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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

72 reports
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

54,000 miles · Mar 10, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringWheels

STEERING INPUTS VERY SLOWER TO RESPOND, HUGE NOISE, COULD NOT MAKE TURN EASILY, IT IS HAPPENING EVERY YEAR SINCE 2008 EVEN AFTER I SERVICED THE VEHICLE AND CHANGED THE PARTS, PREVIOUSLY PROBLEM STARTED WITH U- TURNS AND NOW WIDE TURNS, LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS ALSO. FOLLOWING IT-UP WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS SINCE JULY 2009 ( FI…

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STEERING INPUTS VERY SLOWER TO RESPOND, HUGE NOISE, COULD NOT MAKE TURN EASILY, IT IS HAPPENING EVERY YEAR SINCE 2008 EVEN AFTER I SERVICED THE VEHICLE AND CHANGED THE PARTS, PREVIOUSLY PROBLEM STARTED WITH U- TURNS AND NOW WIDE TURNS, LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS ALSO. FOLLOWING IT-UP WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS SINCE JULY 2009 ( FILE # 6541095 AND [INTR #1358858] ), THEY DID NOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY AND CLOSING THE CASE, NOW I GOT A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT MY STEERING INPUT ISSUE RELEASED BY NISSAN, HOWEVER I FEEL THIS MODEL OR MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE IS GIVING PROBLEMS ON TURNS AND UNCERTAIN ABOUT BRAKING CONDITION. LAST TIME DEALER WARNED ME THAT VEHICLE IS IN BAD CONDITION HOW COULD I MANAGED TO DRIVE TO HIS SHOP. PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN WITH NOISE AND TURNS, SUGGEST ME WHAT SHOULD BE DONE, I WILL KEEP THE VEHICLE IN SAME CONDITION UNTIL THAT TIME. SOME TIMES WHEN I'M TURNING ON LEFT HAND SIDE I FEEL LIKE COMPLETE VEHICLE WEIGHT ON MY LEFT HAND AND CHEST CAUSING PAINS.

NHTSA ODI #10390968

75,000 miles · Feb 8, 2011
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD LOCK ABNORMALLY WHENEVER ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE WITH THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE WOULD ALSO OCCUR WHEN DRIVING IN WET OR INCLEMENT WEATHER WITH THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD LOCK ABNORMALLY WHENEVER ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE WITH THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE WOULD ALSO OCCUR WHEN DRIVING IN WET OR INCLEMENT WEATHER WITH THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #10381086

70,000 miles · Dec 27, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE; THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR AND THE SENDING UNIT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: F…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE; THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR AND THE SENDING UNIT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10372517

85,000 miles · Nov 17, 2010
SteeringCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING HOME MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA JERKED TO THE LEFT, TAKING ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10366638

146,000 miles · Jun 28, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHEN FUELING MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA GAS UNEXPECTED BACK WASHES OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER. I WAS COVERED IN GAS ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND SURROUNDING GROUND. A RECALL WAS FOR THE 2001 NISSAN XTERRA FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE THE RECALL TO COVER THE 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE PROBLEM AND PART FAILURE IS IDENTICAL IN BOTH CA…

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WHEN FUELING MY 2003 NISSAN XTERRA GAS UNEXPECTED BACK WASHES OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER. I WAS COVERED IN GAS ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND SURROUNDING GROUND. A RECALL WAS FOR THE 2001 NISSAN XTERRA FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE THE RECALL TO COVER THE 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE PROBLEM AND PART FAILURE IS IDENTICAL IN BOTH CASES. THE FAILING PART IS THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10340344

70,000 miles · Jun 11, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP). A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP). A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10335815

70,400 miles · Jul 9, 2009
Tires

PURCHASED MASTERCRAFT COURSER A/T2 265/70R16 TIRES 9/13/2007, TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR SHIMMY, WAS INFORMED THAT BELTS IN TIRES SHIFTED, BROUGHT TO TOWN FAIR TIRE IN WESTFIELD, MA. BALANCED TIRES SENT ME ON MY WAY, WENT BACK 2 WEEKS LATER FOR SAME PROBLEM, WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY CONCERN, HOWEVER IT STILL COST ME $322…

