2003 Nissan Xterra - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2003 Nissan Xterra belongs to a Nissan Xterra lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 5 model years, from 2000 to 2004. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion Xterra entirely. It is configured as rear-wheel drive with a manual 5-spd. The 2003 sits mid-run, with both earlier (2000) and later (2004) Xterra model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 3 brake fluid, OAT Coolant battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 80 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around steering (8), fuel system, gasoline (7), air bags (4). A representative report reads: "My son missed a sharp turn going approx 40 mph. Went up an embankment, off a 4 ft retaining wall and struck a guard rail with the front passenger side of the..." There are 3 safety recalls on record; one covers: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 FRONTIER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001 THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 2004, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2004....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $2,300.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $2,300 |
| Coolant | OAT Coolant |
| Open recalls on record | 3 |
| Technical service bulletins | 21 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.