Owners filed 136 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
08500085,000 milesMedian miles at failure
108 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train
38
0
0
0
Engine
20
0
1
0
Air Bags
19
2
0
5
Fuel/Propulsion System
12
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
10
0
0
0
Electrical System
6
0
1
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
4
0
0
0
Structure
2
0
0
0
Steering
2
0
0
0
Seats
2
0
0
0
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal23V067000
Filed Feb 10, 2023404,690 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Risk. A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
Filed Sep 10, 20107,948 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Risk. OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm10E019000
Filed May 20, 20101,873 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Filed Mar 3, 201080,689 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags › Frontal08V690000
Filed Dec 29, 2008242,720 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
Risk. THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Equipment › Other › Labels08V045000
Filed Jan 25, 20085,523 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.' THE TIRE PLACARD LISTS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Risk. THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE SELECTION TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.
Remedy. NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 29, 2024NY
While driving the vehicle and the fuel gauge reading 1/4 tank, without any prior notification such as a "low fuel" light thw car shut off on the highway, the vehicle ran out of gas. This has happened 3 times. Upon researching there is a known recall for this vehicle that exhibits these exact symptoms as the fuel gauge shows 1/4 tank but really there is no gas. Other than this the fuel gauge works, when filled with gas it shows full on the gauge, but upon reaching the 1/4 tank level the gauge stops moving and does not indicate low fuel leaving me to believe there is gas when in fact there is not.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 2024CA
Saw that there was an airbag item recall (NHTSA I.D.: 08V69000) for my vehicle. Airbag warning light is on. However, dealer says, "No open campaigns" and vehicle is out of the warranty period.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 29, 202420,000 milesIA
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the driver's side air bag suddenly deployed without an impact. As a result, the contact swerved into a drainage ditch, and the vehicle flipped completely over on its top. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported by airlift to an area hospital and treated for several injuries, including a broken clavicle, a dislocated shoulder, three broken ribs, a fractured T10, and a shattered hip. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by insurance. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags), and the VIN was included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 1, 2023166,667 milesTX
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated, and the horn was inoperable. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,667. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 1, 2023MD
The calipers in this kit have seized and been replaced (fronts 7/22,rears3/23) the front calipers have seized again 8/23. there is something wrong with these calipers and a potential for crash/injury situation, as a break components this reliability is unacceptable and potential dangerous. I feel this should be investigated before someone dies due to this/these products.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 12, 2023OH
My airbag dash light indicator is flashing and will not turn off.
Air Bags
Filed May 9, 202336,481 milesDE
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,481. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air Bags
Filed May 1, 2023NC
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 16, 2023TX
AIR BAG ICON STARTED TO FLASH , I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY SAID THERES NO RECALLS , AIR BAG SIGN KEEPS ON FLASHING
Power Train
Filed Sep 26, 202286,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 40 MPH, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the radiator fluid had leaked into the transmission causing severe damage to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Power Train
Filed Jul 23, 2022WA
The transmission cooler integrated into the radiator failed damaging the transmission by cross contamination of fluids. Loss of power on a narrow country mountain road was not safe. I learned that this problem is very common. I feel that Nissan should have replaced the radiator before thousands in transmission damage occurred.
Power Train
Filed Jul 19, 2022NY
Transmission fluid cooler integrated in the radiator that allowed engine coolant to mix with and contaminate the automatic transmission fluid causing damage to the transmission. Radiator had to be replaced along with flushing out of the trans fluid at a service station costing a few thousand of dollars. Months later the check engine light went on and found out that the transmission is slipping caused by the fluid contamination.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 12, 2022NY
I was driving my vehicle and I ran out of gas. The gas gauge maintained a quarter of a tank and the gas light never came on. I check for recalls and it turns out this is a known recall for this vehicle, but it says 0 recalls. But the problem still persists, therefore the vehicle is still suffering from this problem. After filling the gas after the car ran out. I tested this theory 2 more times to confirm that indeed the vehicle was suffering from this recall, in which i run out of gas without knowing. Secondly, the links associated with the other recall, have also failed/failing as the vehicle is becoming unstable while driving at times and a mechanic has already determined the links to be the cause, yet when I check my VIN number, it says 0 recalls. Yet my vehicle clearly suffers from this. Can my vehicle please be added to the list, as this is very scary as the first time I ran out of gas I was on the expressway, and the vehicle sways yet it is not listed and needs to be for safety reasons and concerns. Thank you for your time, effort, and consideration regarding this, I await your timely response.
Power Train
Filed Jan 12, 2021130,138 milesNJ
TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO COOLANT IN TRANS OIL CONTAMINATING TRANS COMPONENTS. TOTAL TRANS REBUILD/REPLACE RADIATOR AND TRANS COOLER. 130K MILES ON VEHICLE - LOW MILES FOR A 2008 FRONTIER. THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED, HESITATED, WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED AS IT SHOULD, WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THRU GEARS AS IT TRANSITIONED FROM STOP TO MOVING, TYPICALLY AROUND 30-40 MPH UNDER LOAD (ACCELERATING). WE HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. EXPENSIVE REPAIR!
Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2020180,000 milesCA
DRIVING ON STREET TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE I LOSS POWER AND CAR COULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR IT SEEMED I PULLED OVER AND STOPPED AND SHUT OFF. CAR I STARTED IT BEGAN TO DRIVE AND IT WUDNT GO OVER 30MPH I STOPPED AND NOTICED LEAKING UNDER THE TRUCK TOWARDS THE ENGINE AND WHEN I PRESSED ON GAS IT WOULDN'T GO STILL SO I STOPPED AND GOT TOWED
Power Train
Filed Aug 8, 202098,800 milesOR
FIRST LONG TRIP SINCE I BOUGHT THE USED TRUCK, A TRIP TO OAKRIDGE, 90 MILE ROUND TRIP FROM HOME. THE TRUCK MADE IT BACK TO OUR DRIVEWAY, THEN WHEN I PUT ON THE BREAK FOR MY HUSBAND TO GET OUT, IT WOULD NOT MOVE AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. I COULDN'T BUDGE THE TRUCK. IT WAS LOCKED UP. COULDN'T MOVE THE STICK. THE ENGINE QUIT. FORCED IT INTO PARK AND TRIED TO RESTART, BUT NOT A SOUND. THE NEIGHBOR CAME OVER WITH HIS CODE READER. IT SAID P1000. BATTERY CHECKED GOOD, GOT A NEW ONE ANYWAY BECAUSE ITS AGE. GROUNDS WERE GOOD, BUT CLEANED ANYWAY. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. THEY PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN.
Engine
Filed May 22, 2020160,000 milesGA
THE ANTIFREEZE AND TRANSMISSION FLUID GOT MIXED TOGETHER IN MY TRUCK AND I AM NOW TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER KNEW THAT THE TRUCK WOULD AT LEAST GIVE ME 100,000 MILES BEFORE THAT WOULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN. *TR
Seats
Filed May 10, 2020192,000 milesAZ
AROUND MARCH 23, 2020 I NOTICED MY DRIVERS SEAT MOVING WHEN I ACCELERATE OR SLOW DOWN. I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS LOOSE HARDWARE SO I WAS GOING TO TIGHTEN THE MOUNTING BOLTS OVER THE WEEKEND. WHEN I STARTED TO TIGHTEN THE HARDWARE I FOUND IT WAS ALL TIGHT. BUT THE SEAT CONTINUED TO MOVE ABOUT. THAT WEEKEND I REMOVED THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND FOUND THE FRONT RIGHT MOUNTING POINT TORN OUT OF THE SHEET METAL. THE THREADED RE-ENFORCEMENT TAB HAD TORN THROUGH THE SHEET METAL USED AT THE SEAT MOUNTING POINT. I REMOVED THE TAB FROM THE SEAT AND NOTICED THAT THE SPOT WELDS HAD NOT FAILED IT WAS THE SHEET METAL BRACE BRACKET, IT WAS ATTACHED TO, THAT HAD FAILED. I FIRST NOTICED THE MOVEMENT WHILE HEADING HOME FROM WORK AND ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A 2 LANE SIDE ROAD TO A 6 LANE DIVIDED CITY ROAD. IN THE TIME THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE IT HAS NEVER BEEN WREAKED, AND TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE GOTTEN SEVERAL REPAIR ESTIMATES FROM COLLISION SHOPS. UNIVERSALLY ALL OF THE SHOPS CLAIMED TO HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS KIND OF DAMAGE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Apr 1, 202080,969 milesVA
RADIATOR THAT CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT LET GO CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AT NEW RIVER NISSAN BACK IN 2018. BEFORE I HAD NISSAN REPAIR IT I HAD TAKEN IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE IT WAS FLUSHED OUT AND A SMALL RADIATOR ADDED TO THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF THE RADIATOR GOING BAD . THE TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 80,000 MILES ON IT AND LESS THAN A 9 YEARS. AS THE RECALL WAS ADDED TO THAT AFTER ALL THE PROBLEMS FROM THE RADIATOR. I FILL LIKE I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR EVERYTHING THAT I PAID OUT WHICH WAS ABOUT 3500.00 TOTAL. BUT NOW IT'S STILL MIXING COOLANT AFTER BEING SERVICED BY A NISSAN DEALER.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 2, 2019GA
FUEL VENT TUBE IS SO BLOCKED WHEN OPENING GAS CAP VAPORS BLOW OUT WITH MUCH PRESSURE AND CAN NOT PUMP GAS INTO TRUCK AS IT SPREADS OUT OVER THE TRUCK AND ALL OVER THE PLACE!! I JUST BOUGHT THIS TRUCK AND I AM SURE IT IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN ,COULD TURN DEADLY ..
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: Feb 10, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.