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PURCHASED MASTERCRAFT COURSER A/T2 265/70R16 TIRES 9/13/2007, TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR SHIMMY, WAS INFORMED THAT BELTS IN TIRES SHIFTED, BROUGHT TO TOWN FAIR TIRE IN WESTFIELD, MA. BALANCED TIRES SENT ME ON MY WAY, WENT BACK 2 WEEKS LATER FOR SAME PROBLEM, WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY CONCERN, HOWEVER IT STILL COST ME $322.01 WITH OLD TIRES BEING PRORATED. I ONLY HAD 12000 MILES ON THE TIRES AND IF IT WAS A SAFETY CONCERN SHOULDN'T THE TIRES BEEN COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY. I DID CHECK FOR RECALLS DIFFERENT SIZE TIRE HAD A RECALL FOR BELT SHIFTING IN TIRE, HOWEVER THIS SIZE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL. I FEEL THIS IS A PROBLEM AND I AM VERY UPSET THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE PROBLEM WITH COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. SO IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS I HAD TO SPEND ALMOST $900.00 WITH ONE SET BEING PRORATED ON TIRES.... VERY CONCERNED VERY UPSET. PLEASE NOTE THIS WAS A PROBLEM ON MORE THAN ONE TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10276178

81,000 miles · Jul 2, 2009
Suspension

2003 NISSAN XTERRA, REAR AXLE FELL OFF DURING DRIVING. 6-27-09 BY CHANCE WE GOT OUT OF LINE TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE, AND DRIVE INTO A DRIVE-THRU, AS WE TURNED IN, WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST POWER OF THE TRUCK, WE WERE ABLE TO DRIFT INTO A PARKING SPOT THE REAR AXLE AND STILL ATTACHED TO THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE WERE IN…

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2003 NISSAN XTERRA, REAR AXLE FELL OFF DURING DRIVING. 6-27-09 BY CHANCE WE GOT OUT OF LINE TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE, AND DRIVE INTO A DRIVE-THRU, AS WE TURNED IN, WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST POWER OF THE TRUCK, WE WERE ABLE TO DRIFT INTO A PARKING SPOT THE REAR AXLE AND STILL ATTACHED TO THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE WERE IN THE PARKING SPOT NEXT TO US. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10275637

55,000 miles · Apr 21, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

I OWN A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA 4WD. IT HAS 55,000 MILES AND ONLY BEEN SERVICED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP. I NOTICED A SWEET SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR WAS WARM SO WHEN I TOOK IN FOR OIL CHANGE ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT. TOLD ME THE HEADS WERE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE GROUND DOWN, NEW GASKET, BELTS AND SPARKPLUGS D/T THE…

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I OWN A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA 4WD. IT HAS 55,000 MILES AND ONLY BEEN SERVICED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP. I NOTICED A SWEET SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR WAS WARM SO WHEN I TOOK IN FOR OIL CHANGE ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT. TOLD ME THE HEADS WERE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE GROUND DOWN, NEW GASKET, BELTS AND SPARKPLUGS D/T THE HEAD LEAKING. THIS IS THE SECOND HEAD GASKET PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH A NISSAN I'VE OWNED. THE OTHER ONE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A FREAK THING. I BELIEVED THEM, AND HAD NO PROBLEM BUYING ANOTHER NISSAN. NOW SAME PROBLEM AND I HAVE TO PAY $2,250.00 FOR REPLACEMENT. NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY. I CONTACTED NISSAN CORP FOR REIMBURSEMENT ON THIS. IM STILL WAITING FOR A REPLY, BUT AFTER SEARCHING THE NET I SEE THAT THIS IS A FAMILIAR PROBLEM WITH NISSAN. I WILL NOT BE BUYING ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266229

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.