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EnginePart report

2003 Nissan Pathfinder Engine Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
5%of 110 total for the year
Median mileage
108,015miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder, 5% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,015 miles.

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.

“We were driving our Pathfinder home in the winter the ecsessive amount of salt on the road caused our main water flow to corrode and stall the engine and caused the radiators thermostat to break and the car overheated.”

NHTSA complaint #11279151, filed 2019-11, 108,250 miles

“Driving home from work on freeway with 1/4 tank of fuel - engine stalled in fast lane and would not restart. I was stuck in the traffic lane for 40 mins until the state police had a tow truck tow me away. Turns out, the fuel gauge was inaccurate because my tank was empty. My gauge goes above the f when I fill up and it is empty at just above a the 1/4 mark. Very dangerous situation and I could have been killed over a faulty gas gauge that seems to be a big problem after seeing all of the complaints on the internet. …”

NHTSA complaint #10488758, filed 2012-12, 73,000 miles

“Engine exhaust system is rusted through between the resonator and muffler. The flange connecting the 2 exhaust components is completely rusted. I have researched this problem and the oem exhaust components where made of stainless steel. However, the flanges and connectors to the whole exhaust system where designed with steel components.”

NHTSA complaint #10524438, filed 2013-07, 140,580 miles

“2003 Nissan Pathfinder gas gauge is inaccurate to level indicated. On empty indicates full tank. Once filled it will remain accurate until 1/2 empty then begins to change levels each time vehicle is started. At times it reads full, other times 1/2 full and then jumping to full. Mechanic replaced fuel sender unit with Nissan parts from dealership. Problem remains. Presenting a po462 code both before and after replacing of float and sender unit.”

NHTSA complaint #10562265, filed 2014-01, 108,015 miles

“The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that both mufflers were rusted out. While the vehicle was in reverse, the rear muffler and rear tail pipe were detached due to the rust. In addition, fluid was leaking from the front passenger side of the vehicle to the rear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11278458, filed 2019-11, 100,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025916%
20241922%
20231514%
20221813%
20201732%
20191520%
20181317%
20178344%
20162726%
20157423%
20146211%
201310512%
2012522%
20111022%
2010615%
2009719%
20086119%
200711420%
200614718%
200514414%
200446%
200365%
200253%
200110%
200011%
199911%
199521%

Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder

Engine cooling
25 complaints
Suspension
21 complaints
Fuel system
19 complaints
Air bags
14 complaints
Steering
14 complaints
Brakes
13 complaints
Body and structure
12 complaints
Other or unknown
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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