Model year guide

2003 Nissan Xterra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Nissan Xterra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 91 on record.

2003 Nissan Xterra at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints72
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$3,102

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Nissan Xterra recalls 3

Steering:column NHTSA Campaign #10V554000 · 11/11/2010

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, 2005. 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. …

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #04V230000 · 24/05/2004

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 MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

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, …

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #02V299000 · 12/11/2002

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.

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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Nissan Xterra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2003 Nissan Xterra MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,289

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Nissan Xterra worth?

Low
$1,600
Typical price
$3,102
High
$4,500

From 91 comparable 2003 Nissan Xterra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Nissan Xterra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,445
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,450
Total$23,895
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,102) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,624), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Nissan Xterra trims & engines on record

Trims
XE · SE · SE S/C
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl 155 hp

2003 Nissan Xterra vehicles on record

2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28T53C632057 2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28YX3C686062 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1DD28TX3C644877 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28YX3C692587 2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28Y83C634719 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28T93C650688 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28Y73C646697 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1DD28T73C663211 2003 Nissan Xterra SE S/C5N1MD28T33C652223 2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28Y13C628650 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28T73C655243 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28TX3C692450 2003 Nissan Xterra SE S/C5N1MD28Y13C639059 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28T03C700314 2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28T93C658144 2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28Y53C702748 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28Y13C636666 2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28T83C665506 2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28T73C661608 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28T53C641079 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28T23C663136 2003 Nissan Xterra SE5N1ED28T53C686328 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28T03C682896 2003 Nissan Xterra XE5N1ED28Y23C668722

Other Nissan Xterra model years

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000

2003 Nissan Xterra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Nissan Xterra have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2003 Nissan Xterra. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Xterra?

Based on 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, fuel/propulsion system, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Nissan Xterra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Nissan Xterra at about 16 mpg combined (15 city / 19 highway).

How much is a 2003 Nissan Xterra worth?

Comparable 2003 Nissan Xterra listings run roughly $1,600–$4,500, typically around $3,102 (from 91 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.