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Nissan Frontier 2003

The 2003 Nissan Frontier came with 3 engines: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo, 3.3 L 6-cylinder. It gets 14 to 21 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 7 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD AWD
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Nissan Frontier
Representative photo of the Frontier. It may show a different year or version. Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
3,300 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic · 4 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)5,340 × 1,765 × 1,765 mm (210.2 × 69.5 × 69.5 in)
Wheelbase3,140 mm (123.6 in)
Curb weight1,788 kg (3,942 lb)
Body styleStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 6 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2003 Nissan Frontier Extended Cab
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★
NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2003 Nissan Frontier 4-DR.
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
14 MPG
Highway
17 MPG
Combined
15 MPG
Emissions
368 g/km
COâ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
2.4 L 4-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 17 MPG 22 MPG 19 MPG
2.4 L 4-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 20 MPG 23 MPG 21 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 14 MPG 17 MPG 15 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 17 MPG 15 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 15 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo Manual · 5 speeds AWD 13 MPG 16 MPG 14 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 15 MPG 19 MPG 17 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 15 MPG 19 MPG 17 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

7 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
STEERING:COLUMN 10V554000 · 2010-11-11 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E012000 · 2009-04-07 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E064000 · 2006-07-17 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS 06E023000 · 2006-03-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP 04V230000 · 2004-05-24 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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.

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, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

WHEELS:RIM 02V316000 · 2002-11-26 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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 NUTS AND DETERIORATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FORM THE VEHICLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH.

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 CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

SUSPENSION:REAR 02V299000 · 2002-11-12 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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.

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 DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

5 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Steering 2010402 · 2010-11-12 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit the movement of the joint. Limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft and, if the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed manoeuvres that require large steering inputs. In an extreme case, the shaft may break which would result in loss of steering control and could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected column shafts and joints.

Other 2004280 · 2004-08-05 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain Hidden Hitch brand accessory trailer hitches P/N 64-3528 installed by Nissan dealers on 2002 to 2004 Frontier vehicles. With continued use, load forces may cause a side bracket of the trailer hitch to fatigue and eventually break, possibly allowing the towed unit to separate from the towing vehicle. Correction: Dealers will replace all suspect Hidden Hitch brand hitches originally installed by Nissan dealers in Canada.

Fuel System 2004151 · 2004-05-06 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel sending unit can develop a crack. When exposed to heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, if road salt enters the crack, the terminal strip will corrode and eventually could break due to corrosion. This will cause the fuel pump to stop operating and will result in not being able to start the engine or cause the engine to stop running without warning. Correction: Dealer will replace the fuel sender unit.

Wheels 2002226 · 2002-11-25 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain XE models, the size of the spare tire wheel rim is incorrect. The wheel rim does not fit properly on the front hubs and will contact the brake caliper. Continued usage of the spare tire wheel on a front hub can also result in loosening of the lug nuts and an increase in brake fluid temperature. This may eventually cause the wheel to separate from the vehicle and/or deterioration in braking performance. Correction: Dealers will replace the wheel rim and re-install the spare tire.

Brakes 2002206 · 2002-11-13 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain four wheel drive vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the ABS sensor in the axle housing. This may result in corrosion and eventually failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. Correction: Dealer will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and replace any affected components. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE 2024-03-13 · NHTSA

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. Fr…

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2022-04-08 · NHTSA

The transmission is not working

SERVICE BRAKES Crash 2021-08-29 · NHTSA

Emergency Parking Brake lock

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS 2020-09-10 · NHTSA

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

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE Crash 2020-05-03 · NHTSA

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.

AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2020-01-02 · NHTSA

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.

STRUCTURE 2018-12-08 · NHTSA

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2018-06-11 · NHTSA

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.

AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2018-05-02 · NHTSA

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 …

AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2018-05-02 · NHTSA

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!

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2017-07-25 · NHTSA

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 TRUC…

SERVICE BRAKES 2017-07-14 · NHTSA

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…

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2003 Nissan Frontier have?
The 2003 Nissan Frontier came with 3 engines: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 3.3 L 6-cylinder turbo, 3.3 L 6-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
It gets 14 to 21 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2003 Nissan Frontier have recalls?
7 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Steering (2010-11-11).
What are the common problems of the 2003 Nissan Frontier?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Fuel System, Gasoline.

Other years

Which Nissan Frontier year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Nissan

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