MYRModel Year Report

2003 Nissan Xterra

▲ Better than typical
2003 Nissan Xterra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:11:29.464Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Xterra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 214 complaints 2001: 150 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2005: 845 complaints 2005 2006: 780 complaints 2007: 557 complaints 2008: 119 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2010: 38 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2011 2012: 16 complaints 2013: 4 complaints 2014: 10 complaints 2014 2015: 10 complaints 2015
2003: 72 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
2000214
2001150
2002157
200372
200484
2005845
2006780
2007557
2008119
200919
201038
201124
201216
20134
201410
201510

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 17%

17% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I DROVE THE VEHICLE ON A FREEWAY UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH ONE FINISHED NEW PAVEMENT LANE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120530

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FAILURE IN A FRONT END COLLISION AT SPEEDS OF 30-40 MPH. DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHILE THE EMPTY PASSENGERS DID. COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE RESULTING IN A THREE CAR ACCIDENT. 2003 NISSAN XTERRA 3,700 MILES. *LA

NHTSA ODI report, 20031107

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My son missed a sharp turn going approx 40 mph. Went up an embankment, off a 4 ft retaining wall and struck a guard rail with the front passenger side of the xterra. Airbags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 20220926

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
ENGINE 8%

8% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE OF COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE RADIATOR, WHICH IMPACTED THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180131

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20030711 — DP (closed 20030729)

BRAKE ROTOR WARPAGE

R 20031210 — suspension

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 1

Campaign 02V299000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20040628 — fuel system, gasoline

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 I

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, NE

Campaign 04V230000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20101213 — steering

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, TH

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 NIS

Campaign 10V554000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Nissan Xterra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V299000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V230000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10V554000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2004 ● 2008

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2006 ■ 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Nissan Xterra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Nissan Xterra is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Xterra?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.