2003 NISSAN FRONTIER

7 recalls, 92 complaints - 60 TSBs

STEERING:COLUMN

Defect Description

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... Read more

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.

500,552 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

16,270 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SABERSPORT

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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 ... Read more

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

4,029 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: TRADESONIC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

292,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: ANZO USA, INC.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Description

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... Read more

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, W... Read more

586,196 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WHEELS:RIM

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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 ... Read more

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 CONTA... Read more

6,500 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Defect Description

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 ... Read more

143,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

92 total complaints 11 crashes 2 fires 5 injuries 2 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	10
STRUCTURE:BODY	7
STEERING	7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5
WHEELS	4
SUSPENSION:REAR	4
AIR BAGS	4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	3
SERVICE BRAKES	3
SUSPENSION	3

Incident date: Mar 13, 2024

Unknown, brakes Wheels & suspension

Incident date: Mar 13, 2024

Unknown, brakes Wheels & suspension

Incident date: Mar 13, 2024

Unknown, brakes Wheels & suspension

Incident date: Mar 18, 2022

The transmission is not working

Incident date: Mar 18, 2022

The transmission is not working

Incident date: Aug 28, 2021

Emergency Parking Brake lock

Crash

Incident date: Aug 13, 2014

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

Incident date: Aug 13, 2014

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

Incident date: Aug 13, 2014

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

Incident date: Apr 10, 2020

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.

Crash

Incident date: Apr 10, 2020

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.

Crash

Incident date: Dec 28, 2019

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.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 5, 2007

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

Incident date: Jul 12, 2005

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.

Incident date: Aug 9, 2014

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!

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 9, 2014

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 T... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 25, 2017

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... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2017

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 SER... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2017

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 SPON... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2016

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. T... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Feb 1, 2013

Incident date: Jan 24, 2014

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 30, 2013

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 MANUFACTU... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Oct 11, 2013

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2013

Incident date: Jan 9, 2006

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 REPL... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2013

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 O... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2011

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 8... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2011

FUEL LEAKING FROM TANK CAUSED BY CORRODED TANK PARTS. *TR

Incident date: Aug 6, 2011

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 12, 2011

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

Incident date: Jun 20, 2011

MY VEHICLE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEARLY CAUSED ME TO CRASH. I HAVE LOCATED NHTSA # 04V230000 THAT NOTES A RECALL. THE DEALER SAYS THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE FAULTY PUMPS THAT WERE PLACED IN THE VEHICLES. I WANT TO ADD THAT THESE OTHER FUEL PUMPS ARE ALSO NO GOOD. I AM IN THE COAST GUARD A... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2011

Incident date: May 11, 2011

THE VEHICLE HAS STEERING ISSUES THAT I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT TO BOTH THE DEALER AND THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. BOTH HAVE ESSENTIALLY TOLD ME THAT I WAS "IMAGINING THINGS". A CALL TO THEIR CONSUMER COMPLAINTS LINE CAME WITH THE ANSWER OF "I HAVE TO BELIEVE WHAT MY TECHNICIANS T... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING COLUMN). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE STEERING WAS OFF CENTER AND THE RECALL REPAIR COULD NOT BE PERFORMED WITHOUT THE STEERING BEING CENTERED. THE ADDITIO... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2010

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IN MY 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER XE CAME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTING AT THE TOP. THIS CAUSED AIR TO ENTER THE SYSTEM MAKING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GO ON. I HAD TO HAVE THE TANK REPLACED TO PASS S... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2009

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON CHECKED OUT BY LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP . I WAS TOLD THAT A SMALL EVO LEAK ON GASKET OF FUEL SENDING UNIT. HAD CHECKED BY OWN MECHANIC HE CONFIRMED WHAT NISSAN HAD SAID. I NOTICED MORE COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM BY OTHER OWNERS OF THE 2003 FRONTIER I THINK THIS ISSUED SHOUL... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING A TURN WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE INJURING HER HEAD AND KNEE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBE... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 1, 2011

