NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
532 reports79,500 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Power Train
DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS AND FUEL SENSORS ON NISSAN TRUCKS. NISSAN IS VERY AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT REFUSES TO REMEDY OR REPAIR. MY CURRENT VEHICLE IS A NISSAN FRONTIER 2005 BUT I HAD THE FUEL SENSOR PROBLEMS ON MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AS WELL. PLEAS SEE LINK TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMPLAINT PAGE LISTING HUNDREDS WITH THE SAME PROB…
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DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS AND FUEL SENSORS ON NISSAN TRUCKS. NISSAN IS VERY AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT REFUSES TO REMEDY OR REPAIR. MY CURRENT VEHICLE IS A NISSAN FRONTIER 2005 BUT I HAD THE FUEL SENSOR PROBLEMS ON MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AS WELL. PLEAS SEE LINK TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMPLAINT PAGE LISTING HUNDREDS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM; HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/NISSAN_FRONTIER.HTML *TT
NHTSA ODI #10412025
110,000 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Power Train
2005 NISSAN FRONTIER LE (TRANSMISSION FAILURE). DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEED (70MPH), TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING SUDDEN DECELERATION. FAILED ONCE, TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED. NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS NOT ABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO HIGH DEMAND FOR PARTS. POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE HIGH SPEED COLLISION DUE TO SUDDEN DECELERATION. …
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2005 NISSAN FRONTIER LE (TRANSMISSION FAILURE). DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEED (70MPH), TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING SUDDEN DECELERATION. FAILED ONCE, TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED. NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS NOT ABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO HIGH DEMAND FOR PARTS. POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE HIGH SPEED COLLISION DUE TO SUDDEN DECELERATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10406286
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2011
Structure
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
NHTSA ODI #10405924
60,000 miles · Jun 2, 2011
Air Bags
MY AIRBAG SYSTEM HAD BEEN DISABLED IN MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER DUE TO A BAD PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. THE REPAIR WILL BE OVER $1800 AND NISSAN HAS ALREADY AGREED TO ASSIST IN $300 FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT OTHER NISSAN VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE PAST YEAR BUT MY MODEL HAS NOT. THEY HAV…
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MY AIRBAG SYSTEM HAD BEEN DISABLED IN MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER DUE TO A BAD PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. THE REPAIR WILL BE OVER $1800 AND NISSAN HAS ALREADY AGREED TO ASSIST IN $300 FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT OTHER NISSAN VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE PAST YEAR BUT MY MODEL HAS NOT. THEY HAVE ASSUMED SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITY BY OFFERING ME SOME COMPENSATION. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY NISSAN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN REPAIRED BY A NISSAN DEALER, I HAVE BEEN UNDER REVIEW WITH NISSAN CUSTOMER AFFAIRS FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE GET COMPENSATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10404255
59,994 miles · May 9, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
3/10/08-TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND CLUNKING, TOOK TO DEALER-TURN AWAY, 59994 MILES. 4/21/08-62,597 MILES RETURNED TO DEALER AND AGAIN WAS TOLD NO PROBLEM. THAT DAY TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE DRAINED TRANSMISSION FLUID. RESEMBLED A MILK SHAKE AND HE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BROKEN TRANSMISSION LINE IN THE RADIATOR. RETURN…
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3/10/08-TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND CLUNKING, TOOK TO DEALER-TURN AWAY, 59994 MILES. 4/21/08-62,597 MILES RETURNED TO DEALER AND AGAIN WAS TOLD NO PROBLEM. THAT DAY TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE DRAINED TRANSMISSION FLUID. RESEMBLED A MILK SHAKE AND HE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BROKEN TRANSMISSION LINE IN THE RADIATOR. RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY ONCE AGAIN TURNED ME AWAY REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. LOCAL MECHANIC FLUSHED TRANSMISSION AND REPAIRED RADIATOR. TRANSMISSION STILL SLIPS AND CLUNKS AND IS PRESENTLY PARKED.(NOT DRIVABLE) RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NISSAN ADMITTING TO THIS VERY PROBLEM AND THEY STILL REJECTED MY REQUEST FOR REPAIRS. BELIEVE ENGINE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. BURNS OIL AND STALLS AS WELL. MADE MANY REQUESTS TO NATIONAL CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND TOTALLY REJECTED MY CONCERNS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10399700
50,000 miles · May 7, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
WE OWN A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER LE KING CAB. OUR GAS HAND DOES NOT WORK AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. THIS IS OUR THIRD NISSAN KING CAB WITH THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND IS QUITE EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. IF WE DO NOT GET WARRANTY HELP WITH THIS P…
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WE OWN A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER LE KING CAB. OUR GAS HAND DOES NOT WORK AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. THIS IS OUR THIRD NISSAN KING CAB WITH THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND IS QUITE EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. IF WE DO NOT GET WARRANTY HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM, IT WILL BE THE LAST NISSAN FOR US. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10399413
85,000 miles · May 6, 2011
Power Train
VIBRATION OCCURRED WHILE SHIFTING. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP PF WHICH THEY STATED PROBLEM RELATED TO ENGINE COOLANT GETTING MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION OIL DUE TO FAILED COOLER INSIDE RADIATOR. COSTS FOR REBUILDING TRANSMISSION OVER $6,000THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT, NOTHING TO DO WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. NISSAN WI…
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VIBRATION OCCURRED WHILE SHIFTING. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP PF WHICH THEY STATED PROBLEM RELATED TO ENGINE COOLANT GETTING MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION OIL DUE TO FAILED COOLER INSIDE RADIATOR. COSTS FOR REBUILDING TRANSMISSION OVER $6,000THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT, NOTHING TO DO WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. NISSAN WILL NOT REIMBURSE THE REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10399378
101,001 miles · May 2, 2011
Air BagsInjury
IN MARCH OF 2011, I WAS OPERATING MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER (4-DOOR CREW CAB, 4X4, NISMO PACKAGE) ON A DIRT ROAD WITH ONE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT. VEHICLE CAME IN CONTACT WITH WASHBOARD/RUTTED SECTION OF ROAD, WHEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES AND DAMAGE TO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE A…
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IN MARCH OF 2011, I WAS OPERATING MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER (4-DOOR CREW CAB, 4X4, NISMO PACKAGE) ON A DIRT ROAD WITH ONE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT. VEHICLE CAME IN CONTACT WITH WASHBOARD/RUTTED SECTION OF ROAD, WHEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES AND DAMAGE TO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE AND IMMOBILIZATION DUE TO LACK OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT (SEAT BELTS BECAME INOPERABLE). NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS INVESTIGATED VEHICLE, AND WOULD NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS, AS THEY "DID NOT FIND ANY MALFUNCTIONS." I AM NOW STUCK WITH A DAMAGED VEHICLE FOR A PROBLEM I DID NOT CAUSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398679
59,000 miles · Apr 25, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL SENDING UNIT PROBLEM WITH MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. CAUSES FUEL GAUGE TO BE NON FUNCTIONAL. BASICALLY THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE IN MY TANK. PROBLEM STARTED AT 59000 MILES, I NOW HAVE 80000. NISSAN REFUSES TO FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10397396
71,000 miles · Apr 11, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING EXTREMELY HARD AS IT OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE FLUIDS IN THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE COOLANT, OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS WERE MIXED TOGETHER IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BUT THE CONTACT BELIEV…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING EXTREMELY HARD AS IT OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE FLUIDS IN THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE COOLANT, OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS WERE MIXED TOGETHER IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE SEALS FRACTURED ON THE ENGINE WHEN THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
NHTSA ODI #10395519
Official recalls
3Oct 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.
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.
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.
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