2003 Nissan Xterra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Nissan Xterra, 3% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,500 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.
“The transmission in my 2003 Nissan Xterra needs to be replaced. The radiator fluid has leaked into the transmission fluid causing damage to my transmission. This is a widespread problem and should be handled by the Nissan dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10483883, filed 2012-11, 154,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the brakes would lock abnormally whenever attempting to brake with the four wheel drive activated. The failure would also occur when driving in wet or inclement weather with the four wheel drive activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10381086, filed 2011-02, 75,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 60% |
| 2014 | 1 | 10% |
| 2012 | 6 | 38% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 11 | 29% |
| 2009 | 6 | 32% |
| 2008 | 47 | 40% |
| 2007 | 231 | 41% |
| 2006 | 268 | 34% |
| 2005 | 412 | 49% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 22 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Xterra
16 complaintsBrakes
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 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