2005 Nissan Frontier Engine Problems
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2005 Nissan Frontier, 15% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 107,450 miles. The words owners use most often: “radiator transmission” (13% of reports).
- 80engine complaints
- 107,450median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $2,800typical repair cost reported by owners
- 38%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.
- Radiator transmission: mentioned in 10 of 80 complaints (13%)
- Timing chain: mentioned in 7 of 80 complaints (9%)
- Coolant leaking: mentioned in 5 of 80 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the 2005 Nissan Frontier at $2,800, and half of them between $2,400 and $5,250.
Based on 5 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2013–2016), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 72 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 80 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 2 a fire.
Nissan Frontier engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Frontier | 2 | 9% | — |
| 2023 Frontier | 13 | 20% | 200 |
| 2022 Frontier | 6 | 5% | 2,000 |
| 2021 Frontier | 2 | 10% | — |
| 2020 Frontier | 5 | 22% | 19,392 |
| 2019 Frontier | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2018 Frontier | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2017 Frontier | 4 | 11% | 41,050 |
| 2016 Frontier | 8 | 19% | 49,000 |
| 2015 Frontier | 2 | 6% | 21,054 |
| 2013 Frontier | 4 | 8% | 36,000 |
| 2012 Frontier | 13 | 16% | 25,012 |
| 2011 Frontier | 4 | 6% | 70,000 |
| 2010 Frontier | 7 | 12% | 99,500 |
| 2009 Frontier | 2 | 5% | 100,000 |
| 2008 Frontier | 26 | 19% | 84,606 |
| 2007 Frontier | 72 | 14% | 97,511 |
| 2006 Frontier | 82 | 13% | 106,000 |
| 2005 Frontier | 80 | 15% | 107,450 |
| 2004 Frontier | 6 | 9% | 63,950 |
| 2003 Frontier | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2002 Frontier | 2 | 2% | 192,000 |
| 2001 Frontier | 3 | 2% | 130,000 |
| 2000 Frontier | 2 | 1% | 135,000 |
| 1998 Frontier | 1 | 1% | — |
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.
The timing chain has gone out. Other crankshaft sensor went out while driving the vehicle at about 30mph.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact then stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ecm needed to be replaced and programed. The vehicle…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2005 Nissan Frontiers have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 80 owner complaints about engine for the 2005 Nissan Frontier (15% 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?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 107,450 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the 2005 Nissan Frontier?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,800 (half paid between $2,400 and $5,250), from 5 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2005 Nissan Frontier?
The most frequent phrase is “radiator transmission”, in 10 of 80 complaints, followed by “timing chain” (7).
Other 2005 Nissan Frontier problems
See all 2005 Nissan Frontier problems or engine problems across all Frontier years.