2002 Nissan Frontier

Routine

Owners filed 124 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system. It has been recalled 8 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 2002 Nissan Frontier problems

14 of the 124 complaints (11%) are about the fuel system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration11
300
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system10
011
Steering8
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system8
000
Electrical System8
010
Structure › Body · body and frame5
101
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine4
100
Air Bags · airbags4
201
Suspension › Rear3
000
Steering › Column3
000

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering › Column10V554000
Filed Nov 11, 2010500,552 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 FRONTIER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001 THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 2004, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2004, XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001, THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2005. OVER TIME CORROSION MAY FORM IN THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN JOINT AND LIMIT MOVEMENT OF THE JOINT. THE LIMITED MOVEMENT OF THIS JOINT MAY CREATE EXCESSIVE LOAD ON THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. IF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, IT MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE SHAFT DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS THAT REQUIRE LARGE STEERING INPUTS.

Risk. THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND JOINT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHAFT OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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 Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E023000
Filed Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehiclesAnzo USA, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH 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.

Remedy. ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

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.

Vehicle Speed Control02V298000
Filed Nov 12, 20025,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGER, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FULL THROTTLE IN LOW GEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT FULLY WARMED UP AND AT COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, THE AMOUNT OF INTAKE AIR FLOW THROUGH THE AIR FLOW METER MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PRESET DIAGNOSIS LIMIT VALUE.

Risk. THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM TO GO INTO THE FAILSAFE MODE. UNDER THIS CONDITION, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND ENGINE SPEED WILL NOT EXCEED 2400 RPM REGARDLESS OF THE THROTTLE POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Suspension › Rear02V299000
Filed Nov 12, 2002143,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR AXLE HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE SEALING OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR.

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN CORROSION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE WHEEL BEARING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE FOR WATER INTRUSION AND ANY AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. THE ABS SENSOR WILL BE RESEALED TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Dec 18, 2024IA

The main issue on the Nissan Frontier that I just bought a few months ago that I need to report that I think should be recalled item is the passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked and it makes ticking noises the exhaust is loud and I am definitely getting exhaust fumes drawn into the cab especially when I turn the heater on now that it's winter time and it's getting CO2 carbon and exhaust fumes inside cab which is very toxic also the rear window defogger does not work and the cruise control does not work at all so anyway you're asking for what date this first occurred well it was like that when I bought it and I bought it on approximately in July of the summer 2024 it was all these issues were already broke when I got it I looked online and I see that the exhaust manifold is a very common problem and it is also a health hazard and toxic and could cause injury or death to passengers so I believe it should be and maybe is recalled I see online where some dealerships a few years ago already started fixing the issue for free before it was even recalled so I did a recall check and it says that there's no unfixed recalls on my vehicle but that exhaust manifold needs to be recalled and warranted because it's happening on a majority of those that means it's a bad design and it is also health hazard safety hazard health risk of injury or death because of it

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 26, 2022200,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove home safely. The contact performed an inspection and noticed that the fuel pump was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 10, 2022OH

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V554000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the U-joint replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in an active recall. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 2021142,000 milesCA

SEAT BELT LIGHT ON THE DASH TURNED ON AND CONTINUED FLASHING. THE DIAGNOSIS READ ON IT WAS TENSIONER ON SYSTEM RESTRAINT. SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT THE SRS LIGHT CONTINUED TO FLASH AND NOW HAS LOCKED MY SEAT BELTS. DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING TO DRIVE WITHOUT A SEAT BELT. ALL WIRING ON SENSORS ON THE SEAT BELT AND UNDER THE SEAT HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE FINE SO THERE MUST BE A FAULTY SENSOR SOMEPLACE OR AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO LOCK IN PLACE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 10, 2020125,000 milesMO

NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V230000 APPLIES TO MY 2002 FRONTIER BUT IT IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE ITS VIN IS A SC(SUPERCHARGED) MODEL IT HAS THE SAME GASTANK,SENDING UNIT, ORINGS AS TRUCKS IN THE RECALL BUT MY MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL

Steering
Filed Sep 14, 2019120,000 milesSC

END PLAY WAS DISCOVERED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND AT REST. A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN REMOVED THE STEERING COLUMN AND DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING LOOSE. AFTER LIFTING THE VEHICLE'S HOOD, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED (3) LOOSE BOLTS LOCATED IN THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN AREA JUST AHEAD OF THE SPLINE. THE TECHNICIAN ATTEMPTED TO TIGHTEN THE (3) BOLTS BUT END PLAY DID NOT GO AWAY. IS THERE A RECALL FOR CORROSION OF THE BOLTS, A BUSHING OR SLEEVE BEARING LOCATED WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY, OR A FAILED SNAP RING WHICH PREVENTS A BUSHING OR SLEEVE BEARING FROM MOVING ALONG THE STEERING COLUMN? PLEASE REFER TO FIGURE 6 OF THE STEERING COLUMN RECALL NOTICE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 23, 2019PR

