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Nissan Frontier Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Nissan Frontier

Nissan Frontier Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Extended Cab 6ft bed 261-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD
Nissan quality. full 2009 Nissan Frontier review
2008 4dr Extended Cab 6ft bed 154-horsepower 2.5L I4
5-speed manual RWD
Has had no mechanical issues since purchased new. Now with 57,000 miles on it and 6.5 years of ownership. Very reliable. full 2008 Nissan Frontier review
2006 4dr Crew Cab 5ft bed 265-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range
The Frontier hasnt failed me yet and will take me any place I try to put it full 2006 Nissan Frontier review
2006 4dr Extended Cab 6ft bed 265-horsepower 4.0L V6
6-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range
Only one issue in 3 years, an e-brake adjustment, not a big deal. Solid truck, can handle anything you put it through. Does not fall apart, inside or out. full 2006 Nissan Frontier review
2006 4dr Extended Cab 6ft bed 265-horsepower 4.0L V6
6-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range
I bought this truck, all routine maintenance is performed by the dealership I purchased it at. I have never taken it in on a recall, and the only trouble I have had is the emergency break needing an adjustment, which was very minor in my opinion. full 2006 Nissan Frontier review
2004 2dr Extended Cab 6ft bed 180-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range
Nissan has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles. full 2004 Nissan Frontier review
Nissan Frontier Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Extended Cab 6ft bed 261-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD
I used to love this truck then I encountered the faulty timing chain tensioner issue where my engine started to have this whine when idle and a rough start. The timing chair was loose and rubbing up against the guides causing the whine, and it costs $1800 to get everything replaced. Timing chains shouldn't fail that's why they replaced timing belts, but this one fails because of a cheap part used to maintain tension in the line which will fail sometime after 90k. Issue #2 is the shoddy radiators that can leak coolant into the tranmission fluid destroying the transmission. Nissan's recommeded fix is the replace the radiator which will eventually fail again instead of the fix I have found on the internet which is to bypass the radiator all together and buy a transmission cooler. It's probably better to be safe and sorry and do this repair or run the risk of your radiator destroying your transmission and a costly repair to replace both at the same time! full 2009 Nissan Frontier review
2006 4dr Extended Cab 6ft bed 265-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD
Not a reliable vehicle. Unless you like shelling out $4500 for a new transmission. COMMON OCCURENCE! I caught the transmission failure at an early stage. Yet I had to constantly check in with 2 Nissan Dealers to catch this early. Coolant is leaking into the transmission. POOR DESIGN NISSAN! full 2006 Nissan Frontier review
2005 4dr Crew Cab 5ft bed 265-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range
Less than 40K miles and have already replaced one head on the engine, caliper, rear driveshaft, and differential. The VQ40 has numerous issues (timing chain tensioners, valve slop, piston slap) and cheap parts. Do your research before buying. full 2005 Nissan Frontier review