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2003 Nissan Xterra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Nissan Xterra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 78.

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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

53 reports with mileage · 19 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.

  • Steering. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports2 fire reports10 injury reports

Steering complaints

12 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

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 recall…

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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 bother either I will not pass inspection if they do not fix this evap O2 sensor and now my fuel pump I would like to be reimbursed on that was purchased through Nissan dealership the gauge is no longer working just put in brand new part so I would like someone from the dealerships take a look at my car and replace everything that's wrong with it with every other 2003 Nissan Xterra regardless of my VIN number and I have check engine light on forever for evac leak replace catalytic converters exhaust system O2 sensors power steering fuel pump ABS sensors I would just like to take the best care of this vehicle that I can and that would be done through the dealership replacing all of the recalled parts on this make model of the Xterra 2003 3.3 l V6 non supercharged. The vehicle stalled while driving due to the fuel pump check engine light's been on for EVAP code for the fuel tank cap gas cap small leak and O2 sensors which I've been replaced but codes are still there no code has popped up pertaining to fuel pump car died at 70 miles an hour on a Thruway at midnight not fun.7Codes remaining

NHTSA ODI #11428152

142,000 miles · Mar 7, 2016
SteeringCrashInjury

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE DAY AND WHILE I WAS TURNING CORNERS I FELT IT WAS GETTING HARDER TO STEER. I STOP AT THE RED LIGHT AND WHEN DROVE OFF AGAIN I WAS GOING MAYBE 5-10 MPH, I TURNED LEFT AND I WAS GOING TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR UP THE CAR STARTED TO SWURVE AND BEAR TO THE LEFT. I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT R…

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I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE DAY AND WHILE I WAS TURNING CORNERS I FELT IT WAS GETTING HARDER TO STEER. I STOP AT THE RED LIGHT AND WHEN DROVE OFF AGAIN I WAS GOING MAYBE 5-10 MPH, I TURNED LEFT AND I WAS GOING TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR UP THE CAR STARTED TO SWURVE AND BEAR TO THE LEFT. I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A POLE.

NHTSA ODI #10840315

117,520 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Steering

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE ADJUSTER FOR THE STEERING WHEEL LEVER TO LOWER OR LIFT UP THE WHEEL IS STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION & WON'T MOVE. THE WHEEL IS HARD TO MOVE BUT THE STEERING FLUID IS FULL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10562985

90,000 miles · Jan 19, 2014
Steering

DRIVING 30 MPH ON STREET AND HIT A POTHOLE AND THE CAR GEARED TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH TWO HANDS WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE TO HOLD IT IN A STRAIGHT POSITION. I ARRIVED AT MY BROTHERS HOUSE AFTER TEN MINUTES BUT I WAS UNABLE TO PARK IN THEIR DRIVEWA…

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DRIVING 30 MPH ON STREET AND HIT A POTHOLE AND THE CAR GEARED TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH TWO HANDS WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE TO HOLD IT IN A STRAIGHT POSITION. I ARRIVED AT MY BROTHERS HOUSE AFTER TEN MINUTES BUT I WAS UNABLE TO PARK IN THEIR DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN LEFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY STIFF. ABOUT TWO MONTHS PRIOR MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID CAUSE I COULD PARK ON THE LEFT OF ANY STREET. BECAUSE OF THE STIFF STEERING WHEEL AND CRANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. I FEEL LIKE I WILL BE LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR SOON. SO I WILL BE TAKING IT TO OUR MECHANIC ON MONDAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560534

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2013
Air BagsService BrakesSteeringCrash

I WAS DRIVING ALONG A SLIGHTLY SNOW COVERED ROAD WITH A LITTLE BIT OF ICE. MY SPEED WAS LOW ABOUT 15-20 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR STARED SLIDING SIDEWAYS TOWARD ANOTHER CAR HEADING TOWARD ME. MY FOUR-WHEELED DRIVE WAS ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. I MANAGED TO STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE WAY OF THE OTHER CAR BUT I COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF …

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I WAS DRIVING ALONG A SLIGHTLY SNOW COVERED ROAD WITH A LITTLE BIT OF ICE. MY SPEED WAS LOW ABOUT 15-20 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR STARED SLIDING SIDEWAYS TOWARD ANOTHER CAR HEADING TOWARD ME. MY FOUR-WHEELED DRIVE WAS ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. I MANAGED TO STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE WAY OF THE OTHER CAR BUT I COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. THE BRAKES DID NOT HELP AND THE STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND. I TRAVELED AT LEAST 80 FEET HITTING TREES AND BUSHES UNTIL A SET OF TREES STOPPED MY CAR. THE CRASH TOTALED MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10498397

