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Engine & cooling

Nissan Frontier Engine problems by year

139 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Frontier's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20226110
20192000
20181000
20174000
20168000
20152000
20134000
201214101
20116000
20060001
20050001
20049000
20035000
200218100
200126210
200014000
199910000
199810010

Engine recalls

Latest Frontier engine complaints

2012 Nissan FrontierElectrical systemEngine & cooling

1. Frequent repeated multiple breakdown and damages to all and any MAF sensors, camshaft position sensors bank 2, VVT solenoid sensors as cause of short circuited and fire hazard high risk of IPDM and main loom wiring harnesses from careless, dangerous severe defective workmanship/installation/mounting of metal bolt and loom wiring together by the A-frame on passenger side, below glove box, on side wall/fender close to passenger door. It appears the factory and Nissan installed backward circuit breaker also. The...

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thick black wire (possibly power wire) and loom harness wiring are rubbing into each other causing possible big hole on the wire/loom insulation resulting to overheating of wire and short circuiting all or most wiring/loom harnesses of entire engine and engine bay. 2. The dangerous rubbing of wire and bolt is extremely dangerous fire risk/hazard also endangering lives of vehicle occupants and commuters on the road and posing danger to the public and city/State infrastructures. 3. Already reported/notified both Nissan Consumer Affairs and local Nissan Dealer on 10/6/2026 and both of them malicously refused and declined to recognize the defect, issue, risk, danger, problem. And they also refused to perform necessary repair. 4. Manufacturer Nissan declined and refused to recognize and acknowledge the serious high danger and defective product and severely flawed manufacturing/mounting/assembly. Local police process unknown. 5. Engine sputtering and resulted to inoperative condition on October 2026. Multiple sensors on bank 2 damaged/failed all at once at the same time indicative of serious IPDM compromised/defect and short circuited wires/loom connected to multiple sensors. Short circuit tracing using tracing device and multimeters confirmed damaged and affected electrical wires as result of Nissan manufacturer creation of unsafe and dangerous product. We, all of us,should be resolving/rectifying major serious problems that pose danger to lives of public

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11769697
2019 Nissan FrontierEngine & cooling

We have three 2019 Nissan Frontier pickups in our fleet that have all recently had the same problem. A engine valve misfire on cylinder 3 on all three trucks. This has caused the trucks to shake, idle rough, and have loss of power while driving. Two independent mechanics have inspected the trucks and have replaced multiple parts to try and fix the problem, however, it has been recommended that all three trucks have the engine replaced. The check engine light did activate on the dash when the problem first began in each truck.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11707810
2022 Nissan FrontierElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I was traveling on the highway doing 70 mph in the left lane when warning lights started appearing on the dash. The first light was an ABS light. 5 minutes later the truck completely died. I was able to coast across the right hand lane and make my way into the shoulder. With the vehicle completely shut down, I had lost power steering and brake effectiveness. Fortunately, traffic was light and I was able to avoid other vehicles. I was unable to restart the vehicle and had to have it towed to a Nissan dealer. It took...

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them 2 months to diagnose and repair the issue. In the end, the cause was that a hole developed on top of the muffler. The heat escaping the hole was able to pass through an inspection hole in the frame and melt the electrical chassis wiring harness running through it. Parts replaced included: ECM (computer), IPDM (electrical distribution module), engine harness, chassis harness, and muffler.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11707611
2000 Nissan FrontierTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

From my Internet search using Google Gemini, (and Google AI has a disclaimer it can make errors), I have replaced my distributer on my 2000 Nissan Frontier three times now due to a stalling problem I have experienced on hot days. My 2000 Nissan Frontier is VIN [[redacted]] . Let's see how much Gemini info I can paste here: "The distributor on your KA24DE engine contains the camshaft position sensor, which is a critical component for engine timing. The distributor itself can fail for a number of reasons,...

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including: Internal bearing failure: The bearing that the distributor shaft spins on can fail, causing the shaft to wobble or seize up. This disrupts the signal from the camshaft position sensor. Failed or failing camshaft position sensor: The sensor itself can fail due to age, heat, or internal electrical issues. Ignition coil failure: The ignition coil is often integrated into the distributor housing on this engine. As it heats up, it can fail and lose spark, causing the engine to stall. The reason this issue is often related to hot weather or a hot engine is that the heat can cause the internal components of the distributor to expand and fail, and it can also cause the ignition coil to break down more easily. Symptoms of Distributor Failure The symptoms for a failing distributor on the 2.4L are very similar to those of the V6 engine: Stalling, especially when hot: This is the most common symptom. The engine may run perfectly when cold, but after it has been running for a while and the engine compartment is hot, it may stall and refuse to restart until it cools down. Engine runs poorly: You may experience a rough idle, misfires, or a loss of power. Hard start or no start: A failing distributor can cause the engine to crank but not start, as it is unable to produce a spark." Nissan no longer provides a replacement distributor and I suspect aftermarket are rebuilds. ***Stalling in traffic I believe is a definite safety issue*** Please let me know. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11683018
2018 Nissan FrontierEngine & cooling

