2003 Nissan Xterra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 10%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Nissan Xterra, 10% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 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.
“We were driving on vacation and the car stopped. It started back up and then after a couple of miles stopped again. We were stranded and didn't get home for three days.I have take codes off the engine and it showed a 0462 code. Went back to get Xterra with a car dolly and dolly broke and car came undone. This unfortunate incident was a direct result of a bad sending unit.”
NHTSA complaint #10608227, filed 2014-07, 108,000 miles“I own a 2003 Nissan Xterra 4wd. It has 55,000 miles and only been serviced at Nissan dealership. I noticed a sweet smell coming from the engine when the car was warm so when I took in for oil change asked them to check it out. Told me the heads were warped and needed to be ground down, new gasket, belts and sparkplugs d/t the head leaking. This is the second head gasket problem I've had with a Nissan I've owned. The other one was under warranty and was told it was a freak thing. I believed them, and had no problem buying another Nissan. …”
NHTSA complaint #10266229, filed 2009-04, 55,000 miles“Engine light came on in 09. Vehicle failed emissions due to problem with evac system. Gasket at fuel tank was replaced. Within a year, engine light came back on. There was another problem with the evac system. After $ 862.00 dollars that were spent on vehicle for o ring and gasket repairs, vehicle passed emissions. Within 8 months, engine light was back on due to evac system. …”
NHTSA complaint #10490307, filed 2012-12, 78,000 miles“Since 2006, sensor light was coming on and off. In 2008 failed emission inspection due to sensor light. Had repaired by a state certified repair facility, as required by state of mass, for sensor and cat converter in may 2008. In aug 2008 sensor light came back on. Had reset - was same issue that was repaired in may 2008.”
NHTSA complaint #10239739, filed 2008-08, 10,800 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the rear driver and passenger side catalytic converters failed. The contact also mentioned the EGR system failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10631151, filed 2014-09, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019300Feb 8, 2006Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code u1000 or u1010 stored in engine control unit.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 8 | 7% |
| 2007 | 75 | 13% |
| 2006 | 106 | 14% |
| 2005 | 167 | 20% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 7 | 10% |
| 2002 | 24 | 15% |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% |
| 2000 | 33 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Xterra
16 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Nissan Xterra
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