Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
15 City / 19 HWY
Horsepower
240
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Preshus B
It is my favorite color, RED!!!
I love my truck, it is great on gas mileage, I can fit half of a basketball team inside for game days or practice, and i have plenty of trunk space for chairs, tents, etc. I would love to upgrade to an Armada one day but I can't afford it.
accountCircle Jorge S
That it is reliable and that if do proper maintenance it will be live forever.
Very reliable. I never had any big issue. I like my car.
accountCircle Tammy C
Dependable 03 Nissan pathfinder-keeps on ticking!
I bought my car used and it had 145,000 miles on it. I have had it for almost 6 years. It has been a very good vehicle. It has many features like sunroof, power windows and seats and my favorite -heated seats! It has a 6 CD changer in it but it no longer works. The previous owner had Sirius radio and so I guess BC whatever was done to install that has caused the regular radio not to get great reception. Mechanically the car is great and has needed the usual maintenance but I have not had any major problems. One issue it does have is the gas gauge has stopped being accurate and pretty much all together now. I watch my mileage to determine when to fill up again. I believe it can be pricey to fix. The car is starting to show rust and I recently had to have my windshield repaired due to a crack from a snowstorm. I was shown the car with the windshield out and told these cars are notorious for water getting in under the windshield and running along the roof lines. Evidence I can now see in the staining of the headliner. My car now has 230,000 miles and is still my daily driver. Overall I love this vehicle and would consider getting another.
accountCircle Olivia K
The amount of trunk space when you put down the back seats.
These cars do have a big chance of having an oil leak. Other than that they are amazing! It is an older car but do not let that fool you. Everything on the inside looks way newer than 2003. It is a great car for trips. It also has a ton of storage room if you fold down the seats.
accountCircle Shea H
Runs great to be 15 years old and I've gotten several people over the last year offering to purchase it from me. The body style still looks great.
Great truck, never had any major problems with it!
accountCircle Robert B
It has a pretty big gas tank and fairly good gas mileage.
It has 144,000 miles bought 2nd hand no problems so far had it 4 years runs like new, app. 18-21 mph drives great in winter, we live on a steep hill, drop it to 4 wheel drive big snow no problem. Wish I could buy a new one, then i'd have 2.
accountCircle Robert A
It's early 2000s Japanese. If you take care of it, it will run forever.
I like that parts a fairly cheap. I like the ride once the suspension was fixed. I dislike the fact that there is no auxiliary cord plug.
accountCircle Robert G
It currently has an airbag recall.
I like how it sits higher than cars and how reliable it is. It is used so it has had some problems. I wish it was 4wd.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle myo F
Avoid these things at all costs
Uncomfortable, unreliable piece of junk.
accountCircle Jessica M
The vehicle has SUV and truck qualities and fits more than it looks.
Transmission slipping, electrical problems, exhaust leak. The brakes need to be fully down caliper is shot. She drives well for the most part. Very spaceful fits my family of 7. Only had the car for a year but I love that it is an SUV but can carry things as a pick up truck can. The bars on the roof are also a good fit for ladders and such. The back has a trailer port and my songs can get in perfectly with an installed ramp for them to use. Love how the back can fall down completely for more room and space. A very light car when on road though.
accountCircle Christina R
Used Nissans are not to be bought. They should be burned.
Head gasket went out. Headlights are terrible. Can only see with high beams on. Terrible oil drip. Ac/heat not currently working even with brand new fuses. I hate the touch screen map thing. The car needs better shocks and more durable knobs for the ac.
accountCircle Jen C
The vehicle that runs great with high miles.
The problem I have had is the rocker arms have gone out twice. It is a great family vehicle. It has over 200k miles and it still runs the same as it did the day we drove it off the lot. It is great for me to transport my sons and friends to there sporting events.
accountCircle Jimmy C
Pathfinder really makes paths
It rides food but stiff. The dash, console and material on the doors wear. I wish it had better features. But other than that it lives up to its name PATHFINDER cause we made one with it. I really mean a path through a bunch of brush and trees
accountCircle Brig E
I enjoy that it can fit up to 7 people if needed and also all seats fold down.
Really disappointed with the center console dials that allow me to adjust the front and back air conditioning/heat/etc. I end up having to stare at them which causes a safety hazard. I do enjoy the sunroof and my speakers are good too for when I want to listen to music. I also enjoy that there are two extra seats in the back that pop up. It is also convenient to put down all the seats in the back for storage and room. I am able to sleep in the back when I need and also move large items. It is also convenient that I can tow things with my Nissan Pathfinder.
accountCircle Ryan J
The most important thing I can say about the pathfinder is that it has been very dependable.
The pathfinder has over two hundred thousand miles on it and it still runs very well. I have had to do minor maintenance but for the most part it has been a good car. Had to have the air conditioner fixed last year.
accountCircle Kelly R
Paint peeling problem pathfinder.
I like the vehicle but the paint is peeling off. I contacted Nissan, but they said they haven't had any complaints about the paint. However if you look on line there are lots of people who post comments about the paint peeling. I have had no major issues with anything mechanical.

