2003 Nissan Frontier Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Nissan Frontier, 9% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I heard a sudden thud and then a grinding noise coming from the rear end as if a brake had hung up,metal to metal.when I exited the vehicle there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and a very strong smell of overheating of the brakes or metal and fluid.upon pulling the wheels,our company mechanic found nothing of the sort to be wrong. I called a friend to have the vehicle trailer-ed to monro muffler and brake in mansfield pa,where it was determined the bearings had failed in the rears,both inner and outer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10548505, filed 2013-10, 61,000 miles“I noticed a ticking sound from the rear of my truck. My own investigation I found that the housing that the rear speed sensor is mounted in is cracked. This is what controls the ABS system for the rear wheels. The housing is mounted to the front of the differential. I did check and there is/was a recall on certain Nissan Frontier trucks during the 03 year. I was told that my truck is not covered under this recall. The part, which I have yet to replace, is extremely corroded for being only 6years old with 45000 miles. It is made of aluminum. …”
NHTSA complaint #10264769, filed 2009-04, 45,000 miles“The ABS does not function correctly. While moving forward, fast or slow, on wet or icy (slick) pavement, when brakes are applied forcefully the ABS does not work, brakes fail, and a clicking noise is heard (as if ABS is not fully engaging). This has occurred since purchased new in 2003. Have had service many times and mentioned this problem. Dealer says they find no problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11005262, filed 2017-07, 144,000 miles“Anti-lock brakes activate at unpredictable times when stopping. Have nearly caused 2 wrecks. Dealer couldn't find the problem and refuses to take any action. It has happened 4 times in 3000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10043172, filed 2003-10, 500 miles“While driving the vehicle applied the brake and the engine sudden acceleration, causing a rear ending accident. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8021921, filed 2002-10Related service bulletins
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 20% |
| 2024 | 4 | 18% |
| 2023 | 15 | 23% |
| 2022 | 19 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2020 | 4 | 17% |
| 2019 | 3 | 11% |
| 2018 | 3 | 12% |
| 2017 | 3 | 8% |
| 2016 | 3 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% |
| 2014 | 2 | 5% |
| 2013 | 3 | 6% |
| 2011 | 13 | 20% |
| 2010 | 5 | 8% |
| 2009 | 5 | 14% |
| 2008 | 12 | 9% |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% |
| 2006 | 22 | 4% |
| 2005 | 8 | 2% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 9% |
| 2002 | 15 | 12% |
| 2001 | 15 | 11% |
| 2000 | 19 | 10% |
| 1999 | 6 | 8% |
| 1998 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Frontier
16 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Nissan Frontier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology