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2002 Nissan Frontier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Nissan Frontier do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 64.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

74 reports with mileage · 50 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports2 fire reports8 injury reports

What owners actually said

124 reports
69,000 miles · Oct 12, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteeringStructure

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 J…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10781378

58,000 miles · Sep 1, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10760765

192,000 miles · Apr 4, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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

NHTSA ODI #10703705

225,000 miles · Dec 15, 2014
Steering

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10664317

49,121 miles · Oct 25, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

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 HA…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10650003

199,887 miles · Oct 7, 2014
Steering

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 ST…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10641983

140,000 miles · Oct 3, 2014
Steering

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 DIAG…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10641063

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineFireInjury

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

NHTSA ODI #10606300

110,000 miles · Jan 9, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10491989

165,000 miles · Sep 7, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control

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 N…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10474235

Official recalls

4

10V554000 · Steering:column

Nov 11, 2010

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

04V230000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 24, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

02V298000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Nov 12, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

02V299000 · Suspension:rear

Nov 12, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.