1999 Nissan Frontier

Routine

Owners filed 78 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Nissan Frontier years to avoid. Which Nissan Frontier years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
80,000 milesMedian miles at failure

26 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Nissan Frontier problems

18 of the 78 complaints (23%) are about the tires.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires9
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags9
706
Tires › Tread/Belt7
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · fuel system5
000
Air Bags · airbags5
202
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · transmission3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · engine3
000
Tires › Sidewall2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes2
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump04V230000
Filed May 24, 2004586,196 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

Risk. IF CORROSION OCCURS, THE TERMINAL STRIP COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP OPERATION. THIS WILL RESULT IN NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. IN THE FOLLOWING STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT. THESE STATES ARE CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights99V347002
Filed Dec 20, 199967,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MOLDED, RESULTING IN THE LOCKING TAB HAVING INSUFFICIENT FORCE TO RETAIN THE BULB.

Risk. IF THE BULB FALLS OUT OF THE SOCKET, THE BRAKE OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION CANNOT OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 7, 2023180,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 1999 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the sending unit and fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 4, 2019200,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN OUT OF A PARKING LOT, ANOTHER VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO THE FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO DEALERS (WEAKLEY COUNTY MOTORS, 841 N LINDELL ST, MARTIN, TN 38237, 731-587-3141) AND (PREMIER NISSAN, 300 HIGHWAY 77, PARIS, TN 38242, 731-642-0601) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT END BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED AT AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 30, 2019213,530 milesIN

TRUCK STARTED DYING RANDOMLY. FINALLY IT DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE TRUCK WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING NO FUEL PRESSURE. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRUCK (NTB04-062C) THAT COULD CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP WORKING. I VERIFIED WITH NISSAN OVER THE PHONE THAT THE TRUCK WAS DEFINITELY INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP (SOUTHLAKE NISSAN IN MERRILLVILLE, IN). AFTER KEEPING THE TRUCK THERE FOR A WEEK AND TELLING ME THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER PARTS, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED HOME TODAY. THIS RECALL IS SPECIFICALLY FOR AN ISSUE THAT IS KNOWN TO CAUSE A NO START CONDITION. HOW CAN I GET THE RECALL PERFORMED IF THEY WILL NOT WORK ON IT IF IT WON'T START? I NOW HAVE PAID OVER $300 IN TOWING CHARGES AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY WORK DONE.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Apr 21, 2010100,009 milesCA

1999 NISSAN FRONTIER PICKUP FOLLOWING DEFECTS ARE AS FOLLOWS,FRONT AIRBAGS CONTINUOUSLY FLASHES,FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT INDICATE AMOUNT OF FUEL AFTER FILLING.,SUSPENSION PROBLEM. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Mar 30, 200745,900 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH IN DRY CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER , AND DISCOVERED THAT RECALL 04V230000 WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENDER, BUT THE VEHICLE REMAINED INOPERABLE. WHEN THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FAILURE, BUT A RETURN PHONE CALL WAS NEVER RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,900.*AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Dec 19, 200641,979 milesTX

TRAVELING SOUTH ON TX 130 NEAR MANOR AT 65 MPH. BRIGHT COOL, SUNNY WEATHER, DRY ROAD. RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED. TREAD CAME OFF IN ONE LONG STRIP, WHICH THRASHED THE CAR. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL CAR OFF ROAD, BUT DAMAGE TO RIGHT REAR PANEL, WHEEL WELL, AND FUEL FILLER ESTIMATED AT BETWEEN $1500 AND $3000. THE CAR HAD BEEN VIBRATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR A WHILE, BUT I SUSPECTED A SUSPENSION PROBLEM RATHER THAN A TIRE PROBLEM. NOW I NOTICE ALL TIRES APPEAR ROTTEN ON OUTSIDE; THEY HAD NOT BEEN HOLDING AIR WELL FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. HAVE REPLACED ALL 5 TIRES. CAR: 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER PICKUP. TIRE: WILDERNESS HT, P215/65R15 95S, DOT #W2VF NNA 129. TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WITH TRUCK, 42000 MILES ON IT, TREAD WEAR MINOR. COMPLAINT FILED WITH FIRESTONE, AND TIRE SENT TO THEM AT MY EXPENSE. THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY, AND CLAIM LOW INFLATION AND AGE ARE THE CAUSES OF THE PROBLEM (NOT SURPRISING SINCE THE TIRE NEEDED INFLATING EVERY WEEK). THEY WANT ME TO PAY TO HAVE TIRE SENT BACK TO ME, BUT HELL WILL FREEZE OVER BEFORE THAT OR BEFORE I STOP TELLING ANYBODY WILLING TO LISTEN ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE AND FIRESTONE'S RESPONSE. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Oct 18, 200680,000 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TAIL LIGHTS BULB CONSTANTLY FELL OUT THE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CHECKED THE VIN # TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS UNDER ANY RECALLS. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #99V347002 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Feb 22, 2006IN

