2003 Nissan Frontier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,778miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Nissan Frontier, 4% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,778 miles. 1 a fire, 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 purchased a 2003 Nissan Frontier pickup truck. When I use the defroster the air conditioner comes on which is normal. I cannot turn off the defroster and air conditioner until I turn off the engine. The air conditioner compressor stays on until the engine is shut down. If I am on a highway I have to stop and turn the engine off to turn the air conditioner off, restart the engine, and then merge back on the highway. At one Nissan dealership the service department tells me this is normal and it is written up that way in the manual. Yet they tell me there is a nationwide backorder for a part. …”
NHTSA complaint #10011033, filed 2003-03, 5 miles“While driving, the engine service light started flashing, indicating an engine fire. The fireman informed the consumer the fire was likely caused by an electrical short under the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #10042364, filed 2003-11, 3,550 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004962May 21, 2024VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 30 | 45% |
| 2022 | 31 | 28% |
| 2021 | 6 | 30% |
| 2020 | 3 | 13% |
| 2019 | 5 | 18% |
| 2018 | 5 | 20% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 2 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 14% |
| 2013 | 8 | 17% |
| 2012 | 7 | 9% |
| 2011 | 6 | 9% |
| 2010 | 9 | 15% |
| 2008 | 13 | 10% |
| 2007 | 28 | 5% |
| 2006 | 31 | 5% |
| 2005 | 38 | 7% |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 10% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 23 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Frontier
16 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 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 28, 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