2003 Nissan Frontier
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
19% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 77 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 129 |
| 1999 | 78 |
| 2000 | 189 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 77 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2006 | 617 |
| 2007 | 520 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 64 |
| 2012 | 80 |
| 2013 | 48 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel system, gasoline
19% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Nissan Frontier. While operating the vehicle, the contact noticed that the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuel tank was replaced due to its straps rusting through.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-10
Suspension
14% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing rear and leaf spring assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-27
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-13
Also filed under Structure and steering
Structure
13% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
My daughter was involved in a head on crash and her Nissan, 2003 disintegrated. The whole front of her vehicle ended up in the front seat. She was going 55 MPH, and the other vehicle was going 20 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-27
Steering
12% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion).
Power train
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-08
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003-01-13Wheels02V316000 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…
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…
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2003-12-10Suspension02V299000 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.
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…
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2004-06-28Fuel system, gasoline04V230000 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…
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…
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2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…
Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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2010-12-13Steering10V554000 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…
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…
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Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.
Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 02V316000 · Wheels
- Recall 02V299000 · Suspension
- Recall 04V230000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 10V554000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Nissan Frontier reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Nissan Frontier is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Frontier have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.