2003 Nissan Xterra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Nissan Xterra: 3 recalls, 72 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #02V299000 · 2002 · 143,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V230000 · 2004 · 586,196 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 environmental conditions.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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,…
Steering Vehicle recall #10V554000 · 2010 · 500,552 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The shaft May break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (12): the most common themes are steering problems (9), noise or vibration (2).
- Airbags (10): the most common themes are fails to deploy (8).
- Fuel system (10): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (9): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5).
The 2003 Nissan Xterra has 72 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 16 Xterra model years for complaints (well below the 194 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 72,700 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (157 complaints, 5 recalls), 2004 (84 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Nissan Xterra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Nissan Xterra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Nissan Xterra problems?
Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (12), airbags (10), fuel system (10).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Nissan Xterra get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Nissan Xterra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.