2003 Nissan Frontier Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 13%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,218miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Nissan Frontier, 13% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,218 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.
“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“Veh had 2400 mi at date of incident. The clamp to radiator hose broke cuasing to leak radiator fluid. Contacted the dealership they requested to bring the vehicle in. I was out of state, but was lucky enoungh to place an aftermarket hose clamp on the hose (something a bit more sturdy) also the left front suspension has been making a very noisey sqweek while going over bumps. I will have the dealership look at it that as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10025174, filed 2003-06, 2,400 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 stated there was a loud humming sound coming from the rear end and the ABS light is illuminated. An independent mechanic determined there was water in the rear axle due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor. There is an NHTSA recall, # 02v299000, regarding the suspension: rear. The VIN was not included in the recall. Updated 9/15/2006 -”
NHTSA complaint #10157736, filed 2006-05, 79,435 miles“The contact owned a 2003 Nissan Frontier. While driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and though it was due to a flat tire. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and noticed all the tires were normal. The contact continued to drive and the rear of the vehicle detached. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle flipped over and crashed into a ditch. The contact noticed that the leaf spring fractured, pulling all cables and caused the rear end to detach. The contact was not injured. A police report was filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10861752, filed 2016-04, 135,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V299000Nov 12, 2002On 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)…Covers: Nissan Frontier 2001–2003, Xterra 2001–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10188377Feb 12, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10109211Mar 7, 2017BALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY PROCEDURE SERVICE INFORMATION When working on the front suspension, use the updated service information in this bulletin along with the Electronic…
- 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…
- 10192145Mar 19, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 11% |
| 2024 | 2 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 1 | 4% |
| 2018 | 3 | 12% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 3 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 10 | 13% |
| 2002 | 9 | 7% |
| 2001 | 8 | 6% |
| 2000 | 22 | 12% |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Frontier
16 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