The Lemon Index
200220041st generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: airbags
27 owner complaints, first 3 years 15–19 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2003 Jeep Wrangler 842003 Toyota 4Runner 1932003 Jeep Grand Cherokee 94
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 16 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 10V554000 (steering), 04V230000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 02V299000 (suspension) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Nissan sent dealers 48 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “The 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Nissan's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 27 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 24K miles (6K to 39K km) on the car (16 of all 27 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Driver side airbag failure in a front end collision at speeds of 30-40 mph. Drivers airbag did not deploy while the empty passengers did. Complete brake failure resulting in a three car accident. 2003 Nissan Xterra 3,700 miles.
2003 Nissan Xterra owner · NHTSA complaint 10045652
More owner reports
2003 Nissan Xterra developed problems with the brakes, headlights and tail lights.
NHTSA complaint 10132368
While driving 45-50 mph, the driver tried to avoid a crash by hitting a wall head on. Upon impact with the wall, none of the air bags deployed. Please provide further information.
NHTSA complaint 10047773
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 48 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay
- SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)…
- As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Steering · recall issued 2010
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, 200…
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2004
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 MOLDIN…
- Suspension · recall issued 2002
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedBrake rotor warpage2003
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover ★★☆☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,150–$5,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
Every Nissan Xterra year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2003 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/nissan-xterra/?y=2003" title="Nissan Xterra reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="399" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/nissan-xterra/2003/">Lemon Index</a> (2003 Nissan Xterra reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2003 Nissan Xterra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The Nissan Xterra year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2003 Nissan Xterra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (22%), electrical (19%) and brakes (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have?
3 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Nissan Xterra get?
15 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2003 Nissan Xterra cost in fuel a year?
About $3,150 to $5,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Xterra year is better than the 2003?
Nearby, the 2004 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a third as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2010 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works