2003 Nissan Xterra Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 22%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Nissan Xterra, 22% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“When fueling my 2003 Nissan Xterra gas unexpected back washes out of the fuel filler. I was covered in gas along with the vehicle and surrounding ground. A recall was for the 2001 Nissan Xterra for the identical problem. I would like the recall to cover the 2003 Nissan Xterra. The problem and part failure is identical in both cases. The failing part is the fuel tank inlet shutter valve.”
NHTSA complaint #10340344, filed 2010-06, 146,000 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“The consumer smelled gas and took it back to the dealer, who kept the vehicle for two days, they replaced the fuel pump. The consumer smelled gas again, made contact with the dealer again who told the consumer to air the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10099191, filed 2004-11, 16,053 miles“The car doesn't seem to be accelerating properly due to something wrong with the fuel system or gasoline delivery there is a vibrating sound and vibration coming from the gas pedal. And the gasoline smell is terrible. The gas pedal is very loose and I don't feel safe driving my car at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10423994, filed 2011-09Related recalls
- 04V230000May 24, 2004On certain pickup trucks equipped with six cylinder engines and sport utility vehicles equipped with four or six cylinder engines, the fuel pump terminal on…Covers: Nissan Xterra 2000–2003, Frontier 1999–2003
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 6% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 13% |
| 2008 | 18 | 15% |
| 2007 | 228 | 41% |
| 2006 | 368 | 47% |
| 2005 | 323 | 38% |
| 2004 | 12 | 14% |
| 2003 | 16 | 22% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 32 | 21% |
| 2000 | 66 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Xterra
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsEngine cooling
7 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 31, 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