2003 Nissan Frontier XE Crew Cab 4WD V6 (4-speed automatic)
All photo credits
- Photo: 2002 Nissan Frontier, Front Left, 05-27-2021 by SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1st gen white Nissan Frontier side by BrokenSphere, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2004 Nissan Frontier XE in Radiant Silver Metallic, rear left, 07-03-2022 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Nissan driver's seat designed for right-hand traffic - Thailand by User:Mattes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2003 Nissan Frontier XE Crew Cab 4WD V6 (4-speed automatic) is a 180-hp V6 pickup truck with a 4-speed automatic transmission w/od and four-wheel drive. It starts at $22,349 MSRP.
It makes 180 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 202 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm.
The Frontier has a curb weight of 4,123 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Pickup |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $22,349 ($39,475 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | VG33E 3.3L SOHC V6 |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 202 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Four-wheel drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic transmission w/OD |
| 1st Gear | 2.78 |
| 2nd Gear | 1.55 |
| 3rd Gear | 1 |
| 4th Gear | 0.69 |
| Reverse | 2.27 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,123 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (F/R) | 58% / 42% |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2003 Nissan Frontier XE Crew Cab 4WD V6 (4-speed automatic) with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
Other tested variants (1)
- 2003 Nissan Frontier 4-DR.: overall not rated
Recalls
7 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan FRONTIER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Nov 11, 2010 · STEERING:COLUMN
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. 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.
Consequence: THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 10V554000
Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA campaign 09E012000
Jul 17, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
NHTSA campaign 06E064000
Mar 13, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
NHTSA campaign 06E023000
May 24, 2004 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA campaign 04V230000
Nov 26, 2002 · WHEELS:RIM
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V6 ENGINE, AN INCORRECT SIZE WHEEL RIM FOR THE SPARE TIRE WAS PROVIDED IN THESE VEHICLES. THE WHEEL RIM DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A FRONT WHEEL.
Consequence: WHEN INSTALLED ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE WHEEL RIM WILL CONTACT THE BRAKE CALIPER CAUSING A LOUD RUBBING NOISE AND COULD RESULT IN WEAR ON THE CALIPER AND/OR WHEEL RIM IF DRIVING CONTINUES. CONTINUED USAGE OF THE SPARE TIRE WHEEL AT THE FRONT LOCATION CAN ALSO RESULT IN LOOSENING OF THE LUG NUTS AND DETERIORATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FORM THE VEHICLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE WHEEL RIM WITH A NEW ONE, AND REMOUNT THE SPARE TIRE ON IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA campaign 02V316000
Nov 12, 2002 · SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA campaign 02V299000
77 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan FRONTIER
Owner Complaints
77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan FRONTIER (9 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Fuel System | 14 |
| Gasoline | 13 |
| Suspension | 10 |
| Steering | 9 |
| Structure | 9 |
| Power Train | 7 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.