Most common 2003 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of the 77 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Frontier complaints by model year
Best Frontier years: 2015, 2018, 2021. Years to avoid: 2022, 2023, 2006, 2007, 2005. Compare all years →
2003 Nissan Frontier recalls (4)
Steering › Column
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
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…
Wheels › Rim
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.
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.
Suspension › Rear
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.
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.
What 2003 Nissan Frontier owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
The top of the gas tank is completely rusty and is emitting gas fumes. If you look at the gas tank under the truck you can see gas stains. Had my truck in the shop at my local mechanic and he did a smoke test and shows the smoking coming from the top of the tank where all the rust is. There's a recall on the truck for the previous year but mine is a couple of months off. I find it hard to believe this issue was fixed. You can read about it all over the internet. Http://tunfs.yuku.com/topic/6458/rusted-gas-tank#.wxeo8ojysdu http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f46/fuel-tank-where-buy-88558/ search both of those sites and you'll see all the complaints. My 15 month old son sits about the tank and its really troubling to think Nissan would let this continue with all the complaints on the internet. …
I have a 2003 Nissan Frontier sc, the super charged model, with 43,000 miles. I was drive on the nys thruway last Saturday. The ambient temperature was extremely low -10f. The truck was intermittently losing power. It finally went into a slow idle and lost all power. I pulled over and tried to call for help. I had my wife and 14 month old child in the truck with me. It was a very dangerous situation. We had no power, it was extremely cold and it had been snowing at near blizzard conditions. I was not able to get off the road. I was very concerned about the safety of my wife and child. After 15 minutes of making calls, I tried to start the truck again. The check engine light was on, but the truck started and ran normally. That evening, after the truck had been sitting for a few hours, the same problem occurred. …
Suspension
I was driving and my truck started drifting and I felt like I was losing control. Could of caused a very serious and dangerous accident - scared me to death, had just bought this Nissan, and love the brand. Had great tires and brakes just completely done. Brought it to my mechanic and he put it up on the hoist. Frame almost completely rusted out and through in many spots. They were surprised it did not completely come apart! Extremely dangerous and they suspect like Toyota that maybe part of a NHTSA recall. I just checked and did not find one, but there should be, how many other un-safe Frontiers are out there be driven every day by the public. I can send pictures if needed, just need to ask mechanic to put back up on hoist, as he would not let me drive the car and it is still there. Horrific danger!
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Nissan Frontier. While driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and though it was due to a flat tire. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and noticed all the tires were normal. The contact continued to drive and the rear of the vehicle detached. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle flipped over and crashed into a ditch. The contact noticed that the leaf spring fractured, pulling all cables and caused the rear end to detach. The contact was not injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Body & structure
I was driving and my truck started drifting and I felt like I was losing control. Could of caused a very serious and dangerous accident - scared me to death, had just bought this Nissan, and love the brand. Had great tires and brakes just completely done. Brought it to my mechanic and he put it up on the hoist. Frame almost completely rusted out and through in many spots. They were surprised it did not completely come apart! Extremely dangerous and they suspect like Toyota that maybe part of a NHTSA recall. I just checked and did not find one, but there should be, how many other un-safe Frontiers are out there be driven every day by the public. I can send pictures if needed, just need to ask mechanic to put back up on hoist, as he would not let me drive the car and it is still there. Horrific danger!
Vehicle has severe rust corrosion from the back cab break light. It looks like the seal around the light was compromised and causes moisture to seep in and leak through the roof. It looks as if it is rusting from the inside out.
2003 Nissan Frontier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl supercharged | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl supercharged | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Nissan Frontier a good car?
Based on 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Frontier rates average: 13% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Frontier at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
The fuel & propulsion system — 16 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery. Next are the suspension (10) and body & structure (9).
How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Frontier have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2003 Nissan Frontier, the most recent from November 11, 2010 (column). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Frontier?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2018 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2023, 2006, 2007 and 2005. See the full Nissan Frontier years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Nissan Frontier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 37% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.