IllustrationDRIVERS DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE ONLY FROM THE INSIDE THE TEMP OUTSIDE WAS LIKE 40F
2005 Nissan Frontier
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Frontier years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Frontier are substantially higher than the model-year median of 64.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Frontier years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
180–25K
5225–50K
9250–75K
12975–100K
156100–150K
32150K+
479 reports with mileage · 53 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.
- Power Train. Review the 262 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports8 fire reports9 injury reports
Structure complaints
17 reportsCHASSIS RUST THE CHASSIS ON THE REAR OF MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER IS ALMOST BROKEN INTO PIECES
ELECTRICAL COMPONENT MOUNTED OVERHEAD IN THE CAB HIDDEN BY THE HEADLINER IS RUNNING SO HOT IT HAS BLISTERED EXTERIOR PAINT ABOVE IT. OVER TIME THE AFFECTED AREA IS NOW ABOUT ONE SQUARE FOOT AND IS IMMEDIATELY OBVIOUS BECAUSE OF PAINT LOSS ON TOP OF CAB JUST BEHIND TOP OF WINDSHIELD. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY REPRESENT A P…
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ELECTRICAL COMPONENT MOUNTED OVERHEAD IN THE CAB HIDDEN BY THE HEADLINER IS RUNNING SO HOT IT HAS BLISTERED EXTERIOR PAINT ABOVE IT. OVER TIME THE AFFECTED AREA IS NOW ABOUT ONE SQUARE FOOT AND IS IMMEDIATELY OBVIOUS BECAUSE OF PAINT LOSS ON TOP OF CAB JUST BEHIND TOP OF WINDSHIELD. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY REPRESENT A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. WHILE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE INSTALLED BECAUSE SECTIONS OF THE SUBFRAME WERE RUSTED AND COR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. WHILE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE INSTALLED BECAUSE SECTIONS OF THE SUBFRAME WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
LETTER FROM SENATOR WARNER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE AUTO PAINT CHIPPING-NISSAN FRONTIER TRUCK (ATTN: SHANE CLEM). *TGW THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE PAINT. *JB
2005 NISSAN FRONTIER 4X4 CREW CAB. POOR DESIGN OF TAILGATE HINGE ASSEMBLY DRIVERS SIDE, APPEARS THAT WAS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND LIGHTER TAILGATE. AS I UNDERSTAND NISSAN HAS REDESIGNED AND CHANGED TAILGATE ASSEMBLY FOR 2006 AND NEWER MODELS. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP SI…
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2005 NISSAN FRONTIER 4X4 CREW CAB. POOR DESIGN OF TAILGATE HINGE ASSEMBLY DRIVERS SIDE, APPEARS THAT WAS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND LIGHTER TAILGATE. AS I UNDERSTAND NISSAN HAS REDESIGNED AND CHANGED TAILGATE ASSEMBLY FOR 2006 AND NEWER MODELS. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP SINCE THE TAILGATE ON MY TRUCK WAS DRAGGING ON THE ROAD AND HELD PARTIALLY STILL CONNECTED TO TRUCK BODY WITH CABLE ASSEMBLY. HINGE APPEARED CRACKED AND PULLED FROM BODY OF TRUCK. TAILGATE WAS ALWAYS IN LOCKED POSITION SINCE WE HAVE ISSUES WITH THIEVES IN OUR AREA AND WAS STILL IN LOCKED POSITION WHEN I TOOK IT OUT OF TRUCK BED. OBVIOUSLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS THE FAILURE OF THE HINGE ASSEMBLY COULD COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF FOLLOWING VEHICLES IN THE EVENT THE TAILGATE BECAME REMOVED AND FELL OFF ONTO ROADWAY. *TR
THE CAB TRUCK BODY MOUNT HAS 6 LARGE WASHERS HOLDING THE CAB TO THE TRUCK. WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AND RUNNING 3 OF THE WASHERS BROKE OFF. NOT SURE IF THE WELD FAILED OR WHAT CAUSED THEM TO BREAK LOOSE. WILL THE CAB STAY ON THE TRUCK? THE TRUCK WAS PARKED I HEARD THE BANG AND LOOKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO FIND THE WASHERS R…
