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2003 Nissan Frontier Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Nissan Frontier, most often about the fuel system (21% of complaints, typically around 94,000 miles). It is 10th of 27 Frontier model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2003 Nissan Frontier problems
Fuel system
16 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 94,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage.
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.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Nissan Frontier xe. The check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that he needed a new fuel tank, fuel sending unit, and fuel filter. Through research, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign id number 04v230000 (fuel…
Suspension
10 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
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…
: 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 NHTSA recall, # 02v299000, regarding the suspension…
Body and structure
9 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the exterior paint on the roof of the vehicle began to peel all the way down the driver's side. There were also visible rust spots and holes in the paint. He was concerned that a small child could eat the paint and that the paint job seemed to be…
I have an 03 Nissan Frontier se 4 dr. It is blue and the paint is coming off, all the way to the primer. You can see it raised and then it just flakes off. It first started in 06 while it was under warranty on the passenger rear door and Nissan repainted it and now it is flaking off everywhere else except on the roof…
Steering
9 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: gear box (other than rack and pinion).
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 10v554000 (steering column). The dealer advised that the steering was off center and the recall repair could not be performed without the steering being centered. The additional failure was not…
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
Brakes
7 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
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…
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…
Transmission
7 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly.
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
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…
Air bags
5 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: frontal.
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!
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…
Engine
5 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: cooling system, engine, exhaust system.
Veh had 2400 mi at date of incident. The clamp to radiator hose broke cuasing to leak radiator fluid. Contacted the dealership they requested to bring the vehicle in. I was out of state, but was lucky enoungh to place an aftermarket hose clamp on the hose (something a bit more sturdy) also the left front suspension…
While driving, specifically in rain storms, vehicle stalled. Took the vehicle to the dealer. Was told that water was being sucked into the air filter from the wheel well. Vehicle would knock and sputter when trying to accelerate. Air filter sucks water from around the wheel area.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Nissan Frontier recalls
Steering: column
Risk: The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel pump
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.
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
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: rim
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension: rear
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2003 Nissan Frontier
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (16 complaints, typically around 94,000 miles); suspension (10 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles); body and structure (9 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Frontier have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 11, 2010 (steering). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Nissan Frontier?
- It is 10th of 27 Frontier model years by number of complaints, with 77 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.