← New search

2003 Nissan Frontier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Nissan Frontier do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 64.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Frontier years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

60 reports with mileage · 17 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

77 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2011
Steering

ON THE RECALL NOTICE FOR CORROSION ON STEERING COLUMN. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO PREMIER NISSAN OF SAN JOSE DEALERSHIP INVOICE. 37,0751 THEY REPLACED THE DEFECTED PART STEERING COLUMN LOWER SHAFT-SALT AREA, BUT NOW MY STEERING WHEEL IN NOT STRAIGHT, AND ALIGNMENT ALL MESSED UP. NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MY TRUCK. I MENTIONED IT TO…

Read full complaint

ON THE RECALL NOTICE FOR CORROSION ON STEERING COLUMN. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO PREMIER NISSAN OF SAN JOSE DEALERSHIP INVOICE. 37,0751 THEY REPLACED THE DEFECTED PART STEERING COLUMN LOWER SHAFT-SALT AREA, BUT NOW MY STEERING WHEEL IN NOT STRAIGHT, AND ALIGNMENT ALL MESSED UP. NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MY TRUCK. I MENTIONED IT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE SAID WE CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT,THAT SHAFT ONLY GOES IN ONE WAY. I COMPLIANT TO THE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REF #[XXX], MARCH 3,2011 THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO CALL ME TOMORROW. PLEASE HELP TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

NHTSA ODI #10387848

5,000 miles · Feb 4, 2011
Steering

SINCE PURCHASE IN 2004 THE TILT STEERING DOES LOCK INTO PLACE. THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES UP AND DOWN DURING DRIVING WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN CRASH. THE TILT MECHANISM HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND REPLACED BY THE DEALER WITH THE SAME FAILURE TO LOCK AND HOLD AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THIS MUST BE A DESIGN ERROR SINCE AFTER REPAIR/R…

Read full complaint

SINCE PURCHASE IN 2004 THE TILT STEERING DOES LOCK INTO PLACE. THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES UP AND DOWN DURING DRIVING WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN CRASH. THE TILT MECHANISM HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND REPLACED BY THE DEALER WITH THE SAME FAILURE TO LOCK AND HOLD AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THIS MUST BE A DESIGN ERROR SINCE AFTER REPAIR/REPLACEMENT THERE IS NO POSITIVE LOCK FOR THE TILT CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI #10381937

56,431 miles · Jan 4, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

A/C FAILED FOR UNKNOWN REASON, WAS A WARRANTY RECALL FOR SAME ISSUE IN FIRST 3 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10374637

100,000 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN OCTOBER 2010, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC; THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THREE WEEKS LATER, THE LEFT FRONT WH…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN OCTOBER 2010, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC; THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THREE WEEKS LATER, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH BECAUSE OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10368350

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2010
Suspension

2003 NISSAN FRONTIER WAS MAKING NOISES BECAUSE THE LEAF SPRINGS ON BOTH SIDES HAD SNAPPED. *DT

NHTSA ODI #10313174

30,000 miles · Mar 26, 2010
Structure

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 AND BOTH…

Read full complaint

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 AND BOTH PASSENGER DOORS. I KNOW IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR PAINT AND IT BEGAN WHEN IT WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD. BECAUSE OF THIS IF I WERE TO TRY AND RESALE IT AT THIS POINT I WOULD TAKE A BIG HIT ON PRICE BECAUSE OF THE PAINT JOB AND THEN THERE IS A HEALTH ISSUE WITH CHILDREN, SUPPOSE A FLAKE AS BIG AS A QUARTER IS SPOTTED BY A SMALL CHILD AND THEY INSERT IN THERE MOUTH AND GET SICK OR WORSE, THERE'S NO WAY I CAN BE LIABLE FOR THAT SO THEREFORE IF I'M NOT LIABLE THEN SOMEONE ELSE IS AND THAT SOMEONE ELSE WOULD BE NISSAN, SO IF NISSAN IS LIABLE THEN THEY NEED TO REPAINT IT NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10322283

80,708 miles · Oct 20, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I PURCHASED NISSAN 2003 FRONTIER NEW IN 2003. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE 2 PARTS -FUEL SENDER AND GAS TANK THAT WERE DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY. THEY BOTH SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN A RECALL -AFTER RESEARCHING FOUND THESE 2 PARTS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM AND A CAUSE FOR REPLACEMENT DUE TO DEFECT AND LACK OF PROPER COATINGS AND …

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED NISSAN 2003 FRONTIER NEW IN 2003. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE 2 PARTS -FUEL SENDER AND GAS TANK THAT WERE DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY. THEY BOTH SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN A RECALL -AFTER RESEARCHING FOUND THESE 2 PARTS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM AND A CAUSE FOR REPLACEMENT DUE TO DEFECT AND LACK OF PROPER COATINGS AND SEALANTS FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE SOUGHT RESOLUTION FROM NISSAN USA AND WAS DENIED WITHOUT REVIEWU=ING ANY SUPPORTING INFO I HAD - THEY REFUSED ANY PICTURES, DOCUMENTATION OR TESTIMONY FROM DEALER OR MECHANIC, STATING THE PARTS WERE "OUT OF WARRANTY" THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE IT IS A DEFECTIVE PARTS ISSUE. I CONSULTED THE ATTY GENERAL OFFICE AND AFTER THEY CONTACTED NISSAN GOT THE SAME RESULT AS I DID. THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING VAPORS INTO THE ENGINE WHICH COULD HAVE EVENTUALLY POSED A SAFETY ISSUE - I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST AND DIAGNOSTIC OF THIS PROBLEM AND PARTS AND NISSAN SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH UNAWARE I HAD PURCHASED IT FROM THE FACTORY WITH DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE PARTS IN IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289138

105,000 miles · Jun 25, 2009
Structure

TL*THE 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 DEFECTIVE. …

Read full complaint

TL*THE 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 DEFECTIVE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #10274993

49,000 miles · May 1, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

2003 NISSAN FRONTIER GAS TANK ROTTED OUT AROUND FUEL SENDING UNIT. SMELLED GAS AND FUMES AND REMOVED THE TANK AND FOUND WATER GETS BETWEEN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND TANK CAUSING ROT HOLES TO FORM IN THE TANK. FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM HOLES WHEN TANK WAS FULL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267470

45,000 miles · Apr 8, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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 F…

Read full complaint

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10264769

Official recalls

4

10V554000 · Steering:column

Nov 11, 2010

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

04V230000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 24, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

02V316000 · Wheels:rim

Nov 26, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

02V299000 · Suspension:rear

Nov 12, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.