Nissan Frontier problems and known issues

Generation:

First generation (1998–2004)

Years:

2002–2004

Powertrain:

All

Corrosion can stiffen the lower steering column joint on 2002–2004 Frontiers and Xterras, overloading the shaft until it cracks during low-speed, full-lock maneuvers and causing a loss of steering. Dealers replace the shaft and joint with a redesigned part free of charge. The 500,552 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [18]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021) and 2022

Years:

2020–2022

Powertrain:

All

On 2020–2022 Frontiers and Titans the transmission parking pawl may not engage when the shifter is placed in Park, so the truck can roll away. Owners were told to use the parking brake every time; dealers replace the parking pawl pin free of charge. The 180,176 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [6]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021) and 2022

Years:

2020–2022

Powertrain:

All

A follow-up campaign for the same parking pawl risk on 2020–2022 Frontiers, 2020–2023 Titans and 2023 Z. For the Frontier, dealers reprogram the transmission control module free of charge; owners were told to apply the parking brake whenever they park. The 197,230 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [7]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2018–2019

Powertrain:

All

On many 2018–2019 Nissans, including the Frontier, the camera display settings can be adjusted so the rear image disappears and stays off the next time the truck is in reverse. Dealers update the camera software free of charge. The 1,228,830 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [8]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2017–2018

Powertrain:

All

On 2017–2018 Frontiers with a mechanical key, and several other Nissan models, a heavy key ring or a jolt can move the ignition from Run to Accessory and shut off the engine. Dealers inspect the ignition switch and replace it as needed, free of charge. The 153,047 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [9]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2016

Powertrain:

V6

Certain 2016 Frontier V6 trucks built in early March 2016 may have the starter wiring routed so its terminal touches the heat shield and shorts, creating a fire risk. Dealers inspect and reposition the harness free of charge. NHTSA lists 1,554 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [10]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2012–2014

Powertrain:

All

On certain 2012–2014 Frontiers a circuit breaker may be installed facing the wrong way so the main harness can rub on an A-pillar bolt, wear through and short, which could cause a fire. Dealers check the orientation and repair as needed, free of charge. NHTSA lists 13,535 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [11]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2008–2011

Powertrain:

All

The resin emblem on the driver air bag cover of 2008–2011 Frontiers, Titans, Xterras, Pathfinders and Armadas, and 2008–2009 Quests, can crack and break loose during deployment. Dealers replace the driver air bag cover free of charge. The 404,690 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [12]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2005–2009

Powertrain:

All

In 2005–2009 Frontiers, Pathfinders and Xterras sold or registered in the salt-belt states and D.C., salty water can enter the front crash zone sensor and rust it, lighting the air bag warning and possibly preventing front air bag deployment. Dealers fit a redesigned sensor; owners in other states received a 10-year warranty extension on the sensor. The 242,720 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [13]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2005–2006

Powertrain:

All

An engine control relay inside the power distribution module of 2005–2006 Frontiers, Pathfinders and Xterras and 2004–2006 Armadas, Titans and QX56s can build up oxide on its contacts and stall the engine. Dealers replace the relay free of charge. The 747,480 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [14]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2006 and 2008

Powertrain:

All

The fuel tank shell on 2006 and 2008 Frontiers, Xterras and Pathfinders can deform so the gauge reads about a quarter tank when the tank is empty, risking a stall. Dealers replace the fuel level sender free of charge. The 80,689 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [15]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2010

Powertrain:

All

Some lower control links on 2010 Frontiers, Pathfinders, Xterras, Titans, Armadas and QX56s built November 2009–March 2010 have welds below strength specification that could separate and degrade handling. Dealers repair the vehicles free of charge. The 41,649 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [16]

Generation:

Second generation (2005–2021)

Years:

2012

Powertrain:

All (2WD)

Some 2012 two-wheel-drive Frontiers, Pathfinders and Xterras built June–July 2012 may have front wheel hubs below hardness specification that wear and crack. Dealers replace both front hubs free of charge. The 2,417 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [17]

Generation:

Third generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2025–2026

Powertrain:

All

Certain 2025–2026 Frontiers, 2025 Altimas and Sentras and 2026 Kicks may have door strikers with bad welds that can break and let a door open while driving. Dealers replace the strikers free of charge. The 26,432 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [1]

Generation:

Third generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2025

Powertrain:

All

A software logic error on certain 2025 Frontiers can dim the daytime running lights when idle stop-start restarts the engine. Dealers update the engine computer free of charge. NHTSA lists 13,719 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [2]

Generation:

Third generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2025

Powertrain:

All

The center display on certain 2025 Frontiers and Kicks may stay blank when shifted into reverse. Dealers update the display software free of charge. The 79,755 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [3]

Generation:

Third generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2024

Powertrain:

All

Certain 2024 Frontiers may have a right front lower link with an oversized ball joint that can corrode and separate, causing a loss of steering control. Dealers replace the lower link free of charge. NHTSA lists 5,929 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [4]

Generation:

Third generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2023

Powertrain:

All

Tires on certain 2023 Frontiers and Titans may have a tear in the inner bead that can cause rapid air loss. Dealers replace all four road tires or the spare as needed, free of charge. The 4,249 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Frontier.

Sources: [5]