Model year
2003 Nissan Frontier
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 77 complaints for the 2003 Nissan Frontier (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (10), STEERING (8), STRUCTURE:BODY (7). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 14–21 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,200–$5,850, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 189 complaints
- 2001 134 complaints
- 2002 124 complaints
- 2003 77 complaints
- 2004 66 complaints
- 2005 532 complaints
- 2006 617 complaints
- 2007 520 complaints
- 2008 136 complaints
- 2009 37 complaints
- 2010 59 complaints
- 2011 64 complaints
- 2012 80 complaints
- 2013 48 complaints
- 2014 42 complaints
- 2015 33 complaints
- 2016 43 complaints
- 2017 38 complaints
- 2018 25 complaints
- 2019 28 complaints
- 2020 23 complaints
- 2021 20 complaints
- 2022 112 complaints
- 2023 66 complaints
- 2024 22 complaints
- 2025 9 complaints
- 2026 11 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
10V554000 · Nov 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…
04V230000 · May 24, 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…
02V316000 · Nov 26, 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.
02V299000 · Nov 12, 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.
Complaints
77 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 9, fire flag on 2, injury field 5, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 22 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Frontier 2WD · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 23 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| Frontier V6 2WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| Frontier V6 2WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Frontier V6 2WD · 3.3L · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| Frontier V6 2WD · 3.3L · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 19 | 17 | — | — | $3,950 |
| Frontier V6 4WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
| Frontier V6 4WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Frontier V6 4WD · 3.3L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 13 | 16 | 14 | — | — | $5,850 |
| Frontier V6 4WD · 3.3L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 19 | 17 | — | — | $3,950 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Nissan Frontier at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.