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THE CAB TRUCK BODY MOUNT HAS 6 LARGE WASHERS HOLDING THE CAB TO THE TRUCK. WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AND RUNNING 3 OF THE WASHERS BROKE OFF. NOT SURE IF THE WELD FAILED OR WHAT CAUSED THEM TO BREAK LOOSE. WILL THE CAB STAY ON THE TRUCK? THE TRUCK WAS PARKED I HEARD THE BANG AND LOOKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO FIND THE WASHERS RIGHT BEHIND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. EVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING? I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR AN EXCUSE FROM THE DEALER AS TO WHY THAT HAPPENED. CONTACT ME ANYTIME!!! *TR
MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER TAILGATE HINGES HAVE REPEATEDLY FAILED ON ME. THE CABLES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP THE TAILGATE FROM ENDING UP IN THE ROAD, SO AS TO NOT POSE A THREAT TO OTHER DRIVERS. *TR
THE TAILGATE ON MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER LE 2WD PICKUP TRUCK CONTINUALLY COMES OFF IT'S HINGES EVEN AFTER BEING SECURED BY FORCEFULLY CLOSING, AND AT TIMES, SLAMMING, THE TAILGATE SHUT. THIS DEFECT HAS CAUSED THE TAILGATE TO COME OFF IT'S HINGES AND IS A SAFETY RISK TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO ARE BEHIND ME, AS IT CAN CAUSE GREAT BODILY…
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THE TAILGATE ON MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER LE 2WD PICKUP TRUCK CONTINUALLY COMES OFF IT'S HINGES EVEN AFTER BEING SECURED BY FORCEFULLY CLOSING, AND AT TIMES, SLAMMING, THE TAILGATE SHUT. THIS DEFECT HAS CAUSED THE TAILGATE TO COME OFF IT'S HINGES AND IS A SAFETY RISK TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO ARE BEHIND ME, AS IT CAN CAUSE GREAT BODILY HARM, SERIOUS INJURY, OR EVEN DEATH IF IT EVER ENTIRELY FELL OFF. BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT, I LOCK THE TAILGATE IN AN ATTEMPT THAT IT IS SECURELY CLOSED. *TR
TAILGATE BUSTED BRACKETS. I HAVE A 2005 FRONTIER CREW CAB WITH 28000 MILES. THIS WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. I USE THIS VEHICLE FOR TRIPS AND HUNTING. NO HAULING, CONSTRUCTION OR OTHER HEAVY USE. MY 4 WHEELER WAS HAULED IN IT ABOUT 6 TIMES. WE DROVE TO THE MOUNTAINS AND JUST FINISHED UNLOADING OUR LUGGAGE. I WENT TO CLOSE THE GATE AND…
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TAILGATE BUSTED BRACKETS. I HAVE A 2005 FRONTIER CREW CAB WITH 28000 MILES. THIS WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. I USE THIS VEHICLE FOR TRIPS AND HUNTING. NO HAULING, CONSTRUCTION OR OTHER HEAVY USE. MY 4 WHEELER WAS HAULED IN IT ABOUT 6 TIMES. WE DROVE TO THE MOUNTAINS AND JUST FINISHED UNLOADING OUR LUGGAGE. I WENT TO CLOSE THE GATE AND IT WOULDN'T CLOSE, UPON INVESTIGATING THE DRIVERS SIDE HINGE HAD CRACKS AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS CRACKED. MY TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 60 DAYS WHEN I SHOWED THE DEALER SERVICE PERSON. THEY SAID THEY NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE, EVEN ASKED HOW BIG THE DEER WAS I PUT ON THE GATE, AND IF SOMEONE WAS STANDING ON IT? I ASKED IF THEY WERE SERIOUS, AS THIS GATE SHOULD SUPPORT 1000 POUNDS! ANYWAY I WA LUCKY THAT NISSAN AGREED TO REPLACE THE 2 CRACKED BRACKETS ON THE BODY, THE 2 BRACKETS ON THE GATE AND A 3RD BRACKET I WASN'T EVEN AWARE OF UNTIL THE DEALER STATED HE HAD TO ORDER IT IN BEFORE IT COULD BE REPAIRED CORRECTLY. ANYWAY LIKE I STATED, THIS VEHICLE IS USED FOR EASY APPLICATIONS AND THE GATE USED VERY LITTLE. SOUNDS AND LOOKED LIKE A BAD DESIGN IMHO. *TR
Official recalls
310V517000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Oct 28, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES. THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) RELAY THAT HAS A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE DIODE MOLDING WHICH CAUSES SILICON OXIDE TO DEVELOP ON THE ECM RELAY CONTACT DUE TO ARCING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECM RELAY INSIDE THE IPDM ASSEMBLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal
Dec 29, 2008
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
06V092000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Mar 30, 2006
ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CAP TETHER PIN ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY 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
1DP12004 · Transmission Failures
Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.