Nissan · Frontier · 2003
7
Recalls
77
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2003 Nissan Frontier has 7 recalls and 77 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: fuel system, gasoline (13 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy Status
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.
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 Status
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.
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 A FRONT WHEEL.
Remedy Status
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 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.
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy Status
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.
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 CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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. Had great tires and brakes just completely done. Brought it to my mechanic and he put it up on the hoist. Frame almost completely rusted out and through in many spots. They were surprised it did not completely come apart! Extremely dangerous and they suspect like Toyota that maybe part of a NHTSA recall. I just checked and did not find one, but there should be, how many other un-safe Frontiers are out there be driven every day by the public. I can send pictures if needed, just need to ask mechanic to put back up on hoist, as he would not let me drive the car and it is still there. Horrific danger!
The transmission is not working
Emergency Parking Brake lock
I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN A FRONTEND COLLISION IN MY 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN ON A FARM TO MARKET ROAD. DENISON TX.
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON 12/28/19 AND BOTH OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVERS SIDE HOWEVER DID NOT BLOW UP ENOUGH TO HELP ME OR EVEN CONTACT ME AT ALL AND I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN A DRIVER PULLED OUT RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME AND WE COLLIDED.
THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK IS COMPLETELY RUSTY AND IS EMITTING GAS FUMES. IF YOU LOOK AT THE GAS TANK UNDER THE TRUCK YOU CAN SEE GAS STAINS. HAD MY TRUCK IN THE SHOP AT MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE DID A SMOKE TEST AND SHOWS THE SMOKING COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK WHERE ALL THE RUST IS. THERE'S A RECALL ON THE TRUCK FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR BUT MINE IS A COUPLE OF MONTHS OFF. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THIS ISSUE WAS FIXED. YOU CAN READ ABOUT IT ALL OVER THE INTERNET. HTTP://TUNFS.YUKU.COM/TOPIC/6458/RUSTED-GAS-TANK#.WXEO8OJYSDU HTTP://WWW.CLUBFRONTIER.ORG/FORUMS/F46/FUEL-TANK-WHERE-BUY-88558/ SEARCH BOTH OF THOSE SITES AND YOU'LL SEE ALL THE COMPLAINTS. MY 15 MONTH OLD SON SITS ABOUT THE TANK AND ITS REALLY TROUBLING TO THINK NISSAN WOULD LET THIS CONTINUE WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. ID BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO GIVE YOU THE LOCAL MECHANICS INFORMATION AND YOU CAN TALK TO HIM DIRECTLY.
THE ABS DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. WHILE MOVING FORWARD, FAST OR SLOW, ON WET OR ICY (SLICK) PAVEMENT, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED FORCEFULLY THE ABS DOES NOT WORK, BRAKES FAIL, AND A CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD (AS IF ABS IS NOT FULLY ENGAGING). THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN 2003. HAVE HAD SERVICE MANY TIMES AND MENTIONED THIS PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS THEY FIND NO PROBLEM.
I NOTICED A NEW SOUND WHICH I THOUGHT MIGHT BE A STUCK CALIPER, YESTERDAY. THIS MORNING I DROVE TO MY AUTO GARAGE TO GET IT CHECKED AND JUST AFTER LEAVING THE HIGHWAY AND A BLOCK BEFORE THE GARAGE THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF! THE GARAGE CHECKED IT REPLACED THE LUG NUTS WHICH HAD ALL LOOSENED SPONTANEOUSLY AND FALLEN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A WALKING PACE, TURNING TO THE LEFT WHEN THE WHEEL SEPARATED. *TR
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. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DETACHED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LEAF SPRING FRACTURED, PULLING ALL CABLES AND CAUSED THE REAR END TO DETACH. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
WHEEL BEARINGS KEEP BACKING OFF SPOKE WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN A FRONTIER AND THEY HAVE SAME PROBLEM THIS IS A SAFTEY ISSUE HAVE TO TIGHTEN THEM REGULARLY
TAKATA RECALL: MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A MOVING HIGHWAY ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, SENDING SHRAPNEL TO HIS FACE AND CAUSING NUMEROUS DEEP LACERATIONS. HE REQUIRED HOURS OF PLASTIC SURGERY AND STILL SUFFERS THE EFFECTS OF THE INJURY. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. THE AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THIS MUCH DAMAGE TO HIS FACE!
IN 2014 MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON A HIGHWAY IN WHICH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE SHRAPNEL FROM THE AIRBAG CUT HIS FACE TERRIBLY. HE REQUIRED HOURS OF PLASTIC SURGERY AND STILL SUFFERS THE EFFECTS OF IT. PLEASE HELP. THE AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS TO HIS FACE!
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRANKING NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING PLATE WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE STEERING STOPS WERE LUBED AND THE SHAFT WAS CLEANED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT FURTHER APPROVAL WAS REQUIRED FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE IF THE PART WAS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAITED BUT DID NOT HEAR BACK FROM THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,909.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE CONTINUOUSLY HAD A HEADACHE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. AS RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
I HEARD A SUDDEN THUD AND THEN A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END AS IF A BRAKE HAD HUNG UP,METAL TO METAL.WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND A VERY STRONG SMELL OF OVERHEATING OF THE BRAKES OR METAL AND FLUID.UPON PULLING THE WHEELS,OUR COMPANY MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING OF THE SORT TO BE WRONG. I CALLED A FRIEND TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TRAILER-ED TO MONRO MUFFLER AND BRAKE IN MANSFIELD PA,WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE BEARINGS HAD FAILED IN THE REARS,BOTH INNER AND OUTER. NISSAN USA DETERMINED THAT MY VIN # DID NOT FALL INTO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN EVEN THOUGH IT FELL WITHIN THE SAME MAKE,MODEL AND YEAR WITHIN RECALL CAMPAIGN #02V299000! NISSAN ADVISED ME TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO WILLIAMS NISSAN IN SAYRE PA AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED THERE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY CALLED THEM BEFORE CONTACTING NISSAN USA WHERE THEY HAD ALREADY ADVISED ME OF THE VIN # NOT BEING WITHIN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED IF NOT A FIRE OR BOTH! THIS CAME WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING IN THE VERY EARLY MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK. I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE WHO OWNS THESE MAKE,MODEL AND YEARS TO HAVE THIS CHECKED AND REPAIRED. I CANNOT BELIEVE NISSAN WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IN SUCH AN EXACT CASE AS THIS PARTICULAR RECALL STATES. IN ESSENCE THIS DOES START WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM AND SEALS AS MONRO TOLD ME THE SEALS HAD FAILED! *TR
I HAVE JUST OVER 100,000 MILES ON MY 2003 TRUCK. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING RUST ISSUES ALL OVER THE RIG FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS. I WASH AND CLEAN MY TRUCK EACH WEEK AND POLISH TWICE A YEAR. I DO LIVE NEAR THE BEACH, BUT I UNDERSTAND THIS, AND BEING A AIRCRAFT MECHANIC BY TRADE, WORKING WITH AIRCRAFT ON SHIPS AT SEA, KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY SERVICE MY EQUIPMENT. THE RUST COMES OUT UNDER THE PAINT, ALONG THE REAR CAB BRAKE LIGHT, AND ALONG THE FRONT WIND SHIELD, PASSENGER SIDE. THE RIG HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND SINCE I'M RETIRED AND I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW, I HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT. NISSAN REFUSES TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE, AND I BELIEVE THE PAINT SYSTEM THEY USE NEEDS SERIOUS UP GRADING. *TR
VEHICLE HAS SEVERE RUST CORROSION FROM THE BACK CAB BREAK LIGHT. IT LOOKS LIKE THE SEAL AROUND THE LIGHT WAS COMPROMISED AND CAUSES MOISTURE TO SEEP IN AND LEAK THROUGH THE ROOF. IT LOOKS AS IF IT IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
FUEL LEAKING FROM TANK CAUSED BY CORRODED TANK PARTS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE BEARINGS ARE DEFECTIVE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
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
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2003 Nissan Frontier has 7 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 77 owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Nissan Frontier.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2003 Nissan Frontier.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2003 Nissan Frontier are fuel system, gasoline (13 reports), structure (7 reports), steering (7 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 7 recalls on record for the 2003 Nissan Frontier. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.