- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Nissan Frontier Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 139 complaints about the 2002 Nissan Frontier with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (25) and the brakes (19). Those complaints describe 13 crashes, 2 fires and 9 injuries. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in November 2010 for the column. For comparison, the 2001 has 143 and the 2003 has 77.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Frontier year, for its age
#86 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 139
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 13
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 9
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of all 139 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Nissan Frontier recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
- The problem
- Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo usa at 909-468-3688.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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139 complaints about the 2002 Nissan Frontier
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
The main issue on the Nissan Frontier that I just bought a few months ago that I need to report that I think should be recalled item is the passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked and it makes ticking noises the exhaust is loud and I am definitely getting exhaust fumes drawn into the cab especially when I turn the heater on now that it's winter time and it's getting CO2 carbon and exhaust fumes inside cab which is very toxic also the rear window defogger does not work and the cruise control does not work at all...
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so anyway you're asking for what date this first occurred well it was like that when I bought it and I bought it on approximately in July of the summer 2024 it was all these issues were already broke when I got it I looked online and I see that the exhaust manifold is a very common problem and it is also a health hazard and toxic and could cause injury or death to passengers so I believe it should be and maybe is recalled I see online where some dealerships a few years ago already started fixing the issue for free before it was even recalled so I did a recall check and it says that there's no unfixed recalls on my vehicle but that exhaust manifold needs to be recalled and warranted because it's happening on a majority of those that means it's a bad design and it is also health hazard safety hazard health risk of injury or death because of it
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove home safely. The contact performed an inspection and noticed that the fuel pump was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V554000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the U-joint replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in an active recall. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Seat belt light on the dash turned on and continued flashing. The diagnosis read on it was tensioner on system restraint. Sensor was replaced but the srs light continued to flash and now has locked my seat belts. Driver's seat belt will not release so I have been having to drive without a seat belt. All wiring on sensors on the seat belt and under the seat have been checked and are fine so there must be a faulty sensor someplace or an electrical issue causing the seat belt to lock in place.
Nhtsa campaign #04v230000 applies to my 2002 frontier but it is not covered because its vin is a sc(supercharged) model it has the same gastank,sending unit, orings as trucks in the recall but my model is not included in recall
End play was discovered while vehicle was in motion and at rest. A certified technician removed the steering column and did not notice anything loose. After lifting the vehicle's hood, the technician discovered (3) loose bolts located in the lower steering column area just ahead of the spline. The technician attempted to tighten the (3) bolts but end play did not go away. Is there a recall for corrosion of the bolts, a bushing or sleeve bearing located within the steering column assembly, or a failed snap ring which prevents a bushing or sleeve bearing from moving along the steering column? Please refer to figure 6 of the steering column recall notice.
Sirs, when I stop my pick up you can feel a strong gas odor, I look around and found no leaks, please advise.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan frontier. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be serviced and was informed that the frame of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Electrical short in wiring,affecting brake lights,radio,cruise control and warning lights.The problem is getting worse ,when driving the cruise control light comes on without engaging,the brake lights in the back of the truck are completely out.
I took my truck to the nissan dealership in fairfield california and was told that they needed to replace the fuel pump terminal, but they had to order the part. They never got back to me and it was never repaired. It was so long ago, I can't even remember the date. I live out of state now, but still have my truck and would like it fixed at no charge to me.
Takata inflators: understanding that it is a supercharger and it will not get the fuel mileage as a four-cylinder vehicle I should not be going through this much gas and I do not have my foot in it all the time also my front driver seat is about to dismantle from the floor there is a lot of electrical issues which I'm not sure if that is what is causing sensor problems the check engine light is now on again. I have had over $3000 of my own money put into this truck along with another used motor and supercharger...
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put in right after purchasing this truck used I would not have preferred them buying used I wanted remanufactured but it was not my choice they said. The bed of the truck is also riding out the brake system I also have to redo again which I should not have any issues. And for a supercharger it should have a lot more power than it does. I have documentation to prove that I have spent so far receipts and I do not even like taking the highway at times because I just don't feel like it safe enough to be honest with you and I should not feel that way when I just purchased this truck not even a year ago. This is the first used truck I have ever purchased where I have had so many issues with it I don't know whether not to blame myself to use dealership or the truck itself I fell in love with the truck at first sight but I will never do that again. When it rains and I'm on the highway I will lose power almost to the point where I think the engine and the engine well almost shut off I will have to get off the highway shut the truck down let it sit for about a minute or two turn it back on and then proceed if I still in losing power I will have to shut it off again and then wait until the truck is ready in order for it to have its power back I do not know what the problem is I'm not sure if too much rain is getting into the engine and I'm not sure why
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan frontier. While driving 25-30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brakes failed to stop the vehicle in a timely manner. The contact also heard an abnormal noise emitting from the braking system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no fault code and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that there was no documented records for braking system failure on similar vehicles reported to nissan corporation. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
Radiator coolant mixed with transmisson fluid and caused $5595.00 To replace transmission and radiator. There was no warning and I had purchased an extended warranty that will not cover it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan frontier. The contact stated that while parked, there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. In addition, there was fuel leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the there was corrosion and the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v230000 (fuel system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
During vehicle operation the brake and battery light will flash repeatedly on and off until engine is shut off. Will not start again until after vehicle is driven short distance. Battery, alternator, and regulator have been tested. During use at night vehicle headlights will flicker and dim as well as dashboard lights.
While driving my steering wheel shaft snapped and then I find out there was a recall that I was never notified about. *Tr
Brakes failed on public roadway, could not stop vehicle, crashed into wall to stop vehicle, causing serious bodily injuries.
In just under 14 years of owning this vehicle, I now have had to replace the gas tank a third time due to leakage. I do not feel that this should be the responsibility of the owner, due to the frequency of this happening. I believe these tanks are a bad design and with poor material to rust out and leak in such short periods of time. I just can;t believe there have not been numerous injuries or any deaths due to these gas tanks. I have attached pictures of the second gas tank that was replaces about 6-7 years...
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ago. And you can definitely see that it has been leaking. By the way. My truck has always been garage kept and I have yet to find someone that believes my truck is that old due to how nice that it still looks inside and out.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan frontier. While driving at an unknown speed, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the fuel tank was completely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred seven years later. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan frontier. While driving at various speeds, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000. The vin was not available.
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
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...
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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.
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. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
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.
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...
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contacted nissan north america and case # [[redacted]] 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
Nissan Frontier: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 0 | 7 | A |
| 2005 | 0 | 6 | A |
| 2004 | 66 | 4 | F |
| 2003 | 77 | 7 | F |
| 2002 | 139 | 8 | F |
| 2001 | 143 | 7 | F |
| 2000 | 205 | 6 | F |
| 1999 | 87 | 5 | F |
| 1998 | 131 | 5 | F |
2002 Nissan Frontier vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Nissan Frontier | 139 | 8 | F | |
| 2002 Toyota Tacoma | 0 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Ranger | 0 | 7 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 1,062 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Sentra | 333 | 14 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Maxima | 220 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Xterra | 172 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Pathfinder | 171 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Quest | 44 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Nissan Frontier
Does the 2002 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2002 Nissan Frontier: column (November 2010); headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); exterior lighting (July 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Nissan Frontier?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (25), brakes (19), engine & cooling (18).
How many complaints has the 2002 Nissan Frontier had?
139 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 6, 2001 and the latest on December 18, 2024. Of these, 13 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 9 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Nissan Frontier a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 10 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Nissan Frontier year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Nissan Frontier years have the most complaints?
2000 (205), 2001 (143), 2002 (139). See every Nissan Frontier year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Nissan Frontier has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data