← New search

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.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Xterra 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

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

What owners actually said

72 reports
154,000 miles · Nov 9, 2012
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE RADIATOR FLUID HAS LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10483883

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…

Read full complaint

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…

Read full complaint

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

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline

NISSAN PUT OUT A RECALL ON THE 2003 FUEL SYSTEMS IN REGARDS TO CORRISON THAT COULD OCCUR TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE FUEL SYSTEM DID CORRODE, CAUSING US TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A NEW TANK, NEW FUEL PUMP. THIS RECALL WAS FOR SALT AREAS, THAT WOULD BE IN MA. WHAT WAS DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLE…

Read full complaint

NISSAN PUT OUT A RECALL ON THE 2003 FUEL SYSTEMS IN REGARDS TO CORRISON THAT COULD OCCUR TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE FUEL SYSTEM DID CORRODE, CAUSING US TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A NEW TANK, NEW FUEL PUMP. THIS RECALL WAS FOR SALT AREAS, THAT WOULD BE IN MA. WHAT WAS DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM DID NOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10443653

500,000 miles · Sep 6, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

THE CAR DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ACCELERATING PROPERLY DUE TO SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM OR GASOLINE DELIVERY THERE IS A VIBRATING SOUND AND VIBRATION COMING FROM THE GAS PEDAL. AND THE GASOLINE SMELL IS TERRIBLE. THE GAS PEDAL IS VERY LOOSE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR AT THIS TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10423994

56,000 miles · Sep 6, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKES FAILED AND THE ABS DIDN'T WORK UNTIL I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE ABS TRIGGERS WITHOUT ANY NOTICE AND HAS CAUSE ME TO MERGE ONTO THE OTHER LANE. CAUSE MY CAR DOES NOT STOP. THE ABS LIGHT DOESN'T GO ON SO THE MANUFACTURER NISSAN TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. AND ITS SITTING AT A LOCAL TRU…

Read full complaint

BRAKES FAILED AND THE ABS DIDN'T WORK UNTIL I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE ABS TRIGGERS WITHOUT ANY NOTICE AND HAS CAUSE ME TO MERGE ONTO THE OTHER LANE. CAUSE MY CAR DOES NOT STOP. THE ABS LIGHT DOESN'T GO ON SO THE MANUFACTURER NISSAN TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. AND ITS SITTING AT A LOCAL TRUSTWORTHY MECHANIC SHOP WHERE IT WILL BE FIXED FOR THE SERVICE BRAKES AIR-ANTILOCK BRAKE FAILURE. PLEASE HELP WITH A RAPID RECALL SO MY FAMILY COULD GET REIMBURSED FOR THE HUGE EXPENSE OF FIXING A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10423988

50,000 miles · Sep 6, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ENGAGED. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ENGAGED. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10423968

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 …

Read full complaint

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…

Read full complaint

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

93,700 miles · Apr 13, 2011
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND WAS NOT TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WITH THE INSURANCE…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND WAS NOT TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WITH THE INSURANCE AGENCY. THE FAILURE WILL BE DIAGNOSED PENDING AN INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 93,700.

NHTSA ODI #10395760

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.