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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.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

Suspension complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2024
SteeringStructureSuspension

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 …

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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!

NHTSA ODI #11577054

135,000 miles · Apr 27, 2016
SuspensionCrash

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10861752

61,000 miles · Oct 19, 2013
Service BrakesSuspensionWheels

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 NOTHING OF THE …

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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 NOTHING OF THE SORT TO BE WRONG. I CALLED A FRIEND TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TRAILER-ED TO MONRO MUFFLER AND BRAKE IN MANSFIELD PA,WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE BEARINGS HAD FAILED IN THE REARS,BOTH INNER AND OUTER. NISSAN USA DETERMINED THAT MY VIN # DID NOT FALL INTO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN EVEN THOUGH IT FELL WITHIN THE SAME MAKE,MODEL AND YEAR WITHIN RECALL CAMPAIGN #02V299000! NISSAN ADVISED ME TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO WILLIAMS NISSAN IN SAYRE PA AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED THERE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY CALLED THEM BEFORE CONTACTING NISSAN USA WHERE THEY HAD ALREADY ADVISED ME OF THE VIN # NOT BEING WITHIN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED IF NOT A FIRE OR BOTH! THIS CAME WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING IN THE VERY EARLY MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK. I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE WHO OWNS THESE MAKE,MODEL AND YEARS TO HAVE THIS CHECKED AND REPAIRED. I CANNOT BELIEVE NISSAN WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IN SUCH AN EXACT CASE AS THIS PARTICULAR RECALL STATES. IN ESSENCE THIS DOES START WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM AND SEALS AS MONRO TOLD ME THE SEALS HAD FAILED! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10548505

77,000 miles · Aug 25, 2011
Suspension

TL* 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 MILEAG…

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TL* 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 MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

NHTSA ODI #10421477

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…

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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

70,000 miles · Feb 10, 2009
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER XE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE ISSUE WAS FIRST EXPERIENCED AT 63,000 MILES AND THE CONTACT HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, AT 70,000 MILES, THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. NISSAN HAS P…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER XE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE ISSUE WAS FIRST EXPERIENCED AT 63,000 MILES AND THE CONTACT HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, AT 70,000 MILES, THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. NISSAN HAS PROVIDED TO PAY FOR THE PART, BUT NOT THE LABOR. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE FAILURES SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. HE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE FAILURES COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10258273

125,000 miles · May 13, 2008
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER XE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO SMELLED OLD OIL. HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BREATHER TUBE WAS MISSING. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V299000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) WAS REFERENCED. THE VEH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER XE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO SMELLED OLD OIL. HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BREATHER TUBE WAS MISSING. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V299000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) WAS REFERENCED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE ON THE FRONT END, BUT HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED FOR THE REAR END. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #10227593

79,435 miles · May 17, 2006
Power TrainSuspension

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

NHTSA ODI #10157736

2,400 miles · Jun 30, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension

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 HAS BEEN MA…

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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 HAS BEEN MAKING A VERY NOISEY SQWEEK WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS. I WILL HAVE THE DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT THAT AS WELL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10025174

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.