IllustrationWHEEL 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
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
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
100–25K
1225–50K
1150–75K
975–100K
17100–150K
1150K+
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
Power Train complaints
7 reportsWATER 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 RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL…
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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 RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIRS. *TR
NISSAN MURANO 2003 HAS PROBLEM WITH PRESSURE SENSOR INSIDE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE, 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN ACCELERATE. THIS ONLY STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO AND I HAVE 89K MILES ON IT. I ALMOST WAS STUCK BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE DUE TO THE HESITATION. THERE ARE MANY MORE STORIES LIKE MINE ON EDMUNDS.COM.…
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NISSAN MURANO 2003 HAS PROBLEM WITH PRESSURE SENSOR INSIDE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE, 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN ACCELERATE. THIS ONLY STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO AND I HAVE 89K MILES ON IT. I ALMOST WAS STUCK BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE DUE TO THE HESITATION. THERE ARE MANY MORE STORIES LIKE MINE ON EDMUNDS.COM. NISSAN DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT CLEARLY STATES THAT THE DEFECT WAS CORRECTED IN THE LATER MODELS. BIG SAFETY ISSUE, PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
DT*: 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: REAR. TH…
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DT*: 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: REAR. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK UPDATED 9/15/2006 - *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED THE SHIFTER WAS NOT CATCHING. THE DEVICE ASSEMBLY/TRANSMISSION CONTROL WAS REPLACED.*AK
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH TRANSMISSION FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
BRAND NEW TRUCK WITH 1507 MILES DUMPED ALL IT'S TRANSMISSION FLUID, EMITTING SMOKE FROM ALL SIDES AND UNDERNEATH, STOPPED VEHICLE DEAD IN ITS TRACKS. REPAIRING DEALER GAVE ME ONE OF THE "WEDGES" LEFT IN THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE AT THE FACTORY WHICH CAUSED COOLER HOSE TO DETACH AND PRECIPITATED MAJOR VEHICLE FAILURE. IT WA…
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BRAND NEW TRUCK WITH 1507 MILES DUMPED ALL IT'S TRANSMISSION FLUID, EMITTING SMOKE FROM ALL SIDES AND UNDERNEATH, STOPPED VEHICLE DEAD IN ITS TRACKS. REPAIRING DEALER GAVE ME ONE OF THE "WEDGES" LEFT IN THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE AT THE FACTORY WHICH CAUSED COOLER HOSE TO DETACH AND PRECIPITATED MAJOR VEHICLE FAILURE. IT WAS JUST PLAIN LUCK THAT WE WERE NOT INJURED OR KILLED AS WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO CLIMB DONNER PASS (CA) WITH CHAINS ON DURING A HEAVY SNOWSTORM. REPORTED TO NISSAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. I SUGGEST NHTSA INSTITUTE A RECALL FOR AT LEAST INSPECTION AS THIS FACTORY DEFECT CAUSE TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT ANY TIME, WITH RESULTANT RISK OF INJURY AND OR DEATH.*AK
Official recalls
410V554000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.