VehicleVerdict

2003 Nissan Xterra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Nissan Xterra sits mid-pack among Xterra years: 97 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 97, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (16), engine (13), and brakes (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

97

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Xterra years?

Xterra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted1,175 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 258 complaints2001: 197 complaints2002: 214 complaints2003: 97 complaints2004: 110 complaints2005: 1,175 complaints2006: 1,034 complaints2007: 770 complaints2008: 174 complaints2009: 26 complaints2010: 58 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 15 complaints
Xterra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Xterra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Nissan Xterra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1616%
Engine1313%
Brakes1212%
Steering1212%
Airbags1010%
Body & Structure88%
Tires & Wheels66%
Visibility & Wipers55%
Electrical System55%
Suspension33%
Speed Control33%
Transmission22%
Lighting22%

Does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V554000SteeringNovember 11, 2010 · 500,552 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

04V230000Fuel SystemMay 24, 2004 · 586,196 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

02V299000SuspensionNovember 12, 2002 · 143,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WE WERE DRIVING ON VACATION AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT STARTED BACK UP AND THEN AFTER A COUPLE OF MILES STOPPED AGAIN. WE WERE STRANDED AND DIDN'T GET HOME FOR THREE DAYS.I HAVE TAKE CODES OFF THE ENGINE AND IT SHOWED A 0462 CODE. WENT BACK TO GET XTERRA WITH A CAR DOLLY AND DOLLY BROKE AND CAR CAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 28, 2014 · crash

“WE WERE DRIVING ON VACATION AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT STARTED BACK UP AND THEN AFTER A COUPLE OF MILES STOPPED AGAIN. WE WERE STRANDED AND DIDN'T GET HOME FOR THREE DAYS.I HAVE TAKE CODES OFF THE ENGINE AND IT SHOWED A 0462 CODE. WENT BACK TO GET XTERRA WITH A CAR DOLLY AND DOLLY BROKE AND CAR CAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 28, 2014 · crash

“I DROVE THE VEHICLE ON A FREEWAY UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH ONE FINISHED NEW PAVEMENT LANE. WHEN I WAS CHANGED THE OTHER OLD LANE TO THE NEW ONE, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY GOT OUT OF CONTROL AND SPUN FROM ONE LANE TO THE OTHER AND ENDED IN THE MIDIUM BUMPED INTO BARRIERS. LATELY I CONTACTED WITH NISSAN AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 16, 2010 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE AND ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL . THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 22, 2004 · crash

“TL*- THE CONTACT STATEDON THE 2003 NISSAN XTERRA THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT 40 MPH IN FOG, AT NIGHT, WHEN ITBSTRUCK A DEAR. THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THERE WAS NO ONE ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 4, 2007 · crash

2003 Nissan Xterra — common questions

Is the 2003 Nissan Xterra reliable?

It is close to typical for the Xterra: 97 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2003 Xterra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (16 complaints), engine (13 complaints), brakes (12 complaints).

Does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Nissan Xterra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Nissan Xterra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Xterra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Xterra years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2000, 2002, 2001, 2008. The cleanest record among Xterra years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.