Nissan Frontier 1998–2004 problems by year and mileage
1st generation (D22)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026810 complaints, 406 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 1998 Nissan Frontier
Close- Median failure report
- 110,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 129
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 1998
- Electrical system23 reports
- Tyres23 reports
- Suspension19 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — front · Power train — automatic transmission
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1999 Nissan Frontier
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 78
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 1999
- Tyres19 reports
- Airbag system17 reports
- Transmission and driveline12 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Exterior lighting — tail lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2000 Nissan Frontier
Close- Median failure report
- 86,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 194
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2000
- Tyres30 reports
- Transmission and driveline27 reports
- Suspension23 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Power train — automatic transmission · Exterior lighting — tail lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2001 Nissan Frontier
Close- Median failure report
- 73,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 137
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2001
- Fuel system25 reports
- Engine and its cooling system23 reports
- Hydraulic brake circuit15 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Suspension — rear
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2002 Nissan Frontier
Close- Median failure report
- 69,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 129
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2002
- Hydraulic brake circuit14 reports
- Throttle and speed control14 reports
- Electrical system13 reports
Recall areas Steering — column · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Suspension — rear
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Nissan Frontier
Close- Median failure report
- 66,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 77
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2003
- Fuel system13 reports
- Suspension10 reports
- Steering9 reports
Recall areas Steering — column · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Wheels — rim
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Nissan Frontier
Close- Median failure report
- 61,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 66
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2004
- Transmission and driveline13 reports
- Fuel system7 reports
- Steering7 reports
Recall areas Steering — column
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 1998; earliest: the 2004, and the 1998 is 6 years older (part of the gap is age). 1 of these years carries fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and shows no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 1998–2004 Nissan Frontier reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 74,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 149,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 406
- Recalls
- 10
Most reported
- Tyres11.0% of complaints · median 55,000 mi
- Fuel system10.7% of complaints · median 90,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline10.2% of complaints · median 89,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine - Timing Chain1998–2004
- Body/Frame - Corrosion1998–2004
- Exhaust1998–2004
Owners filed 810 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998–2004 Nissan Frontier; the tyres leads with 11% of them, and half of the 406 that record an odometer reading came by 74,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 42,000 to 114,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1998–2004 Nissan Frontier last?
On the 1998–2004 Nissan Frontier, half of the 406 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 74,000 miles and 90% by 149,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
40 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 13 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Frontier reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Nissan Frontier 1998–2004 · 406 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 37 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 13 complaints (3.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 15,000
- 25%
- 42,000
- Median
- 74,000
- 75%
- 114,000
- 90%
- 149,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 37 | 9.1% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 13 | 3.2% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 20 | 4.9% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 26 | 6.4% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 29 | 7.1% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 29 | 7.1% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 32 | 7.9% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 27 | 6.7% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 28 | 6.9% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 24 | 5.9% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 29 | 7.1% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 19 | 4.7% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 19 | 4.7% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 19 | 4.7% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 15 | 3.7% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 7 | 1.7% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 9 | 2.2% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 6 | 1.5% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 4 | 1.0% |
| 200,000+ | 13 | 3.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Frontier problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Nissan Frontier 1998–2004
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Tyres89 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 40,000–100,000
- Engine and its cooling system71 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 22,000–85,000
- Suspension77 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 19,000–100,000
- Electrical system73 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 29,000–115,000
- Transmission and driveline83 reportsmedian 89,000middle half 56,000–125,000
- Fuel system87 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 64,000–109,000
- Airbag system68 reportsmedian 105,000middle half 68,000–142,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 89 | 11.0% | 55,000 | 40,000–100,000 |
| Fuel system | 87 | 10.7% | 90,000 | 64,000–109,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 83 | 10.2% | 89,000 | 56,000–125,000 |
| Suspension | 77 | 9.5% | 70,000 | 19,000–100,000 |
| Electrical system | 73 | 9.0% | 70,000 | 29,000–115,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 71 | 8.8% | 55,000 | 22,000–85,000 |
| Airbag system | 68 | 8.4% | 105,000 | 68,000–142,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 62 | 7.7% | 33,000 | 4,500–45,000 |
| Body structure | 46 | 5.7% | 95,000 | 63,000–130,000 |
| Steering | 39 | 4.8% | 70,000 | 49,000–120,000 |
Known problems with the 1998–2004 Frontier
Engine - Timing Chain 1998–2004
KA24DE timing chain guide and tensioner wear producing a cold-start rattle and, if ignored, chain slap and guide fragmentation.
Body/Frame - Corrosion 1998–2004
Frame and rear structure corrosion in road-salt regions, a recurring theme in owner reports across Nissan compact trucks of this era.
Exhaust 1998–2004
Exhaust manifold cracking and pre-cat material ingestion reports on the four-cylinder trucks.
Before you buy a 1998–2004 Frontier: the 3-minute check
Generated from 406 mileage-tagged complaints, 10 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine - timing chain on 1998–2004 (2.4L) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check Body/Frame - corrosion on 1998–2004 cars.
- Check exhaust on 1998–2004 cars.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Frontier problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi38% below | At 90k mi59% below | At 120k mi77% below | At 150k mi90% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 40,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system | 64,000–109,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 56,000–125,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 19,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 29,000–115,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 22,000–85,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 68,000–142,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Nissan Frontier 1998–2004 · 406 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 38% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 59% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 77% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 90% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
1998–2004 Nissan Frontier recalls (10)
NHTSA records 10 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (2), the transmission and driveline (2), the steering (1) (why one area can repeat).
