2003 Nissan Frontier Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,113miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Nissan Frontier, 12% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,113 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Since purchase in 2004 the tilt steering does lock into place. The steering wheel moves up and down during driving which could result in an crash. The tilt mechanism has been repaired and replaced by the dealer with the same failure to lock and hold after a short period of time. This must be a design error since after repair/replacement there is no positive lock for the tilt control.”
NHTSA complaint #10381937, filed 2011-02, 5,000 miles“Wheel bearings keep backing off spoke with other people who own a Frontier and they have same problem this is a saftey issue have to tighten them regularly”
NHTSA complaint #11354222, filed 2020-09, 56,000 miles“Tl * the contact owns a 2003 Nissan Frontier. While making a right turn at an unknown speed, the contact heard a loud cranking noise. The dealer stated that the steering plate was extremely loose. The steering stops were lubed and the shaft was cleaned multiple times, but the failure persisted. The dealer stated that the steering shaft needed to be replaced, but further approval was required from the manufacturer to determine if the part was available to perform the repair. The contact waited but did not hear back from the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10617573, filed 2014-07, 112,909 miles“I was driving and my truck started drifting and I felt like I was losing control. Could of caused a very serious and dangerous accident - scared me to death, had just bought this Nissan, and love the brand. Had great tires and brakes just completely done. Brought it to my mechanic and he put it up on the hoist. Frame almost completely rusted out and through in many spots. They were surprised it did not completely come apart! Extremely dangerous and they suspect like Toyota that maybe part of a NHTSA recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11577054, filed 2024-03“The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Frontier. The driver of the vehicle was attempting a turn when the power steering failed. The driver was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree injuring her head and knee. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 10v554000 (steering: column) and contacted the manufacturer but received no assistance. The vehicle was traded and sold in an auction. The failure and current mileage was 59,533.”
NHTSA complaint #10390044, filed 2011-03, 59,533 milesRelated recalls
- 10V554000Nov 11, 2010Nissan is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 frontier vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001 through october 20, 2004, and model year 2002-2004, xterra…Covers: Nissan Frontier 2002–2004, Xterra 2002–2004
Related service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 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…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 22% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 6 | 9% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 7% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% |
| 2006 | 34 | 6% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% |
| 2003 | 9 | 12% |
| 2002 | 13 | 10% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Frontier
16 complaintsSuspension
10 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 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