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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Nissan Frontier

Nissan Frontier Models:

Image for car images Nissan 1998 2000 Nissan Frontier size thumb Image for car images Nissan 2001 2004 Nissan Frontier size thumb Image for car images Nissan 2005 2008 Nissan Frontier size thumb Image for car images Nissan 2009 2011 Nissan Frontier size thumb

Nissan Frontier Problems

Erratic Fuel Gauge and/or Check Engine Light

Electrical & Lights -- Verified

The fuel level sensor can fail causing erratic or inaccurate fuel gauge readings. The Check Engine Llight may also illuminate. Nissan has recalled 2006 - 2008 vehicles only for this fuel gauge issue. For more information on the recall, please click here»

Abnormal Noise From Front of Engine

Engine -- Verified

A whining or buzzing type noise may develop from the timing chain area caused by excess slack in the secondary timing chains. Nissan has issued a service bulletin (NTB09-128) regarding this issue. Replacement of both secondary timing chains and their tensioner shoes will be necessary to repair this concern. As part of this repair, the engine oil and filter should also be replaced.

Engine Stall and/or No Start Condition

Engine -- Verified

The distributor shaft bearing can become rusty, and seize causing the engine to stall or not start. The failed distributor will commonly require replacement.

Check valve clearance

Engine -- Verified

Valve clearances for this engine are shim adjusted and should be checked periodically to help maximize engine life. Another good time to check the valve clearances is when the valve cover gasket is being replaced.

Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Canister Vent Valve

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

The Check Engine Light may illuminate due to a defective canister vent control valve. The charcoal canister is a component in the Evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

Nissan Frontier Recalls (Recent)

Nissan Recalls 2010 Frontier King Cab Vehicles Due to Defective Tether Anchorage for Child Seat

Body, Interior & Misc., August 30, 2010

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Nissan is recalling 2010 Frontier King Cab models for failing to comply with federal safety standards concerning child restraint anchorage systems. The weld between the tether anchor and seat gusset bracket is out of specification. This can cause the tether anchorage to separate from the vehicle seat, increasing the risk of injury. The tether anchorage will be replaced free of charge.

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Nissan Recalls 2008–2010 Vehicles with Garmin Nuvi 750 Nav Systems Due to Overheating

Body, Interior & Misc., September 16, 2010

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Nissan is recalling 2008–2010 models equipped with Garmin Nuvi 750 navigation systems because the battery may overheat, which could lead to a fire. Nissan will notify owners and Garmin technicians will replace the unit's battery and insert a spacer to prevent the problem from reoccurring. This will be performed free of charge.

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Nissan Recalls 2002–2004 Vehicles Due to Corrosion in Lower Steeing Column Joint

Suspension & Steering, November 12, 2010

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Nissan is recalling 2002–2004 Frontier and Exterra models due to corrosion in the lower steering column joint that can limit movement of the joint, resulting in excessive load. This can lead to cracking of the shaft, which may result in loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Nissan will replace the steering column shaft and joint with a different design, free of charge.

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Nissan Pathfinder Recall 10E019000

Suspension & Steering, July 12, 2010

Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

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One or Both Front Lower Control Arms May Fail

Suspension & Steering, May 20, 2010

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Welds on the mounting collars of the front lower control arm may not meet specifications. A failed control arm increases the risk of a crash. Dealers will repair the vehicles as necessary. This recall is scheduled to begin by May 20, 2010.

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Nissan Frontier Questions and Answers

larryboy, 1998 Nissan Frontier, Soddy Daisy, TN

please supply fluid reauirements ( qts,pts) for tranmission, power steering rear end and crankcase.
Thanks,

bradharrell, 1998 Nissan Frontier, Virginia Beach, VA

my mechanic says i need to replace a bunch of hoses and such with the compressor replacement because it will negate the warranty of the compressor if he doesnt replace the hoses etc. Is this true ...

lowtide, 1998 Nissan Frontier, Cape Coral, FL

How to replace water pump

pickles24, 1998 Nissan Frontier, Lookout, CA

started pickup this am, went to do something else, came back, won't turn over, nothing. Battery is charged. Locked key in the other day, broke in with wire in passenger side door. Had another key m...

tpardik, 1998 Nissan Frontier, Blacksburg, VA

yesterday while driving, my radio suddenly cut off, the dashboard warning lights came on and the lightheads dimmed. shortly after, the engine began to struggle. I stopped and allowed it to idle. a ...

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Nissan Frontier Stories

Had to disconnect the air bag to clean out the header cage, now after reconnecting the air bag dash light is flashing. How do I stop this ? URGENT

I had an intermittent starting problem. Replaced the starter and checked the starter system. Nothing could be found. I noticed that when it would not start, if I would move the gear shifter without changing gears, it would then start up immediately. The culprit turned out to be a bad park / neutral safety switch. Replaced it and problem solved.

First Nissan . . . Frontier 2007 Crew Cab 4WD purchased new. With under 25,000 miles driving in city and have a stack of service tickets that would amaze people.

Issue 1) Have had problems on and off with the key turning and the engine whirling, but doesn't start. Five times in the shop and going back again for the same problem.
Issue 2) HVAC blower fan has been replaced twice. After the second time, I researched this and found the Nissan tech bulletin that noted this was due to insufficient insulation allowing dripping into the fan.
Issue 3) Air condition cools but never gets cold -- reported numerous times but have been told that it is "reading correctly."
Issue 4) Fuel gauge totally broke - left the shop for others issues, stoped to fill the tank, and it sprung straight to empty.
Issue 5) Noise in front-end has sounds like buzzer since 1 month old - still happening and techs can never "replicate the issue."
Issue 6) Bought new tires and the tire place couldn't put them on because the bolts had "seized" - had to take to dealership to have "special tool" remove them.
Issue 7) Front seat belts don't retract - fixed once and is happening again.
Issue 8) This one is new and exciting this week -- the clutch is making loud grinding noices.

Many of these issues happened under warranty and then when reoccurred once I moved into extended warranty, I was forced to pay my $50 warranty deductible to pay for them again. Now am nearing the end of the extended warranty and cringe at what is to come.

I was a two-time Toyota owner and made a huge mistake. With over 200,000 miles, by last Toyota was in the shop to replace breaks and a couple of small items over 18 years. I either got a real lemon, or Nissan has huge quality issues.

Thinking about trading it in on a Tacoma!

Heater blows way too much hot air in your face, and nowhere near enough at your feet regardless of how you set the controls.
It seems like something has to be wrong, but dealership demonstrated that all Frontiers and Xterras have the same characteristic.
It is absolutely awful in cold weather. I very much regret buying a Frontier and I am starting to think all Nissans are trouble waiting to happen. Look up the transmission / radiator debacle for instance.

2007 Frontier Crew Cab LE long bed Purchased new always maintained 66000 miles. Have had transmission cooler bypass put in to prevent leaking of coolant into transmission. (Should be a recall so many people have had to pay 5-7K for new transmissions, I had it done for $300) New brake pads at 35,000 , pads and rotors at 55,000. Just had 60,000 mile drivetrains service done. Now having issue with fuel level sensor on sending unit, SES light on Code P0463 indicated Fuel sending unit sensor. I am going to attempt replacing myself seems straight forward. Rear bumper inner side covered in heavy flaking rust,roof paint begining to peel off (truck washed weekly waxed monthly since new)
THis is my second frontier first was 2000 went over 100,000 on oil changes and brake pads, not the case here. Don't know if I will go for a third Nissan anything I don't know about you but here in LI the dealers are awful!!