no report yet
Steering: column
Risk. THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
2003 Nissan FrontierProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 77 owner complaints about the 2003 Nissan Frontier, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 13, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Nissan Frontier has problems
77 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Fuel system, gasoline
10Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
9Structure2 crash/fire/injury
9Steering1 crash/fire/injury
7Power train1 crash/fire/injury
5Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
4Engine and engine cooling
4Service brakes, hydraulic
3Electrical system
189 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline | 13 | 0 |
| Suspension | 10 | 1 |
| Structure | 9 | 2 |
| Steering | 9 | 1 |
| Power train | 7 | 1 |
| Air bags | 5 | 4 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 18 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2003 Nissan Frontier recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. IF CORROSION OCCURS, THE TERMINAL STRIP COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP OPERATION.
no report yet
Wheels: rim
Risk. WHEN INSTALLED ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE WHEEL RIM WILL CONTACT THE BRAKE CALIPER CAUSING A LOUD RUBBING NOISE AND COULD RESULT IN WEAR ON THE CALIPER…
no report yet
Suspension: rear
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN CORROSION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE WHEEL BEARING.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other Frontier year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Frontier median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Nissan Frontier safety ratings
2003 Nissan Frontier Extended Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Frontier owners report
Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
BOUGHT TRUCK NEW IN 2003 ORIGINAL OWNER. AT 36433 MILES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WAS TOLD FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED OUT NEEDED NEW TANK WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. AT 91989 MILES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AGAIN COMES ON. WAS TOLD FUEL TANK/EVAP CANISTER VALVE/EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM NEEDED…
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. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…
FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY - THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK WHERE THE FUEL PUMP/SENDING UNIT BOLTS INTO THE TANK RUSTED/CORRODED CAUSING A VAPOR LEAK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. THIS REQUIRED CLEANING/REMOVING RUST/CORROSION RESEALING ASSEMBLY TO RETURN VEHICLE TO USABLE CONDITION. *KB
Own a 2003 Frontier?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.