FaultScore

2003 Nissan Xterra fuel system problems

16 of the 97 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Xterra are about the fuel system — 16% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 93,000 miles.

D

16

Complaints

1

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Fuel System, Gasoline 6 37.5%
Fuel/Propulsion System 5 31.3%
Fuel Injection System 2 12.5%
Fuel Pump 1 6.3%
Storage 1 6.3%
Delivery 1 6.3%

Fuel & Propulsion across every Nissan Xterra year

2000 67 6.1%
2001 33 3.0%
2002 13 1.2%
2003 16 1.5%
2004 12 1.1%
2005 325 29.6%
2006 377 34.3%
2007 236 21.5%
2008 19 1.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Sloatsburg, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel pump power steering abs O2 sensors yes it's available for inspection upon requests car shut off while driving at 70 miles an hour on a highway due to fuel pump because my VIN number is not with all the other 2003 Nissan xterra's that have recalls on all of the same problems I have just for some reason my car has zero recalls which is ridiculous and not believable so yes my life was put at risk I took it to an independent service my mechanic because I can't take it to a dealer because all the parts that are broken and that need replacement that have been recalled on every other 2003 does not apply to my VIN so I've had to pay for labor and parts and the headache that I could have had this all replaced and fixed due to the recall and I would have taken it to the dealership immediately after purchasing the car in 2019 and since the previous owner didn't have any recalls why would he bother either I will not pass inspection if they do not fix this evap O2 sensor and now my fuel pump I would like to be reimbursed on that was purchased through Nissan dealership the gauge is no longer working just put in brand new part so I would like someone from the dealerships take a look at my car and replace everything that's wrong with it with every other 2003 Nissan Xterra regardless of my VIN number and I have check engine light on forever for evac leak replace catalytic converters exhaust system O2 sensors power steering fuel pump ABS sensors I would just like to take the best care of this vehicle that I can and that would be done through the dealership replacing all of the recalled parts on this make model of the Xterra 2003 3.3 l V6 non supercharged. The vehicle stalled while driving due to the fuel pump check engine light's been on for EVAP code for the fuel tank cap gas cap small leak and O2 sensors which I've been replaced but codes are still there no code has popped up pertaining to fuel pump car died at 70 miles an hour on a Thruway at midnight not fun.7Codes remaining

NHTSA complaint #11428152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Kingsville, MD

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH FUEL, IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #11171830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 190,000 miles Chapelle, NM

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT CASA NISSAN (5855 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TX) PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM) THREE TIMES PREVIOUSLY. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADDED SEALANT TWICE BEFORE; HOWEVER, THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED DURING THE FINAL VISIT. THE REMEDIES FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO NISSAN OF LAS CRUCES (1801 S MAIN ST, LAS CRUCES, NM, 88005), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 28820775. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

NHTSA complaint #11045547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,000 miles DEL RIO, TX Crash

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saginaw, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I WAS PUMPING GAS AND IT BACKED UP AND SPLASHED ALL OVER MY EXPOSED SKIN AND CLOTHING. BECAUSE THE FUEL PUMP FUEL LEVEL SENDER IS MALFUNCTIONING GAS SPILLS WHEN I ATTEMPT TO FILL MY TANK.

NHTSA complaint #10543334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Oakdale, CT

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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. MECHANIC STATES THAT THERE IS MAJOR CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK AND THAT HE HAS SEEN THE SAME THING ON MANY NISSAN VEHICLES OF THIS AGE DUE TO THE MATERIAL USED TO CONSTRUCT THE FUEL TANK AND BELIEVES THAT IT IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND THAT NISSAN STARTED USING A DIFFERENT MATERIAL ONCE THE PROBLEM WAS KNOWN. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE SMELLS OF GASOLINE AND MECHANIC STATES THAT ANYONE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF VEHICLE COULD CAUSE AN EXPLOSION IF A SPARK WAS CREATED.

NHTSA complaint #10490307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlton, MA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

NISSAN PUT OUT A RECALL ON THE 2003 FUEL SYSTEMS IN REGARDS TO CORRISON THAT COULD OCCUR TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE FUEL SYSTEM DID CORRODE, CAUSING US TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A NEW TANK, NEW FUEL PUMP. THIS RECALL WAS FOR SALT AREAS, THAT WOULD BE IN MA. WHAT WAS DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM DID NOT.

NHTSA complaint #10443653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 500,000 miles Chicago, IL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Hignland, UT

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE; THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR AND THE SENDING UNIT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #10372517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Berryville, VA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles South Plainfield, NJ

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP). A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #10335815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,425 miles Burlington, MA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCESS HATCH ABOVE THE GAS TANK SEAL IS CORRODED SO BADLY, THAT IT WILL NOT FILL PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS EMISSION VAPORS IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND ON JUNE 17, 2007, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE GAS TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WILL COST $1,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 129,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,425.

NHTSA complaint #10193754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 24,000 miles American Canyon, CA Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES. AFTER THE LAST REPAIR, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #10101778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,053 miles Ooltewah, TN

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,000 miles Plainfield, NJ

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR RECALL 04V230000 REPAIRS ON THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. AFTER PICKING THE VEHICLE UP, 10 MINUTES LATER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, IT WAS REPAIRED ONCE AGAIN, AND CURRENTLY THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON. DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE CONSUMER FOR A FUEL CANISTER THAT WAS NOT DEFECTIVE AT FIRST.

NHTSA complaint #10094638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Minot, ND

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED 04V230000, CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT HE COULD BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED OUT. ALSO WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT REPLACE ANY OF THE PARTS THAT THE RECALL ENUMERATED. THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH THE NISSAN MANUFACTURER. *AK

NHTSA complaint #10094543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2003 Nissan Xterra problems

← Full 2003 Nissan Xterra report