicle smells of gasoline and mechanic states that anyone in close proximity of vehicle could cause an explosion if a spark was created.

Questions about the 2003 Nissan Xterra engine

Does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have engine problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Nissan Xterra, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Nissan Xterra engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 108,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Nissan Xterra engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Nissan Xterra have bad engine?

The Nissan Xterra model years with the most engine complaints are 2005 (280 complaints), 2006 (209 complaints) and 2007 (160 complaints).

Other 2003 Nissan Xterra problems

Fuel system 16Brakes 12Steering 12Airbags 10Body 7Visibility 5Electrical 4Tires 4Acceleration 3Suspension 3Lights 2Transmission 2Wheels 2

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