1999 FRONTIER STALLED WHILE DRIVING. FUEL SENDING UNIT CORRODED. *TS ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER LEARNED THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED ON HIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMEBR 2004. HOWEVER, AT THE TIME THERE WAS NO CORROSION. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Sep 30, 200514 milesTN

DT: CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TRUCK GOT DOWN TO 30 MPH. VEHICLE KEPT GOING, ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGHER THAN USUAL. ONE DAY IT WILL RUN FINE AND THEN THE NEXT DAY IT WILL MESS UP AGAIN. IT WAS TAKEN 2 YEARS BEFORE BY CONSUMER'S HUSBAND PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE ON THE SHOULDER OF ROAD TO GET HER VEHICLE HOME .CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A TOTAL CAR CARE CENTER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CODES THAT WERE SHOWING UP WERE EGR SYSTEM PROBLEM. AFTER TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE TOTAL CAR CARE CENTER VEHICLE RAN WELL FOR AWHILE. VEHICLE HAD A NEW TUNE UP. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE FIRST YEAR THE CUSTOMER HAD THE VEHICLE SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND ARM LINKAGE . NO INJURIES. NO POLICE REPORTS. WERE TAKEN. NO FIRES. NHTSA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) 10015857 ISSUED. *AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Sep 6, 2005PA

1999 NISSAN FRONTIER DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH CHANGING GEARS.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED SOON AFTER PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. *JB

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jun 10, 2005PA

1999 NISSAN FRONTIER EXPERIENCING A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN SHIFTING GEARS ON THE FIVE SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION.*MR THE TRANSMISSION ALSO PROGRESSIVLEY BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE MANUFACTURER THROUGH SURVIES BUT THEY NEVER REPLIED. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed May 31, 200590,000 milesWI

EXHAUST MANAFOLD LEAK/CRACK. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, HE STATED CRACKS EXHAUST MANAFOLDS WERE COMMON, AND HE HAS FIXED SEVERAL. I AM CONCERNED THAT THAT THAT EXHAUST GAS MAY LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Apr 1, 200585,000 milesIL

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. WAS REPAIRED ONCE BUT PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Feb 25, 200542,600 milesCT

EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACK ON RIGHT OF THE ENGINE. LOUD CLICKING NOISES DUE TO HOLE IN EXHAUST MANIFOLD/HEADERS. I SPOKE WITH A MIDAS EMPLOYEE AND HE SAID THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER SE'S. NOT ONLY IS IT AN EMISSION PROBLEM BUT COULD VERY WELL HARM THE ENGINE. *NM

Air Bags
Filed Nov 23, 200494,000 milesMO

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Oct 22, 2004114,000 milesCA

EXHAUST LEAK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. CAST IRON MANIFOLD IS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. VEHICLE IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. NOT COVERED AS EMISIONS PROBLEM, CAST IRON MANIFOLDS ARE DEFECTIVE ON MY 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER SE-V6 TRUCK.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Sep 2, 2004NH

WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS REMOVED THE NIPPLE WHICH WAS WELDED TO THE TANK RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. *NM THE PROBLEM MAY BE DUE TO LEAKING GASOLINE. RECALL#04V230000. *SC *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Aug 23, 200460,000 milesWI

CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. I HAD TO TURN IT OFF USING THE ROCKER SWITCH. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON AND TRIED TO RE-ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL THE GREEN CRUISE LIGHT PULSED MADE LIKE A BUZZING NOISE BUT DID NOT ENGAGE. THIS ONLY HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 18, 2004109,115 milesMA

I HAVE A 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER XE KING CAB 4WD WITH A 3.3L ENGINE. THE MIDDLE SPRING ON THE RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE AND THE FORWARD PORTION (STILL ATTACHED VIA A "RIVET" TO THE OTHER TWO) PIVOTED AND UNBEKNOWST TO ME WORE A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. I ONLY NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN I FILLED UP THE TANK AND NOTICED A STRONG ODOR. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND WHEN I TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THIS I WILL NOTIFY THEM OF THIS OTHER PROBLEM. I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE LEAF SPRING BREAKING; HOWEVER, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THERE NOT BEING SOME SORT OF "CLIP" TO PREVENT THE BROKEN PIECE FROM RUBBING AGAINST THE FUEL TANK.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 16, 2004FL

WHILE DRIVING, A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED ALL AROUND THE OUTER SIDE OF THE TIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CALL FOR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT P1565R15#DOT W2VSNNA. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Mar 17, 200463,777 milesCA

CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT. CONSUMER STATED HE TESTED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE WIRING HAD A SHORT. *AK *JB

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Mar 10, 2004134,000 milesTN

WIRE GOING FROM SENDING UNIT TO FUEL PUMP INSIDE THE GAS TANK, SHORTED OUT CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CHATCH FILE.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 14, 200466,000 milesKY

VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE INTER STATE HIGHWAY, ACROSS THE MEDIUM, AND CRASHED INTO THE MOUNTAIN AT 60 MPH. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Dec 22, 2003113,000 milesVA

MY FUEL PUMP IN MY NISSAN FRONTIER (1999 V6 4X4) FAILED AS A RESULT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE PLASTIC COMPONENT (FUEL SENDING) THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE PUMP SHORTING OUT. ACCORDING TO A THREAD AT HTTP://WWW.VOY.COM/14174/7/21669.HTML THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH NISSAN FRONTIERS AND XTERRA'S WHICH SHARE THESE COMPONENTS.*AK

Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 200390,000 milesOK

BOTH LIGHTS AND ATTACHMENTS BY LICENSE PLATE FELL OUT. BOTH BULBS AND ATTACHMENTS WERE LOST WHILE DRIVING 1 OR TWO WEEKS APART. AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING IN PAST MONTH. HAVE HAD MECHANIC CHECK OUT AND STATES FUSE AND EVERYTHING IS OKAY BUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES CONTINUOUSLY WHILE VEHICLE IS ON. FIRESTONE TIRES BLEW OUT AT SIDEWALL X2 TIRES AT 30,000 MILES. THIS WAS THE ORIGINAL TIRES WITH VEHICLE BOUGHT BRAND NEW. NISSAN OR FIRESTONE STATED COULD NOT REIMBURSE FOR LOSS. *LA

Fuel System, Other
Filed Nov 18, 200380,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING WITH FUEL TANK HALF FULL FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED. *AK

Fuel System, Other
Filed Nov 18, 200380,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING ON A HALF FULL FUEL TANK FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED.*AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Sep 14, 200368,000 milesAR

AIRBAG WARNING FLASHES CONTINUOUSLY. *PH

Tires
Filed Jun 26, 200338,000 milesCO

THE TIRE HAD BUBBLES AND THE BELT WAS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE. (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS SIZE P21565R15 DOT#W2VSNNAS17). *NLM. *AK WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT, WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. PH *JB

Tires
Filed May 6, 200348,950 milesAZ

ON 04/20/03 I EXPERIENCED A SEVERE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING MY '99 NISSAN FRONTIER AT 65 MPH. AS I PULLED OVER, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE (OEM FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT P215/65R-15) SHED MOST OF ITS TREAD. TIRE WAS REPLACED AND REMAINING TIRES WERE CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. ONE WEEK LATER, THE LEFT REAR TIRE BEGAN A SIMILAR VIBRATION FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN EXPLODED AT 65 MPH, DESTROYING MOST OF THE SHEET METAL AND BODY SUPPORTS BEHIND THE WHEEL WELL. TIRES HAD 48K MILES, GOOD TREAD, AND WERE PROPERLY INFLATED TO MFRS. SPECS. *NLM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Apr 22, 2003AZ

THE REAR TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *JB

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 19, 2003FL

WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AFTER HITTING WATER IN THE STREET. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND, JUMPED A CURB AND HIT SOME TREES. THE FRONT END AND THE REAR END WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED YET THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT. *NLM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Jan 8, 200360,078 milesCA

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. (THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES TO HAVE A "CHASSIS" NOISE CHECKED OUT WITH "NO PROBEM FOUND" BY THE DEALER.)

Structure › Body › Tailgate
Filed Dec 11, 2002NY

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING THE TAILGATE FELL ONTO THE GROUND CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

Tires
Filed Nov 9, 2002FL

TREAD SEPARATION RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED, THEN WRAPPED AROUND REAR AXLE AND REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLE ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DT

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 30, 2002CA

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THIS TRUCK REMAIN UNRESOLVED. PLEASE HELP! DT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2002FL

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING OIL IS LEAKING FROM THE 2.4L ENGINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Sep 11, 2002CA

WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN SURFACES AT LOW RATES OF SPEED, TRUCK FRONT END WAS VERY NOISY AND FRONT BRAKES SOUNDED LIKE THEY WERE CLICKING. DEALER STATES FRONT SUSPENSION BUSHINGS WORE AT 55000 MILES, NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER MECHANICS WHO STATE BUSHING BREAK DOWN AT 55K MILES IS UNHEARD OF.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Aug 30, 2002ME

THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL TURN OVER BUT NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND THE DEALERSHIP WHO FOUND A BURNED WIRE IN THE FUEL TANK FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO THE SENDING UNIT. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE. *AK THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE LOCATION OF THE FUEL PUMP AND THE SENDING UNIT BEING LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK. HEAT HAS CAUSED THE DAMAGE. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE AN EXPLOSION/DEATH/INJURY. THE CONSUMER REQUEST INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *SCC

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jun 11, 2002WV

WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 ON INTERSTATE VEHICLE MADE A JUMPING LOUD NOISE, DASH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, AND VEHICLE DIED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED A WEEK AGO FOR SAME PROBLEM. DEALER STATED IT WAS DISTRIBUTOR. PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Aug 8, 2001CO

BRAKE LAMPS CONTINUOUSLY FALL OUT OF SOCKETS. THIS PREVENTS BOTH THE TAIL LAMPS AND THE BRAKE LAMPS FROM FUNCTIONING. I FOUND A RECALL FOR THIS CONDITION, BUT IT ONLY APPLIED TO 2000 FRONTIERS.

Tires
Filed Aug 8, 2001SC

WHILE ON THE HWY. THE TIRE BLEW UP. THE SC. HWY. EMRGENCY PATROL CAME WHEN THEY TOOK THE TIRE OFF THEY STATED THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAD JUST BEEN TO FIRESTONE ON 8/3/01 AND HAD MY TIRES ROTATED AS PER THE CAR MANUAL. EITHER THE TIRE WAS DEFECTED AS S.H.E.P. HAS STATED OR THEY INCORRECTLY INFLATED MY TIRE. WHEN IT BLEW IT CAUSED THE RIM TO HIT THE GROUND AND DAMAGED THE RIM. I HAVE CALL FIRESTONE AND WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO LUCK. I GLAD TO BE ALIVE HWY 85 AT RUSH HOUR IS SCARY.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 15, 2001CA

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT PLAY IN BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN DRIVING ON A DOWN GRADE AND ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKES, PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. "SPONGY BRAKES, " AND WILL NOT BRING VEHICLE TO A SOLID STOP. *AK DEALER STATED THIS IS NORMAL. *SLC

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Feb 12, 2001AZ

I'VE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 2 WEEKS. I HAVE DIGITAL IMAGES OF THE TIRE AND WILL SEND THEM UPON REQUEST. THE FAILURE WAS SIDEWALL BLOWOUT, NOT RESULT OF RUNNING OVER SOMETHING. I'M CONCERNED THAT THESE TIRES ARE ALL IN DANGER OF FAILURE. THE LOOK OF THE BLOW-OUT SUGGESTS SEPARATION OF MATERIAL.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2VFNNA069 TIRESIZE: P215/65R15)

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed Jan 27, 2001CA

NISSAN NA HAS MADE NO CORRECTIVE ACTION APART FROM PART REPLACEMENT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 12, 2000FL

VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR BY A SEMI TRUCK, CAUSING A VEHICLE ROLLOVER AND THE AIRBAG'S EXPERIENCED NO DEPLOYMENT, BOTH OF THE CONSUMERS IN THE VEHICLE WERE INJURED. *SLC

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed Nov 21, 2000CA

ODI 726296, SECOND COMPLAINT ON DRIVESHAFT. HAD BEEN REPLACED IN JULY 2000. DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION BY CONSUMER NOTICED THAT BEARING POPPED OUT OF HOUSING, AND WAS NOT SUPPORTING DRIVESHAFT.*AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 17, 2000FL

PE-00-020; ORIGINAL EQUIPMENTON A 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER, TIRE SIZE P21565R15, DOT # W2VFNNA089, TIRES HAVE 24 THOUSANDS MILES ON THEM. CONSUMER HAS NOTICED ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE DEVELOPED HAIR LINE CRACKS IN BETWEEN TREAD. CRACKS ARE CONTINUES AROUND THE TIRE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK

Tires
Filed Sep 25, 2000UN

LESS THAN 60 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLES TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT P215/65R15). NLM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 13, 2000AZ

LEFT REAR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRE(P125 65 R15) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *SLC

Complaints 1-50 of 78, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202611100Routine
202510300Routine
202422310Routine
202366130Routine
2022112630Routine
202120200Routine
202023200Routine
201928110Routine
201825200Routine
201738111Fatalities reported
201644110Routine
201533010Routine
201442210Routine
201348110Routine
201280300Routine
201164110Routine
201059600Routine
200937510Routine
2008136620Routine
2007520200Above average
2006617721Fatalities reported
2005532681Fatalities reported
200466430Routine
200377721Fatalities reported
2002124820Routine
2001134782Fatalities reported
2000189640Routine
1999 — this page78500Routine
1998129500Routine

Compare every Frontier year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.