2003 Nissan Frontier Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 21%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Nissan Frontier, 21% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The top of the gas tank is completely rusty and is emitting gas fumes. If you look at the gas tank under the truck you can see gas stains. Had my truck in the shop at my local mechanic and he did a smoke test and shows the smoking coming from the top of the tank where all the rust is. There's a recall on the truck for the previous year but mine is a couple of months off. I find it hard to believe this issue was fixed. You can read about it all over the internet. …”
NHTSA complaint #11010549, filed 2017-07, 140,000 miles“Several months ago the check engine light in my 2003 Nissan Frontier xe came on. I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and was informed that the fuel tank was rusting at the top. This caused air to enter the system making the check engine light go on. I had to have the tank replaced to pass state inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10394500, filed 2011-04, 130,000 miles“Check engine light is on checked out by local Nissan dealership . I was told that a small evo leak on gasket of fuel sending unit. Had checked by own mechanic he confirmed what Nissan had said. I noticed more complaints of this problem by other owners of the 2003 Frontier I think this issued should be investigated for recall. The dealership wanted over $600 to fix if the gas tank is still usable.”
NHTSA complaint #10393051, filed 2011-03, 100,000 miles“Service engine soon light came on and I began to smell gasoline. Gas tank rotted out around fuel sending unit gasket. Fuel sending unit and gas tank replaced. I do not have the old gas tank but I did photograph it digitally. I understand there was a recall for nearly 500,000 of these vehicles but dealer reported mine was not covered under recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10212846, filed 2007-12, 74,000 miles“My vehicle fuel pump failed and nearly caused me to crash. I have located NHTSA # 04v230000 that notes a recall. The dealer says that my VIN number was not part of the faulty pumps that were placed in the vehicles. I want to add that these other fuel pumps are also no good. I am in the coast guard and my vehicle has been near the salty ocean air since I've owned it (the same reason for the corrosion on the other pumps). There should also be a recall for these pumps.”
NHTSA complaint #10407720, filed 2011-06, 120,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V230000May 24, 2004On certain pickup trucks equipped with six cylinder engines and sport utility vehicles equipped with four or six cylinder engines, the fuel pump terminal on…Covers: Nissan Frontier 1999–2003, Xterra 2000–2003
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 15% |
| 2018 | 2 | 8% |
| 2017 | 10 | 26% |
| 2016 | 8 | 18% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 5 | 12% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 5 | 14% |
| 2008 | 16 | 12% |
| 2007 | 200 | 38% |
| 2006 | 251 | 41% |
| 2005 | 160 | 30% |
| 2004 | 9 | 14% |
| 2003 | 16 | 21% |
| 2002 | 25 | 20% |
| 2001 | 33 | 25% |
| 2000 | 28 | 15% |
| 1999 | 13 | 17% |
| 1998 | 7 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Frontier
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsBrakes
7 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 30, 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