Nissan Frontier Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 313 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Nissan Frontier across 27 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (38). The words owners use most often: “fuel gauge” (9% of reports).
- 313electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 35%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.
- Fuel gauge: mentioned in 29 of 313 complaints (9%)
- Service engine: mentioned in 17 of 313 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 190 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 313 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 23 a fire, 5 an injury.
Nissan Frontier electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Frontier | 1 | 9% | 2,700 |
| 2024 Frontier | 3 | 14% | — |
| 2023 Frontier | 30 | 45% | 41,000 |
| 2022 Frontier | 31 | 28% | 1,000 |
| 2021 Frontier | 6 | 30% | 26,500 |
| 2020 Frontier | 3 | 13% | 16,025 |
| 2019 Frontier | 5 | 18% | 41,000 |
| 2018 Frontier | 5 | 20% | 50,260 |
| 2017 Frontier | 6 | 16% | 30,000 |
| 2016 Frontier | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2015 Frontier | 3 | 9% | 60,000 |
| 2014 Frontier | 6 | 14% | 48,000 |
| 2013 Frontier | 8 | 17% | 55,500 |
| 2012 Frontier | 7 | 9% | 27,600 |
| 2011 Frontier | 6 | 9% | 12,745 |
| 2010 Frontier | 9 | 15% | 26,000 |
| 2008 Frontier | 13 | 10% | 98,000 |
| 2007 Frontier | 28 | 5% | 72,000 |
| 2006 Frontier | 31 | 5% | 105,701 |
| 2005 Frontier | 38 | 7% | 90,000 |
| 2004 Frontier | 5 | 8% | 78,450 |
| 2003 Frontier | 3 | 4% | 1,778 |
| 2002 Frontier | 13 | 10% | 40,000 |
| 2001 Frontier | 11 | 8% | 70,290 |
| 2000 Frontier | 14 | 7% | 57,820 |
| 1999 Frontier | 3 | 4% | 134,000 |
| 1998 Frontier | 23 | 18% | 114,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Electrical system:ignition
Model years: 2017, 2018
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Electrical system:wiring:front underhood; electrical system:starter assembly
Model years: 2016
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016 Frontier V6 vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to March 7, 2016. The starter motor wire harness may have been installed in an incorrect position, allowing the starter harness terminal to contact the heat shield and result in an electrical short.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the starter wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.
Risk: The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the circuit breaker orientation is incorrect, dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2014. 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.
While driving on a two lane state route road towing a RV at approximately 60 MPH, the first indication of an issue was an amber ABS warning light accompanied by an Amber traction control light. Shortly after a red BRAKE warning light illuminated. Shortly after that an amber 4WD drive light…
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…
The contact owns a 2026 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a dealer due to ongoing electrical issues. Prior to towing the vehicle, the radio failed to turn off, and the engine failed to shut off while attempting to turn off the vehicle. Upon inspection, the dealer…
the truck is acquired new with a factory installed 110 Inverter and 2 outlets, one inside the passenger compartment, and one in the truck bed. i was investigating issues i have with some devices not working properly when use with the truck supplied 110v power.. i used a residential outlet tester on…
I have two recalls, I´m living in [XXX] and I drive this vehicle here. I don´t know where they can solve this problems. NHTSA Recall Number23E-012 NHTSA Recall Number10V-517 I have set a letter in the Upload Files section INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Nissan Frontiers have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 313 owner complaints about electrical system for the Nissan Frontier. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Nissan Frontier electrical system?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Nissan Frontier?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel gauge”, in 29 of 313 complaints, followed by “service engine” (17).
Other Nissan Frontier problems
See all Nissan Frontier problems.