I bought this truck from my boss man and had it put in the shop to replace the head gasket but they ended up changing the valve cover the intake manifold gasket and putting plugs in it due to a smoking issue and skipping but after all the repairs were done it turns out that the valves are bad in the engine and they more than likely they were bad when they installed originally. It's causing stalling issues in traffic and I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11673177
2017 Nissan FrontierTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving at 30 MPH or above, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. On a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled and drastically shifted out of gear into a different gear. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or find a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11650735
2017 Nissan FrontierEngine & cooling

I had a check engine light come on and took it to my mechanic for diagnosis and repair if needed. He diagnosed it as error code P2004. The code indicated a bad runner control valve position sensor. It is located on the end of intake manifold and has two torx screws to remove it. The issue is Nissan did not sell a replacement sensor separately , you can only get that part with the purchase of a whole new intake manifold. This same sensor issue exists on the 2017 Nissan Rogue with service bulletin NTB17-091. My...

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truck is also a 2017 but the specific vehicle is a Nissan Frontier not a Rogue but the failure is identical. In that service bulletin the solution was to replace the sensor which did not require the purchase of the entire intake manifold. I would like Nissan to issue a refund for the intake manifold as the same condition exists with the same year Nissan Rogue and they sell that part separate from the intake manifold.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11644026
2002 Nissan FrontierElectrical systemEngine & coolingDriver assistance

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

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11631479
2019 Nissan FrontierElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Issue: engine and electric system completely shut off randomly while vehicle is driving. Cannot reliably reproduce, but all electric is lost and engine shuts off or at best resets in low gear until things come back alive. This has happened about 4 times to me across two batteries. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The system is blaming the "battery current sensor" and I believe it is the system that controls the "dynamic" alternator system. How was...

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your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle loses all power and lighting. This causes me to pull over without power steering and power brakes. This could happen at any time Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealer has read the code but refuses to work on it without a brand new OEM battery. This first occurred with an OEM battery, and I replaced with one and the problem still happens. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Only the dealership, who was useless. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No indicators the driver would be able to see. The check engine light is NOT on. When scanned via the OBD2 sensor, the Nissan specific code is thrown, but you obviously have to have the correct tool to see this.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11630557
2022 Nissan FrontierElectrical systemEngine & coolingDriver assistance

my truck has been warning malfunction on cluster cause can't let me pedal push to go and can't let me on control cruise over 100 times. I went to Nissan dealership to check my truck. thy said need new engine. I felt they scammed me nine still fine and drive good. I told them to disgontic analysis my truck. still said ned replace new engine. 89,000 miles short time engine. when malfunction warning light will stop me go pedal or control cruise. I hav to turn off engine 10 mins then start to go working good until 1 hr again malfunction warning on cluster to prevent me go control cruise and pedal.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11613074
2016 Nissan FrontierEngine & cooling

Head gasket blew and it warped the heads at 98,000 miles Replace motor with a 51,000 mile motor and less than 2 months later, motor is knocking inside with broken peices of the motor. I have to replace it again.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11597546
2012 Nissan FrontierElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact shifted into park(P); however, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam shaft...

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sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and had the cam shaft sensor replaced again. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key was no longer working and turning the ignition switch. The contact then drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle failure had reoccurred, and the vehicle was not taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11588145
2022 Nissan FrontierTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

On 8/26/23, I came upon a red light and stopped. Vehicle immediately would not go into gear, all dash lights and check engine light were flashing, and fan motors were running loudly. Error message said automatic transmission error. The vehicle could not be turned off for approx. 10 minutes. Had to push the vehicle off of the roadway. I was able to restart the vehicle after 2 hours. On 8/28,23, the exact same thing happened and I was stuck in the lane of traffic. All dash lights and check engine light were...

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flashing. Error message said automatic transmission error. Would not go into any gear. The vehicle could not be turned off for approx. 10 minutes. I had the vehicle pulled out of the roadway, then towed to dealership on 8/28/23. The dealership contacted me on 8/29/82 and stated they could not duplicate the error and there was nothing else they could do at that time. My concern is that this happens again in a more dangerous setting.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11541462
2022 Nissan FrontierTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The truck's computer control system suffered a catastrophic failure after intermittent warning for ABS brakes and Emissions. After this failure the truck was left stranded in the pouring thunderstorm - it wouldn't start, waring lights for just about everything and couldn't be towed as the electronic transmission was locked in park with no manual overrides. Had it occurred on a highway it could have caused serious dangers. After 2+ weeks the dealer hasn't been able to diagnose the problems, repair or return the truck. Complaints have been filed with Nissan Consumer Affairs.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11535566
2013 Nissan FrontierEngine & cooling

This is an intermittent problem sometimes this problem will happen as far apart as a month, Then for two days then go away. When accelerating the truck will starting bucking, not getting to enough fuel, this will sometimes not stop the next day I take it to the mechanic it is running fine no check engine light comes on. He runs a diagnostic, no error readings this has been going on for 6mos.. Once it was so bad by the time I got it home it had fried the converters. The mechanic changed the converters replaced...

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all the censors on the engine and converters clean the injectors, replaced the plugs, and changed fuel filter, tested the fuel pump, good. I need help, don't know what to do. Had another shop run a diagnostic check after all of this could find no problems, but the problem is still there. Afraid of stalling in an intersection and getting killed.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11527635

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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