2003 Nissan Pathfinder recalls and problems
The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has 3 safety recalls and 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Nissan Pathfinder recalls
Recall 20V-008: Air Bags
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
Recall 15V-287: Air Bags
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
Recall 11V-244: Suspension, Steering
Problem: Nissan is recalling certain model year 1996-2004 pathfinder and model year 1997-2003 infiniti qx4 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, washington d.c., west virginia and wisconsin. In areas of the country in which heavy concentrations of road salt are used, a mixture of snow/water and salt may enter an assembly location hole in the upper strut housing, causing water to collect at the mating surface of the strut housing panel and the inner hood ledge assembly. Over time, this snow/water and salt intrusion may result in corrosion of the strut tower housing in some subject vehicles.
Risk: The strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly. This may lead to grinding noises, increased steering effort, and possibly the steering column to break, resulting in the loss of steering control, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Nissan will inspect the strut housing and repair the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification letter was sent out in may 2011. The second notice was mailed on july 25, 2011. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2003 Nissan Pathfinder problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 26 | |
| Suspension | 21 | |
| Air Bags | 14 | |
| Steering | 14 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | |
| Structure | 12 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 18
- Structure › Body — 8
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 4
- Suspension › Front — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 101,500 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Nissan Pathfinder complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Nissan Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder: 20V-008 (air bags), 15V-287 (air bags), 11V-244 (suspension, steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (26 reports), followed by suspension (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 101,500 miles.
Are Nissan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.