NISSAN FRONTIER · model year

2003 NISSAN FRONTIER

92 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003NISSANFRONTIER carries 92 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 FRONTIER is fuel system, gasoline with 10 filings, followed by steering (8) and structure:body (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2003 FRONTIER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

92
Complaints
11
Crashes
2
Fires
5
Injuries
2
Deaths

Total Complaints

92 filings

Crashes Reported

11 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE10
STEERING8
STRUCTURE:BODY7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
SUSPENSION:REAR4
AIR BAGS4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
SUSPENSION3
WHEELS3
SERVICE BRAKES3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
STRUCTURE2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY2

Recalls (7)

02V31600026/11/2002

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.

04V23000024/05/2004

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 CONDIT

06E06400017/07/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

06E02300013/03/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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 EQUIPME

02V29900012/11/2002

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.

10V55400011/11/2010

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 MO

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

Recent Complaints

20240313STEERING

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!

20240313SUSPENSION

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!

20240313STRUCTURE:BODY

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!

20220408UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The transmission is not working

20220408ENGINE

The transmission is not working

20210829CrashSERVICE BRAKES

Emergency Parking Brake lock

20200910POWER TRAIN

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

Mileage: 56,000

20200910STEERING

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

Mileage: 56,000

20200910WHEELS

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

Mileage: 56,000

20200503CrashAIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 130,000

20200503CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Mileage: 130,000

20200102CrashAIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 124,000

20181208STRUCTURE:BODY

OUT. 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

20180611UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20180502CrashAIR BAGS

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!

Mileage: 149,000

20180502CrashAIR BAGS

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!

Mileage: 149,000

20170725FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20170714SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Mileage: 144,000

20170120WHEELS

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

Mileage: 165,000

20160427CrashSUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

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.

Mileage: 135,000

Compare 2003NISSANFRONTIER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
The 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER has 92 NHTSA complaints, 11 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Yes, the 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is WHEELS:RIM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The most-complained component for the 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE with 10 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.