ON THE RECALL NOTICE FOR CORROSION ON STEERING COLUMN. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO PREMIER NISSAN OF SAN JOSE DEALERSHIP INVOICE. 37,0751 THEY REPLACED THE DEFECTED PART STEERING COLUMN LOWER SHAFT-SALT AREA, BUT NOW MY STEERING WHEEL IN NOT STRAIGHT, AND ALIGNMENT ALL MESSED UP. NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRI... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2004

SINCE PURCHASE IN 2004 THE TILT STEERING DOES LOCK INTO PLACE. THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES UP AND DOWN DURING DRIVING WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN CRASH. THE TILT MECHANISM HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND REPLACED BY THE DEALER WITH THE SAME FAILURE TO LOCK AND HOLD AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THIS MUST BE A DES... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2009

A/C FAILED FOR UNKNOWN REASON, WAS A WARRANTY RECALL FOR SAME ISSUE IN FIRST 3 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. *TR

Incident date: Nov 29, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN OCTOBER 2010, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC; THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THREE ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2008

2003 NISSAN FRONTIER WAS MAKING NOISES BECAUSE THE LEAF SPRINGS ON BOTH SIDES HAD SNAPPED. *DT

Incident date: Sep 1, 2008

2003 NISSAN FRONTIER WAS MAKING NOISES BECAUSE THE LEAF SPRINGS ON BOTH SIDES HAD SNAPPED. *DT

Incident date: Oct 30, 2006

I HAVE AN 03 NISSAN FRONTIER SE 4 DR. IT IS BLUE AND THE PAINT IS COMING OFF, ALL THE WAY TO THE PRIMER. YOU CAN SEE IT RAISED AND THEN IT JUST FLAKES OFF. IT FIRST STARTED IN 06 WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY ON THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR AND NISSAN REPAINTED IT AND NOW IT IS FLAKING OFF EVERYWHERE EL... Read more

Incident date: Sep 12, 2009

I PURCHASED NISSAN 2003 FRONTIER NEW IN 2003. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE 2 PARTS -FUEL SENDER AND GAS TANK THAT WERE DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY. THEY BOTH SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN A RECALL -AFTER RESEARCHING FOUND THESE 2 PARTS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM AND A CAUSE FOR REPLACEMENT DUE TO DEFECT AN... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR PAINT ON THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PEEL ALL THE WAY DOWN THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THERE WERE ALSO VISIBLE RUST SPOTS AND HOLES IN THE PAINT. HE WAS CONCERNED THAT A SMALL CHILD COULD EAT THE PAINT AND THAT THE PAINT... Read more

Incident date: Mar 31, 2009

2003 NISSAN FRONTIER GAS TANK ROTTED OUT AROUND FUEL SENDING UNIT. SMELLED GAS AND FUMES AND REMOVED THE TANK AND FOUND WATER GETS BETWEEN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND TANK CAUSING ROT HOLES TO FORM IN THE TANK. FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM HOLES WHEN TANK WAS FULL. *TR

Incident date: Jan 23, 2009

I NOTICED A "TICKING" SOUND FROM THE REAR OF MY TRUCK. MY OWN INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THE "HOUSING" THAT THE REAR SPEED SENSOR IS MOUNTED IN IS CRACKED. THIS IS WHAT CONTROLS THE ABS SYSTEM FOR THE REAR WHEELS. THE "HOUSING" IS MOUNTED TO THE FRONT OF THE DIFFERENTIAL. I DID CHECK AND THERE IS/WA... Read more

Showing 50 of 92 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER

60 manufacturer communications from 41 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	7
010000 STEERING	4
020000 SUSPENSION	4
350000 EQUIPMENT	4
200000 WHEELS	4
130000 VISIBILITY	3
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	3
160000 STRUCTURE	2