Nissan Pathfinder Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
SE
240 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats
car
LE
240 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Reviews

4.00
34 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 41%
4 stars 29%
3 stars 21%
2 stars 6%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Byron M on February 24, 2021
I've never had any problems with it.
It runs well. Never had any problems with it at all. Yet the maroon-brown like colors are not to my liking, and there's no up to date features such as Bluetooth, dash screen, electrical.
accountCircle Jorge S on January 22, 2021
That it is reliable and that if do proper maintenance it will be live forever.
Very reliable. I never had any big issue. I like my car.

Ranks #12 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has an average owner rating of 4.00 out of 5 which ranks it #12 of 16 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
4.67
2
car
4.56
12
car
4

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has a combined MPG of 21 which ranks it #6 of 16 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
27 MPG
2
Tie
car
24 MPG
6
Tie
car
19 MPG

Is The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder A Good Car?

The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder is a very good vehicle. It is a good size and has 4wd. The Pathfinder handles well in all types of weather. My Pathfinder has over 230,000. Miles on it and is still my daily... Read More
Kaila M.
Yes. That is why I have kept it so long.I would definitely buy another Nissan for my next vehicle. It has never had any major issues.
Diana C.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder?

The Pathfinder is very reliable. It is my daily driver. It now has a few issues. The gas gauge does not work and the check engine light is on because of the gas gauge. I keep track of my miles to know... Read More
Amy J.
It is very reliable. It has never broken down on me. I take it in to be serviced on a regular basis. My car a/c went out this year and needs fixing. Only other repairs are regular. Wear and tear. Did... Read More
Lisa S.

Is The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder A Good Value?

I bought it new for about $30,000 and think it was a very good value as it has many extras like sunroof, leather seats, etc.
Alexa D.

Related Articles for 2003 Nissan Pathfinder

From the Vehicle History blog

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2020 Nissan Pathfinder Review: Reasonably Reliable Midsize SUV With Reasonable Ownership Costs
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2019 Nissan Pathfinder Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With Average Ownership Costs As It Ages
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2018 Nissan Pathfinder Review: Reasonably Dependable Midsize SUV With Average Running Costs
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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Review: Unreliable Midsize SUV With Expensive Ownership Costs
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2007 Nissan Pathfinder Review: A Practical Compromise Between Daily-Driver Convenience and Off-Road Power

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder fuse box location?

Answer: To get to the fuse box look to the left of the steering wheel look for a small seam or crack along the dash. Using a screwdriver or prybar You will want to pop this open. On the inside, You will find a bunch of...

What is the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder fuel pump relay location?

Answer: The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder fuel pump relay can be found in the main fuse panel that is under the hood. Finding the relay should be easy if You use the guide that is on the cover of the fuse panel to determine...

What are some 2003 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems?

Answer: The most common transmission problems reported by Nissan Pathfinder 2003 customers are dealing with hard or harsh shifting, transmission slipping, shuddering, and defective torque converter. You should follow...

2003 Nissan Pathfinder: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has a 3.5 L V6 engine that needS5.3 quarts of oil with a filter. The type that is recommended for the Pathfinder is SAE 5W-30 in all temperatures. It should be changed out every 7,500...

How many catalytic converters does the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder have?

Answer: The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder haS4Catalytic converters. You will come across many issues with an engine. A spark plug may come off, causing engine issues. A gasket may become loose and that needs to be tightened...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety