2003 Nissan Frontier Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Nissan Frontier, 9% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 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.
“Water got into my rear end on a 2003 Frontier crew cab due to a faulty ABS seal and ruined the gears. Nissan had a recall on this but said my VIN# was not one of the vehicles recalled even though others of my year, make and model have been and mine had the exact same problem. Nissan said I was on my own and responsible for all repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10248982, filed 2008-11, 70,000 miles“Brand new truck with 1507 miles dumped all it's transmission fluid, emitting smoke from all sides and underneath, stopped vehicle dead in its tracks. Repairing dealer gave me one of the wedges left in the transmission cooler line at the factory which caused cooler hose to detach and precipitated major vehicle failure. It was just plain luck that we were not injured or killed as we were on our way to climb donner pass (ca) with chains on during a heavy snowstorm. Reported to Nissan customer satisfaction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049422, filed 2003-12, 1,507 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“While driving 65 MPH transmission failed. This caused the vehicle not to accelerate. Consumer managed to pull over and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10081561, filed 2004-07, 21,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019151Dec 20, 2005No a/t upshift after hill with ascd (automatic speed control device) on.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 27% |
| 2025 | 2 | 22% |
| 2024 | 6 | 27% |
| 2023 | 13 | 20% |
| 2022 | 24 | 21% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 12 | 52% |
| 2019 | 7 | 25% |
| 2018 | 2 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 3 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 15% |
| 2014 | 6 | 14% |
| 2013 | 6 | 13% |
| 2012 | 20 | 25% |
| 2011 | 9 | 14% |
| 2010 | 15 | 25% |
| 2009 | 8 | 22% |
| 2008 | 54 | 40% |
| 2007 | 222 | 43% |
| 2006 | 220 | 36% |
| 2005 | 262 | 49% |
| 2004 | 13 | 20% |
| 2003 | 7 | 9% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 8 | 6% |
| 2000 | 26 | 14% |
| 1999 | 12 | 15% |
| 1998 | 9 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Frontier
16 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsBrakes
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