010000 STEERING

DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations ar

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

160000 STRUCTURE

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

130000 VISIBILITY

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

160000 STRUCTURE

WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

130000 VISIBILITY

WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

200000 WHEELS

WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

010000 STEERING

DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

020000 SUSPENSION

STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

020000 SUSPENSION

STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

350000 EQUIPMENT

BALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY PROCEDURE SERVICE INFORMATION When working on the front suspension, use the updated service information in this bulletin along with the Electronic Service Manual (ESM). The updated information in this bulletin

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. Th

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

130000 VISIBILITY

SERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool. * Most any foreign material on the surface of the Windshield c

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could resul

350000 EQUIPMENT

140000 AIR BAGS

141100 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

NISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYS

140000 AIR BAGS

SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF

350000 EQUIPMENT

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NISSAN: EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. OCCASIONALLY WATER IS NOTICED IN THE EXTERIOR LAMPS. THIS IS GENERALLY NOT DUE TO A DEFECT. ALL CURRENT EXTERIOR LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE VENTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOT SEALED). THIS IS NECESSARY TO ALLOW FOR E

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

122000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

121100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

350000 EQUIPMENT

Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuin

200000 WHEELS

010000 STEERING

SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into

020000 SUSPENSION

200000 WHEELS

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

010000 STEERING

If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut P

200000 WHEELS

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed sel

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

NISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS

020000 SUSPENSION

SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition wh

199000 TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

NISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

NISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE

111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

NISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MOD

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. *KB

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *AK

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NO A/T UPSHIFT AFTER HILL WITH ASCD (AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL DEVICE) ON. *TT

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT

151000 SEAT BELTS:FRONT

FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT

135000 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

AUTO-DIMMING ELECTROCHROMIC (EC) MIRROR DIAGNOSIS. *TT

021220 SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR

TORSION BAR SPRING CAUTION. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUPERCHARGER NOISE AT IDLE AND LACK OF POWER. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

OIL LEAK FROM FRONT OF TRANSFER CASE.*MR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1491. *TT

151000 SEAT BELTS:FRONT

FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - JACKING POINT OWNER'S MANUAL UPDATE. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T TURNOFF AT TIMES EVEN THOUGH THE AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH IS OFF. *TT

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT

NHTSA Safety Investigations, NISSAN FRONTIER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP, Open , Model Year: 2006

Fuel smell and loss of motive power

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” th... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2005

Transmission Failures

On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed t... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

FUEL SPILL DURING REFUELING

NISSAN FRONTIER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the NISSAN FRONTIER across all model years (1998, 2026).

104 Total Recalls

4,480 Total Complaints

3 Investigations

199 Reported Crashes

63 Reported Fires

7 Reported Deaths

NISSAN FRONTIER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	6	View
2025	3	9	View
2024	3	28	View
2023	1	115	View
2022	6	194	View
2021	2	25	View
2020	2	34	View
2019	1	39	View
2018	2	29	View
2017	1	45	View
2016	1	55	View
2015	0	48	View
2014	2	50	View
2013	1	65	View
2012	3	98	View
2011	1	84	View
2010	6	76	View
2009	5	44	View
2008	6	187	View
2007	2	699	View
2006	7	836	View
2005	6	750	View
2004	4	89	View
2003 (current)	7	92
2002	8	152	View
2001	7	155	View
2000	6	224	View
1999	5	106	View
1998	5	146	View

Other NISSAN Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
LEAF	526	1,374	View
ROGUE	457	9,808	View
SENTRA	291	8,185	View
PATHFINDER	267	10,167	View
VERSA	224	4,473	View
TITAN	208	4,415	View
ALTIMA	183	20,085	View
MAXIMA	173	8,847	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2003 NISSAN FRONTIER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, NISSAN FRONTIER

NISSAN FRONTIER - All Years Overview

NISSAN FRONTIER - Year by Year

Other NISSAN Models