2003 Nissan Frontier

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

• NHTSA recall #10V554000November 11, 2010500,552 vehicles affected

  steering: column

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA recall #04V230000May 24, 2004586,196 vehicles affected

  fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA recall #02V316000November 26, 20026,500 vehicles affected

  wheels: rim

  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.

  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 and/or wheel rim if driving continues. Continued usage of the spare tire wheel at the front location Can also result in loosening of the lug nuts and deterioration in braking performance. This could eventually cause the wheel assembly to separate form the vehicle and result in loss of control and a crash.

  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 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.

• NHTSA recall #02V299000November 12, 2002143,000 vehicles affected

  suspension: rear

  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.

  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.

Other model years

• 1998 129
• 1999 78
• 2000 189
• 2001 134
• 2002 124
• 2003
• 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
• 2022 112
• 2023 66