SIRS, WHEN I STOP MY PICK UP YOU CAN FEEL A STRONG GAS ODOR, I LOOK AROUND AND FOUND NO LEAKS, PLEASE ADVISE.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 5, 2018130,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE SERVICED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 16, 20181,693,371 milesKY

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN WIRING,AFFECTING BRAKE LIGHTS,RADIO,CRUISE CONTROL AND WARNING LIGHTS.THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE ,WHEN DRIVING THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT ENGAGING,THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK ARE COMPLETELY OUT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 26, 2017OR

I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN FAIRFIELD CALIFORNIA AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL, BUT THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART. THEY NEVER GOT BACK TO ME AND IT WAS NEVER REPAIRED. IT WAS SO LONG AGO, I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER THE DATE. I LIVE OUT OF STATE NOW, BUT STILL HAVE MY TRUCK AND WOULD LIKE IT FIXED AT NO CHARGE TO ME.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 19, 201765 milesCT

TAKATA INFLATORS: UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS A SUPERCHARGER AND IT WILL NOT GET THE FUEL MILEAGE AS A FOUR-CYLINDER VEHICLE I SHOULD NOT BE GOING THROUGH THIS MUCH GAS AND I DO NOT HAVE MY FOOT IN IT ALL THE TIME ALSO MY FRONT DRIVER SEAT IS ABOUT TO DISMANTLE FROM THE FLOOR THERE IS A LOT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES WHICH I'M NOT SURE IF THAT IS WHAT IS CAUSING SENSOR PROBLEMS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON AGAIN. I HAVE HAD OVER $3000 OF MY OWN MONEY PUT INTO THIS TRUCK ALONG WITH ANOTHER USED MOTOR AND SUPERCHARGER PUT IN RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THIS TRUCK USED I WOULD NOT HAVE PREFERRED THEM BUYING USED I WANTED REMANUFACTURED BUT IT WAS NOT MY CHOICE THEY SAID. THE BED OF THE TRUCK IS ALSO RIDING OUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM I ALSO HAVE TO REDO AGAIN WHICH I SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES. AND FOR A SUPERCHARGER IT SHOULD HAVE A LOT MORE POWER THAN IT DOES. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE THAT I HAVE SPENT SO FAR RECEIPTS AND I DO NOT EVEN LIKE TAKING THE HIGHWAY AT TIMES BECAUSE I JUST DON'T FEEL LIKE IT SAFE ENOUGH TO BE HONEST WITH YOU AND I SHOULD NOT FEEL THAT WAY WHEN I JUST PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NOT EVEN A YEAR AGO. THIS IS THE FIRST USED TRUCK I HAVE EVER PURCHASED WHERE I HAVE HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH IT I DON'T KNOW WHETHER NOT TO BLAME MYSELF TO USE DEALERSHIP OR THE TRUCK ITSELF I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE TRUCK AT FIRST SIGHT BUT I WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN. WHEN IT RAINS AND I'M ON THE HIGHWAY I WILL LOSE POWER ALMOST TO THE POINT WHERE I THINK THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE WELL ALMOST SHU

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 9, 201776,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING 25-30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTING FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO FAULT CODE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DOCUMENTED RECORDS FOR BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE ON SIMILAR VEHICLES REPORTED TO NISSAN CORPORATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Power Train
Filed May 23, 2017MT

RADIATOR COOLANT MIXED WITH TRANSMISSON FLUID AND CAUSED $5595.00 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND I HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WILL NOT COVER IT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 24, 2017115,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE THERE WAS CORROSION AND THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 20, 2017115,000 milesTX

DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT WILL FLASH REPEATEDLY ON AND OFF UNTIL ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WILL NOT START AGAIN UNTIL AFTER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN SHORT DISTANCE. BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, AND REGULATOR HAVE BEEN TESTED. DURING USE AT NIGHT VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS WILL FLICKER AND DIM AS WELL AS DASHBOARD LIGHTS.

Steering
Filed Jan 10, 20172,230,000 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING MY STEERING WHEEL SHAFT SNAPPED AND THEN I FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT. *TR

Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 28, 2016152,280 milesMD

BRAKES FAILED ON PUBLIC ROADWAY, COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE, CRASHED INTO WALL TO STOP VEHICLE, CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 2, 2015134,000 milesPA

IN JUST UNDER 14 YEARS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE, I NOW HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK A THIRD TIME DUE TO LEAKAGE. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER, DUE TO THE FREQUENCY OF THIS HAPPENING. I BELIEVE THESE TANKS ARE A BAD DESIGN AND WITH POOR MATERIAL TO RUST OUT AND LEAK IN SUCH SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. I JUST CAN;T BELIEVE THERE HAVE NOT BEEN NUMEROUS INJURIES OR ANY DEATHS DUE TO THESE GAS TANKS. I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES OF THE SECOND GAS TANK THAT WAS REPLACES ABOUT 6-7 YEARS AGO. AND YOU CAN DEFINITELY SEE THAT IT HAS BEEN LEAKING. BY THE WAY. MY TRUCK HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND I HAVE YET TO FIND SOMEONE THAT BELIEVES MY TRUCK IS THAT OLD DUE TO HOW NICE THAT IT STILL LOOKS INSIDE AND OUT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 18, 201550,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVEN YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 10, 2015133,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 12, 201569,000 milesNJ

THE FRAME ON THESE VEHICLES ARE UNSAFE DUE TO PERSISTENT CORROSION WHICH ALSO CARRIES THROUGHOUT OTHER PARTS UNDER THE VEHICLE LIKE THEIR STEERING. IN MY CASE, THE RUST IS SETTLING IN AND CAUSING THE FRAME TO DETERIORATE DESPITE IT ONLY HAVE 69K MILES. THE CONCERN IS OBVIOUSLY HAVING THE VEHICLE CRUMBLE DURING USE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED ON THE INTERNET BY OTHER OWNERS. HTTP://WWW.NISSANFORUMS.COM/PATHFINDER/117181-RUSTED-FRAME.HTML HTTP://NISSANPROBLEM.COM/2002-NISSAN-FRONTIER-STRUCTURE-FRAME-AND-MEMBERS-UNDERBODY-SHIELDS-PROBLEMS-DEFECTS/ HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/NISSAN_FRONTIER.HTML

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 1, 201558,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE THEN DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. SEVERAL MILES INTO THE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SPEED SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 4, 2015192,000 milesVA

WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN S.C., WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE MOTOR STARTED TO RACE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE MOTOR OFF. TURNED IT BACK ON, AND HAD NO MORE PROBLEMS. THIS WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 15, 2014225,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD RESULT IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING) IN FEBRUARY OF 2013, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 25, 201449,121 milesHI

IN 2014 THE FUEL SENDING UNIT ATTACHED TO THE FUEL TANK HAD A 3-4 INCH GAP. EXCESSIVE FUEL SMELL (HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL AND FIRE HAZARD). A SIMILAR REPORT WAS MADE IN: RECEIPT DATE: MAY 24, 2004 > NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V230000 > COMPONENT(S): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE THESE INCIDENTS MAY BE CONNECTED AND STILL OCCURRING I HAVE PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTATION FROM THE REPAIR MADE BY A NISSAN DEALER AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE GAP AND IF IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSE A FIRE, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH. I CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND CASE # [XXX] WAS GENERATED. NO FURTHER ACTION ON THEIR PART HAS BEEN MADE TO INVESTIGATE THIS INCIDENT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 7, 2014199,887 milesWV

I GOT A RECALL FOR THE STEERING COLUMN. I WAS TOLD THERE WOULD BE NO COST TO ME FOR LABOR AND PARTS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $208 TO REMOVE SOME RUSTED BOLTS THAT HAD TO BE REMOVED TO GET TO RECALLED PART.. I GOT IN TOUCH WITH NISSAN CORP. THEY REVIEWED THE INFORMATION AND SENT ME A LETTER STATING "IT FALLS OUTSIDE THE PARAMETERS OF THE NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY". MY COMPLAINT IS, WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING FOR A RECALLED PART. IF THE PART WAS NOT FAULTY I WOULDN'T BE REMOVING THOSE BOLTS ANYWAY. I THINK NISSAN CORP. SHOULD INCUR ANY COST ASSOCIATED WITH REPLACING THE RECALL ON THE "COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN RECALL". *TR

Steering › Column
Filed Oct 3, 2014140,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND MADE A CRACKING SOUND. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Fuel System, GasolineFire1 injured
Filed Jul 2, 2014FL

2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE LEAKING GAS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION AND HE HAD TO BE RUSHED TO THE BURN CENTER, FOR SECOND DEGREE BURNS ON HIS LEFT AND RIGHT ARMS. *JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 9, 2013110,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING WAVE OF A GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE UPHILL. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 7, 2012165,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL A LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 12, 2012144,000 milesOH

WHILE HAVING MINOR COSMETIC REPAIRS DONE, OUR [REPUTABLE] BODY SHOP REPAIRMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FRONT RADIATOR SUPPORT FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. EVERYTHING ELSE ON THIS TRUCK IS SOLID. I AM METICULOUS ABOUT IT. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOME SORT OF DEFECT ON THIS AREA FOR IT TO BE 90% DETERIORATED! THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH CAUSES IT TO CRUMBLE...IN THE PAST, EVEN TOYOTA HAS STOOD BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES WITH CORROSION ISSUES...I WOULD CERTAINLY HOPE NISSAN COULD LOOK INTO THIS THE SAME WAY...ITS A REAL SHAME THAT I CAN ONLY SEE ANOTHER YEAR MAYBE BEFORE MY RADIATOR FALLS OUT AND CAUSES SOMETHING MUCH WORSE... *TR

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Dec 7, 201170,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY WITH A REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE KNOCK SENSOR, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND FOUR OXYGEN SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE SECOND TIME AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTORS EXHIBITED CORROSION AS A RESULT OF NOT BEING WEATHERPROOF DURING PRODUCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 04/10/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE SPENT CLOSE TO $2000 REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE, AFTER REPLACING THE O2 SENSORS FOUR TIMES. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IT WAS NOT WEATHER PROOF WHICH CAUSED CORROSION IN THE WIRES, WHICH SENT INCORRECT SIGNALS TO THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/31/12

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 5, 2011139,893 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,893.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 15, 201197,600 milesVA

A VERY STRONG AND VERY OVERPOWERING GAS SMELL CAME INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AT NIGHT. I HAD MY 5-YEAR OLD STRAPPED IN HIS CAR SEAT IN THE BACK. I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC ON I-95 AND DIDN'T HAVE MANY OPTIONS BUT TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE HOME. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL. THE NEXT DAY, I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING AT MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP MECHANIC, AND I HAVE SPECIFIC TEXT FROM THE WORK INVOICE THAT STATES THE FOLLOWING WORD-FOR-WORD: "CANNISTER COMING APART. RIGHT VALVE STUCK INSIDE - REPLACED - GAS LEAKING DOWN SIDE. REPLACED GAS TANK - RUSTED." THE WORK INVOICE ALSO DETAILS THAT THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC REPLACED THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS: (1) CANISTER ASSY E (2) VALVE ASSY - CO (3) FUEL TANK (4) RING-O FUEL GAG. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND I FULLY MAINTAIN IT ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S SCHEDULE. I HAVE BEEN A RESPONSIBLE AND GENTLE OWNER. I FEEL THIS WAS EXTREMELY UNSAFE -- TO HAVE GASOLINE LEAKING OUT DUE TO A RUSTED GAS TANK IS [IN MY OPINION] AN UNACCEPTABLE DEFECT -- THE GAS TANK SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE [IN MY OPINION] OUT OF A NON-RUSTING MATERIAL. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO NISSAN USA AND THEY OFFERED ME (ON THE PHONE THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID IT WAS AS "GOODWILL") A $250 NISSAN DEBIT CARD FOR FUTURE REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE. BUT THE TOTAL COST THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THIS LEAKING GASOLINE ISSUE WAS $1,254.83. I AM WILLING TO PROVIDE NHTSA WITH MY RECEIPT THAT SHOWS THE TEXT INDICATING THE DETAILS OF THIS DEFECT AND THAT I

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Nov 1, 2011NY

2002 NISSAN FRONTIER PICK UP. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SERIOUS CORROSION PROBLEM IN THE UNDER BODY; ESPECIALLY THE DRIVE SHAFT. *TGW AN INSPECTION REVEALED MAJOR RUST IN THE UNDER BODY. THE CONSUMER STATED TWO YEARS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, A METAL GUARD COVERING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RUSTED OFF. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 30, 201190,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUSTING AND SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE GASKET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE COMPONENT WAS NO LONGER WAS BEING MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 16, 201115,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FRACTURED AND SENDING CO2 THROUGH THE VENTS WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ABOVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FRACTURED AND THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT IT WAS COMMON FOR THE MANIFOLD TO FRACTURE IN THE PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THE CONTACT DID NOT REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Steering › Column
Filed Jul 13, 2011OR

2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER STATES STEERING PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE NEAREST DEALER IS 80 MILES AWAY AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HIS MECHANIC PERFORM THE RECALL WORK. *JB

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Jul 6, 2011TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR HEATER WAS ACTIVATED AND WOULD BLOW EXTREMELY HOT AIR WHEN DIRECTED TO THE FOOT VENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO SIMPLY CHANGE THE HEATER SETTINGS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE HEAT WOULD BURN HIS FEET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 10/05/11

Suspension
Filed Jun 21, 201193,898 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V554000 (STEERING:COLUMN). AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE AUTHORIZED DEALER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS POSITIONED OUT OF ALIGNMENT. WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS POSITIONED TO DRIVE STRAIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD STEER TOWARDS THE RIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER AND AUTHORIZED DEALER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,898. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ALIGNMENT WAS PROBABLY OFF. UPDATED 10/03/11

Steering
Filed May 9, 2011140,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY PULL TOWARDS THE LEFT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO NOTIFY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 6, 201173,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES WHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN BUT IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE DAY. THE RPMS RAPIDLY INCREASED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE SLID INTO AN INTERSECTION ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT FORCEFULLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 06/10/11 *BF UPDATED 1/24/2012 *LN *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 21, 2011100,000 milesNJ

SMELLING EXHAUST FUMES IN MY PICKUP CAB. I HAD A NEW EXHAUST SYSTEM INSTALLED AND CHECK BY A MECHANIC. IT WAS OK. HE SAID I HAVE A CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I CHECKED ON THE WWW AND A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. MY TRUCK IS A NISSAN FRONTIER YEAR 2002. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jan 10, 2011CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 1 MPH AND ENTERING A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. SHE STATED THAT SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN TWO YEARS WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END AND FENDER AND THE BUMPER WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AT THE TIME OF EITHER INCIDENT. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V298000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND COULD NOT RECALL IF THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 8/30/11 *CN

Steering › Column
Filed Dec 11, 201070,250 milesNY

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 10V554000 THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED LAST SATURDAY TO MY 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER....MY STEERING COLUMN BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO STEERING. I ALMOST CRASHED TWICE AND BUT MANAGED TO LAND THE TRUCK SAFELY ON A FRIEND'S MOTHER'S FRONT LAWN. AN EXPERIENCED MECHANIC ON SCENE SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN A STEERING COLUMN BREAK OFF LIKE THIS ONE DID. IT WAS TOWED BY A FLATBED FROM THERE AND IS CURRENTLY AT THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER, BUT THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE TO FIX IT. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE THIS WEEK, AND I DID BUY ANOTHER NISSAN, A 2009 FRONTIER. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Oct 4, 201015,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS TO THE REAR SEALS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V299000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) IN 2003. ONE YEAR LATER, THE LEFT REAR SEAL BEGAN LEAKING ON THE AXLE. THEN, IN 2005 THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FRACTURED FROM THE AXLE BECAUSE THE SEAL FAILED A SECOND TIME. IN TOTAL, THE CONTACT HAS HAD THE SEALS REPLACED SEVEN TIMES AND MOST RECENTLY, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE REAR HOUSING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jul 21, 201036,000 milesHI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AND APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKES; HOWEVER, THEY FAILED CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO THE FRONT DOOR OF A BANK. THE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE WERE UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36000.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Apr 9, 2010105,208 milesCA

THE CAR HIT FROM FRONT WHERE THE SENSOR OF THE AIRBAGS ARE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT EXPLODE WHEN THEY WHERE SUPPOSED TO. SO WE WANT TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT BECAUSE WHAT ABOUT IF THE DRIVER WOULD OF GOTTEN HURT OR HAVE HAD HEAD INJURIES. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Nov 25, 200970,000 milesHI

NO FOLLOW UP FROM DEALER ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 02V299000. I CALLED NISSAN TO GET MORE INFORMATION BECAUSE MY ABS SENSOR LIGHTS TEND TO TURN ON DURING RAINY DAYS. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS RECALL, ASKED TO SCHEDULE MY TRUCK FOR SERVICING WITH NO RESULTS, NOT EVEN A CALL BACK. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 13, 2009133,500 milesNJ

2002 NISSAN FRONTIER FUEL TANK EVAP LEAKS AND FUEL LEAK DUE TO RUST DAMAGE ON TANK. SHOP IS UNABLE TO OBTAIN A REPLACEMENT TANK AND STATES TANK IS NOT THE NORMAL TANK FOR THIS TRUCK IS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY IT. THEY INFORMED ME NISSAN HAS A PROBLEM WITH FAULTY TANKS FOR THE FRONTIER THIS YEAR. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 124, 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
2002 — this page124820Routine
2001134782Fatalities reported
2000189640Routine
199978500Routine
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: Nov 11, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.