100,175 miles · Jun 4, 2012
Steering

I WAS NEGOTIATING A CURVE WITH AROUND 45 MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE STARTED TURNING TO THE RIGHT SIDE, I PANICKED AND TRIED TO STEER IT TO THE LEFT ,AND THE VEHICLE TOOK A U TURN AND CAME TO A STOP FACING THE INBOUND VEHICLES. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS AND I MANAGED TO TAKE DRIVE IT AGAIN. IT NEVER…

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I WAS NEGOTIATING A CURVE WITH AROUND 45 MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE STARTED TURNING TO THE RIGHT SIDE, I PANICKED AND TRIED TO STEER IT TO THE LEFT ,AND THE VEHICLE TOOK A U TURN AND CAME TO A STOP FACING THE INBOUND VEHICLES. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS AND I MANAGED TO TAKE DRIVE IT AGAIN. IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSES IT. IT WAS REALLY SCARY AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. PLEASE ADVICE. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10460549

30,000 miles · May 30, 2012
SteeringStructureWheelsCrash

I DROVE THE VEHICLE ON A FREEWAY UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH ONE FINISHED NEW PAVEMENT LANE. WHEN I WAS CHANGED THE OTHER OLD LANE TO THE NEW ONE, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY GOT OUT OF CONTROL AND SPUN FROM ONE LANE TO THE OTHER AND ENDED IN THE MIDIUM BUMPED INTO BARRIERS. LATELY I CONTACTED WITH NISSAN AND QUESTION IF THIS IS ASSOCIATED…

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I DROVE THE VEHICLE ON A FREEWAY UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH ONE FINISHED NEW PAVEMENT LANE. WHEN I WAS CHANGED THE OTHER OLD LANE TO THE NEW ONE, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY GOT OUT OF CONTROL AND SPUN FROM ONE LANE TO THE OTHER AND ENDED IN THE MIDIUM BUMPED INTO BARRIERS. LATELY I CONTACTED WITH NISSAN AND QUESTION IF THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL R1037. THEY DENIED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10460065

101,000 miles · Jul 25, 2011
Steering

WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY CAR GOT HARD TO MANEUVER. I PULLED VERY HARD. I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE HOSE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING LIQUID IS POURED. AND IT COSTS ME $ 500 TO REPAIR MY CAR. I THINK IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT IN THE STEERING …

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WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY CAR GOT HARD TO MANEUVER. I PULLED VERY HARD. I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE HOSE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING LIQUID IS POURED. AND IT COSTS ME $ 500 TO REPAIR MY CAR. I THINK IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT IN THE STEERING FLUID HOSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10415118

110,000 miles · Apr 21, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING:COLUMN), THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE STARTER SYSTEM WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING:COLUMN), THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE STARTER SYSTEM WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10397018

130,000 miles · Mar 25, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING:COLUMN) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. AFTER REPAIRS, THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME RESISTANT AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING:COLUMN) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. AFTER REPAIRS, THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME RESISTANT AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10392896

Official recalls

3

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.

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

1

DP03005 · Brake Rotor Warpage

Opened Jul 11, 2003 · Closed Jul 29, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor

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 IDENTIFIED ONLY TWO REPORTS RELATED TO BRAKE ROTOR WARPING; ONE FOR A MY 2001 AND ONE FOR A MY 2002.THE COMPLAINT FOR THE MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA WAS REPORTED BY THE PETITIONER.BRAKE ROTOR WARPING CAN RESULT IN BRAKE PULSATION AND SHAKING WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED.BRAKE PULSATION, TIRE OR SUSPENSION VIBRATION, AND SIMILAR CONDITIONS ARE AN OBVIOUS ANNOYANCE TO THE DRIVER, BUT GENERALLY DO NOT CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF A VEHICLE.FURTHERMORE, EVEN IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, ANY POTENTIAL INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE WILL BE NEGLIGIBLE. THEREFORE, THIS CONDITION DOES NOT NORMALLY CONSTITUTE A SAFETY DEFECT, EVEN IF IT OCCURS WITH FAR MORE OFTEN FREQUENCY. IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF AN ALLEGED SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER IN THE MY 2002 NISSAN XTERRA VEHICLES AT THE CONCLUSION OF AN INVESTIGATION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.