2003 Nissan Frontier Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Nissan Frontier, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system1619.0%
- Suspension1011.9%
- Body & structure910.7%
- Steering910.7%
- Brakes89.5%
- Transmission56.0%
- Engine56.0%
- Airbags56.0%
- Other / unspecified44.8%
- Electrical33.6%
- Powertrain (other)33.6%
- Driver assistance22.4%
- Heating & air conditioning22.4%
- Tires & wheels22.4%
- Exterior lighting11.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Emergency Parking Brake lock
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.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER GOT INTO MY REAR END ON A 2003 FRONTIER CREW CAB DUE TO A FAULTY ABS SEAL AND RUINED THE GEARS. NISSAN HAD A RECALL ON THIS BUT SAID MY VIN# WAS NOT ONE OF THE VEHICLES RECALLED EVEN THOUGH OTHERS OF MY YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN AND MINE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. NISSAN SAID I WAS ON MY OWN AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIRS. *TR
NISSAN MURANO 2003 HAS PROBLEM WITH PRESSURE SENSOR INSIDE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE, 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN ACCELERATE. THIS ONLY STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO AND I HAVE 89K MILES ON IT. I ALMOST WAS STUCK BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE DUE TO THE HESITATION. THERE ARE MANY MORE STORIES LIKE MINE ON EDMUNDS.COM. NISSAN DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT CLEARLY STATES THAT THE DEFECT WAS CORRECTED IN THE LATER MODELS. BIG SAFETY ISSUE, PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The transmission is not working
A/C FAILED FOR UNKNOWN REASON, WAS A WARRANTY RECALL FOR SAME ISSUE IN FIRST 3 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED OFF POWER DOOR LOCKS RANDOMLY LOCK VEHICLE BY THEMSELVES, LOCKING OUT DRIVER. HAPPENS ONCE EVERY ONE OR TWO WEEKS.*AK
WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, INDICATING AN ENGINE FIRE. *AK THE FIREMAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE FIRE WAS LIKELY CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER THE HOOD. *LA *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
NISSAN MURANO 2003 HAS PROBLEM WITH PRESSURE SENSOR INSIDE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE, 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN ACCELERATE. THIS ONLY STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO AND I HAVE 89K MILES ON IT. I ALMOST WAS STUCK BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE DUE TO THE HESITATION. THERE ARE MANY MORE STORIES LIKE MINE ON EDMUNDS.COM. NISSAN DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT CLEARLY STATES THAT THE DEFECT WAS CORRECTED IN THE LATER MODELS. BIG SAFETY ISSUE, PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE PREPARING TO PARK MY 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER XE (WITH 35,000 MILES) WITH BRAKES APPLIED IT SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD, WENT UP A GRASSY BANK AND HIT A CONCRETE SUPPORT AT THE BASE OF A LIGHT POLE RESULTING IN $5200 DAMAGE TO RIGHT FRONT. BRAKING COULD NOT OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATION. FORTUNATELY, TRUCK HIT POLE AND NOT PEDESTRIAN WALKING DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. TRUCK SERVICED AT LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP ON REGULAR BASIS. TRUCK STILL AT BODY SHOP AND WILL EVENTUALLY BE CHECKED BY NISSAN DEALER BEFORE I DRIVE IT AGAIN. *TR
THE VEHICLE HAS A GOVERNOR THAT DOESN'T ALLOW IT TO EXCEED THE SPEED OF 89 MPH, EVEN THOUGH THE SPEEDOMETER GOES TO 120 MPH. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT PROVIDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL, NOR TOLD UPON PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STOPS ACCELERATING WHEN THE SPEED REACHES 89 MPH. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND LINES BROKE. *NM
AIR CONDITIONER A/C WORKS PROPERLY UNTIL THE DEFROSTER IS ENGAGED. ONCE THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON THE AC REMAINS ON UNTIL THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO SHUT IT OFF.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER XE. THE VEHICLE HAS B.F. GOODRICH RADIAL T/A TIRES, SIZE P265/70/R15 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS SPLITTING AND THE OTHER TIRES WERE DRY ROTTING AND CRACKING. THE SPARE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SHE NEEDED TO PURCHASE FOUR NEW TIRES. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE VEHICLE HAS GENERAL GRABBER AW, SIZE P22770/R15 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD A LARGE BUBBLE IN IT, WHICH CAUSED THE VIBRATION. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REMAINING TIRES WERE NORMAL. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE VIBRATION BEGAN AGAIN AND THE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. HE PULLED HIS VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED AND WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE BENDING OF THE FENDER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL. THE TIRE LINE FAILED AS WELL. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS HIGH BEAMS WERE TOO BRIGHT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *TS *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .