Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2003 Nissan Xterra: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Xterra years.
72 owner complaints, most about steering. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 Xterra?The 2003 Nissan Xterra has 72 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and fuel system.
Safety record for the 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Nissan Xterra vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Xterra years only. How we score it
Is 2003 a good year for the Xterra?
Across the 16 Xterra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2013) to 845 (2005). With 72 complaints, the 2003 Xterra sits about the same as the model's median of 84.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2003 Xterra
steering:column
Campaign 10V554000NISSAN 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 04V230000ON 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 CONDITIONS.
suspension:rear
Campaign 02V299000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is strongly bifurcated by generation and specific model years.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Xterra. See the full Xterra owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Xterra listings typically run $9,407–$14,399 across 2000 to 2015 model years.
Other Xterra model years
Compare every Xterra year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Xterra against its rivals
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