2005 Nissan Frontier Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2005 Nissan Frontier, 20% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 95,997 miles. The words owners use most often: “transmission radiator” (24% of reports).
- 106engine and engine cooling complaints
- 95,997median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 44%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transmission radiator: mentioned in 25 of 106 complaints (24%)
- Coolant leaked: mentioned in 8 of 106 complaints (8%)
- Took truck: mentioned in 6 of 106 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 100 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 106 complaints, 1 a fire.
Nissan Frontier engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Frontier | 1 | 1% | 179,002 |
| 2011 Frontier | 2 | 3% | 160,000 |
| 2010 Frontier | 2 | 3% | 44,880 |
| 2008 Frontier | 9 | 7% | 87,390 |
| 2007 Frontier | 62 | 12% | 100,500 |
| 2006 Frontier | 74 | 12% | 92,000 |
| 2005 Frontier | 106 | 20% | 95,997 |
| 2004 Frontier | 3 | 5% | 39,000 |
| 2003 Frontier | 4 | 5% | 16,000 |
| 2002 Frontier | 11 | 9% | 35,365 |
| 2001 Frontier | 22 | 16% | 52,500 |
| 2000 Frontier | 9 | 5% | 85,000 |
| 1999 Frontier | 10 | 13% | 60,078 |
| 1998 Frontier | 10 | 8% | 97,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. While driving approximately 45 mph, an abnormal noise was heard emerging from underneath the vehicle. The noise went away when the accelerator pedal was not depressed. The contact also stated that the failure occurred five other times within a two week…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. The contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled the vehicle into an empty parking lot and the smoke dissipated. The contact removed the key from the ignition and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the transmission slipped and the vehicle experienced abnormal vibration. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the transmission fluid mixed with the radiator fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2005 Nissan Frontiers have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 106 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the 2005 Nissan Frontier (20% of the 532 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Nissan Frontier engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems start?
The median reported mileage is 95,997 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2005 Nissan Frontier?
The most frequent phrase is “transmission radiator”, in 25 of 106 complaints, followed by “coolant leaked” (8).
Other 2005 Nissan Frontier problems
- Power Train problems (262)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (119)
- Engine problems (80)
See all 2005 Nissan Frontier problems or engine and engine cooling problems across all Frontier years.