Nissan Frontier Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 325 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Nissan Frontier across 14 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (106). The words owners use most often: “transmission radiator” (16% of reports).
- 325engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 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.
- Transmission radiator: mentioned in 53 of 325 complaints (16%)
- Timing chain: mentioned in 20 of 325 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 269 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 325 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 an injury.
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 (3)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software; exterior lighting:lighting control module:software
Model years: 2025
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Nissan Frontier vehicles. Due to a software logic error, the daytime running lights may dim unexpectedly when the idle start-stop feature cycles the engine from off to on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Daytime running lights that dim unexpectedly may cause confusion to other vehicles or pedestrians, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R25C3.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2012
Problem: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2011 infiniti fx, model year 2012 infiniti m, model year 2011-2012 nissan frontier, model year 2011-2012 nissan xterra, model year 2011-2012 nissan pathfinder, and model year 2012 nissan nv vehicles. Some of the bolts that connect the engine oil cooler and the engine oil filter to the engine in these vehicles may have been manufactured to below specification strength. As a result, the bolt may break at the oil filter attachment point and can cause an engine oil leak.
Risk: If there is an engine oil leak, the engine oil pressure would drop and the engine could seize, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector bolts free of charge. The safety recall began on january 30, 2012. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2005, 2006
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.
See attached document for complaint.
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…
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. Additionally, the…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to Waxahachie…
The contact owns a 1995 Nissan Frontier XE. The contact stated upon opening the hood to check the engine oil level at the fuel station, the radiator blew out and propelled a hot anti-freeze that burned his upper body. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a friend. The…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Nissan Frontiers have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 325 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling 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 engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Nissan Frontier?
The most frequent phrase is “transmission radiator”, in 53 of 325 complaints, followed by “timing chain” (20).
Other Nissan Frontier problems
- Power Train problems (992)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (505)
- Engine problems (350)
- Electrical System problems (313)
- Air Bags problems (299)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (242)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (126)
- Structure problems (123)
See all Nissan Frontier problems.