Most common 2003 Nissan Xterra problems
Share of the 72 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Xterra complaints by model year
Best Xterra years: 2012, 2014, 2015. Years to avoid: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
2003 Nissan Xterra recalls (3)
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…
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Nissan Xterra:
Brake rotor warpage
Mr. Kent jones of kernersville, nc, submitted a petition to NHTSA by e-mail dated July 1, 2003, requesting NHTSA 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…
What 2003 Nissan Xterra owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
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 …
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 NHTSA 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.
Engine & cooling
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 …
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.
Brakes
Brake pedal faded to the floor,while trying to stop for a red light.resulting in a three car accident.when I made contact with the car in front of me my airbag did not deploy although my empty passanger seats did.although there were no skid marks and the officers that responded did not ticket me for failure to stop,Nissan insists that everything checks out and that it must have been operator error.since this accident I have had my stereo replaced under warranty I have had work done on my steering column due to grinding noises and both motors in my rear windows are failing and need to be replaced,and this is just with 7200 miles on this vehicle, not to mention that every time I get out of the car the brakes smell hot after ashort or long drive and when I get in it the squeal and grind until they get nice and hot and start to smell.and all this is operating within normal limits.I would …
Driver side airbag failure in a front end collision at speeds of 30-40 MPH. Drivers airbag did not deploy while the empty passengers did. Complete brake failure resulting in a three car accident. 2003 Nissan Xterra 3,700 miles.
2003 Nissan Xterra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 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 | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 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 | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Nissan Xterra a good car?
Based on 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Xterra rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Xterra 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 Xterra?
The fuel & propulsion system — 16 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about fuel injection system. Next are the engine & cooling (13) and brakes (12).
How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2003 Nissan Xterra, 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 Xterra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2014 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2000 and 2001. See the full Nissan Xterra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Nissan Xterra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 34% 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.