Worst 2003 Nissan Xterra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
STEERING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
AIR BAGS
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2003 Nissan Xterra.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 12 | 4 | — | 95,970 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 8 | 2 | — | 43,179 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 7 | 7 | — | 39,920 mi | |
| ENGINE | 6 | — | — | 136,750 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 6 | 1 | — | 168,011 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 | 1 | 1 | 55,200 mi | |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 5 | — | — | 149,333 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 | — | 1 | 10,858 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 4 | 1 | — | 83,333 mi | |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 3 | 3 | — | 3,700 mi | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 | 1 | — | 198,618 mi | |
| VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 3 | — | — | 43,000 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | 2 | — | 1 | 33,500 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS | 2 | — | — | 17,980 mi | |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT | 2 | 2 | — | 18,000 mi | |
| TIRES | 2 | 1 | — | 70,400 mi | |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 2 | — | — | — | |
| WHEELS | 2 | 1 | — | 42,000 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 1 | — | — | 7,100 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 | — | — | 55,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 1 | — | — | 120,000 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 | — | — | — | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH | 1 | — | — | 2,000 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 | — | — | 70,000 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE | 1 | — | — | 129,425 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY | 1 | — | — | — | |
| PARKING BRAKE | 1 | — | — | 7,000 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 | — | — | 154,000 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) | 1 | — | — | 75,000 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Recalls for 2003 Nissan Xterra
1 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~500,552 vehicles.
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.
Other Nissan Xterra Years
Wider context: See the full Nissan Xterra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2003 Nissan Xterra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99