CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2003 Nissan Xterra doesn't seem to have any problem trends. The only thing prospective owners should be aware of are the less-than-perfect (but acceptable) crash test ratings.

There are a very few transmission complaints, but nothing like the huge defect that shows up starting in with the 2005 model year.

1.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,600 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Nissan Xterra fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2003 Nissan Xterra Owner Comments

problem #5

Jun 152021

Xterra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Fuel pump power steering abs O2 sensors yes it's available for inspection upon requests car shut off while driving at 70 miles an hour on a highway due to fuel pump because my VIN number is not with all the other 2003 Nissan xterra's that have recalls on all of the same problems I have just for some reason my car has zero recalls which is ridiculous and not believable so yes my life was put at risk I took it to an independent service my mechanic because I can't take it to a dealer because all the parts that are broken and that need replacement that have been recalled on every other 2003 does not apply to my VIN so I've had to pay for labor and parts and the headache that I could have had this all replaced and fixed due to the recall and I would have taken it to the dealership immediately after purchasing the car in 2019 and since the previous owner didn't have any recalls why would he bother either I will not pass inspection if they do not fix this evap O2 sensor and now my fuel pump I would like to be reimbursed on that was purchased through Nissan dealership the gauge is no longer working just put in brand new part so I would like someone from the dealerships take a look at my car and replace everything that's wrong with it with every other 2003 Nissan Xterra regardless of my VIN number and I have check engine light on forever for evac leak replace catalytic converters exhaust system O2 sensors power steering fuel pump ABS sensors I would just like to take the best care of this vehicle that I can and that would be done through the dealership replacing all of the recalled parts on this make model of the Xterra 2003 3.3 l V6 non supercharged. The vehicle stalled while driving due to the fuel pump check engine light's been on for EVAP code for the fuel tank cap gas cap small leak and O2 sensors which I've been replaced but codes are still there no code has popped up pertaining to fuel pump car died at 70 miles an hour on a Thruway at midnight not fun.7Codes remaining

- Sloatsburg, NY, USA

problem #4

Jan 212019

Xterra

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Xterra. After the vehicle was filled with fuel, it would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated there was a crack in the fuel sending unit. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Kingsville, MD, USA

problem #3

Nov 102017

Xterra

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Xterra. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the power steering and brakes failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at casa Nissan (5855 Montana ave, el paso, tx) per NHTSA campaign number: 04V230000 (fuel system) three times previously. The dealer inspected the vehicle and added sealant twice before; however, the fuel tank was replaced during the final visit. The remedies failed to repair the vehicle over the past three years. The vehicle was driven to Nissan of las cruces (1801 S main St, las cruces, nm, 88005), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 28820775. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

- Chapelle, NM, USA

problem #2

Sep 072013

Xterra

  • miles
I was pumping gas and it backed up and splashed all over my exposed skin and clothing. Because the fuel pump fuel level sender is malfunctioning gas spills when I attempt to fill my tank.

- Saginaw , MI, USA

problem #1

Aug 262009

Xterra

  • 78,000 miles
Engine light came on in 09. Vehicle failed emissions due to problem with evac system. Gasket at fuel tank was replaced. Within a year, engine light came back on. There was another problem with the evac system. After $ $862 dollars that were spent on vehicle for O ring and gasket repairs, vehicle passed emissions. Within 8 months, engine light was back on due to evac system. Mechanic states that there is major corrosion of the fuel tank and that he has seen the same thing on many Nissan vehicles of this age due to the material used to construct the fuel tank and believes that it is a widespread problem that should have been recalled and that Nissan started using a different material once the problem was known. The entire interior of the vehicle smells of gasoline and mechanic states that anyone in close proximity of vehicle could cause an explosion if a spark was created.

- Oakdale, CT, USA

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