Nov 2010 · 2002–2004 · SteeringThe shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers…
The defect. Nissan is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Frontier vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001 through october 20, 2004, and model year 2002-2004, xterra vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001, through january 6, 2005. Over time corrosion may form in the…
What can happen. The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. The steering column shaft and joint will be replaced with a shaft of a different design. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on december 13, 2010. Owners may contact…
May 2004 · 1999–2003 · Fuel System, GasolineIf corrosion occurs, the terminal strip could eventually break causing the fuel pump to stop operation.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks equipped with six cylinder engines and sport utility vehicles equipped with four or six cylinder engines, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel-sending unit can develop a crack in the plastic molding. This can cause the terminal strip to…
What can happen. If corrosion occurs, the terminal strip could eventually break causing the fuel pump to stop operation. This will result in not being able to start the engine or cause the engine to stop running…
The free fix. In the following states, dealers will replace the fuel-sending unit. These states are connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota…
Nov 2002 · 2003 · WheelsWhen installed on the front of the vehicle, the wheel rim will contact the brake caliper causing a loud…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a v6 engine, an incorrect size wheel rim for the spare tire was provided in these vehicles. The wheel rim does not fit properly as a replacement for a front wheel.
What can happen. When installed on the front of the vehicle, the wheel rim will contact the brake caliper causing a loud rubbing noise and could result in wear on the caliper and/or wheel rim if driving continues.…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the spare tire wheel rim with a new one, and remount the spare tire on it. Owner notification began january 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an…
Nov 2002 · 2001 · Fuel System, GasolineUnder certain conditions such as high ambient temperature and when winter grade gasoline is being sold, fuel…
The defect. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the fuel tank inlet shutter valve does not meet the sealing performance specification.
What can happen. Under certain conditions such as high ambient temperature and when winter grade gasoline is being sold, fuel could spill from the filler inlet as the tank is being filled. In the presence of an…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the fuel tank inlet shutter valve. Owner notification is expected to begin december 10, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service…
Nov 2002 · 2001–2003 · SuspensionThis can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor.
What can happen. This can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and any affected components will be replaced. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. Owner notification began december 10…
Nov 2002 · 2002 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis will cause the engine control system to go into the failsafe mode.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with a supercharger, under certain conditions, such as full throttle in low gear when the engine is not fully warmed up and at cold ambient temperature, the amount of intake air flow through the air…
What can happen. This will cause the engine control system to go into the failsafe mode. Under this condition, the malfunction indicator lamp will illuminate and engine speed will not exceed 2400 RPM regardless of…
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module. Owner notification began january 15, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Oct 2000 · 2000 · Power TrainIf the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
The defect. Vehicle description: pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect. " These vehicles…
What can happen. If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift cable lock plate.
Dec 1999 · 1999–2000 · Exterior LightingIf the bulb falls out of the socket, the brake or tail lamp function cannot occur.
The defect. Vehicle description: minivans and light duty trucks. The tail light socket may have been improperly molded, resulting in the locking tab having insufficient force to retain the bulb.
What can happen. If the bulb falls out of the socket, the brake or tail lamp function cannot occur.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the tail lamp sockets.
Mar 1998 · 1998 · Seat BeltsIf the seat belt is completely severed, it can increase the risk of serious injury to an occupant in a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty passenger trucks equipped with bucket seats. In certain frontal crashes, the front seat belt can slip between the seat bottom finisher and the seat back plastic recliner handle where it can be cut by the sharp edge of the metal…
What can happen. If the seat belt is completely severed, it can increase the risk of serious injury to an occupant in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the plastic handle on the end of the seat back reclining lever fwith a different shape handle which will prevent the seat belt from slipping between the handle and the seat.
Mar 1998 · 1998 · Power TrainThis could result in a crash if the parking brake is not engaged.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty passenger trucks equipped with automatic transmissions. A securing pin inside the automatic transmission control device assembly can come loose allowing the shift lever to be inadvertently moved out of the park position with…
What can happen. This could result in a crash if the parking brake is not engaged.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the automatic transmission control device assembly and replace it if necessary.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 810 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 78 (9.6%)
- Fires
- 19
- Injury reports
- 45
- Fatality reports
- 3
Frontier problems by model year
The 2000 drew the most complaints of this generation, 194, most of them about the tyres, and the 2004 the fewest, 66. A typical year drew about 129.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 129 | 33 | 110,000 | Electrical system (23) | 2 |
| 1999 | 78 | 26 | under 30 reports | Tyres (19) | 2 |
| 2000 | 194 | 86 | 86,000 | Tyres (30) | 3 |
| 2001 | 137 | 77 | 73,000 | Fuel system (25) | 3 |
| 2002 | 129 | 77 | 69,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (14) | 4 |
| 2003 | 77 | 60 | 66,000 | Fuel system (13) | 4 |
| 2004 | 66 | 47 | 61,000 | Transmission and driveline (13) | 1 |
What Frontier owners reported
The contact owns a 1999 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the sending unit and fuel pump. The vehicle was…
1999 · 180,000 miles · Fuel system
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 contact received…
1998 · 145,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while parked, the contact pulled the cable release for the parking brake and the bracket under the parking brake detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer stated that the manufacturer no longer manufactured the part for the…
2004 · 209,000 miles · Parking brake
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove home safely. The contact performed an inspection and noticed that the fuel pump was…
2002 · 200,000 miles · Fuel system
Built from 406 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Frontier generations
- Frontier 2005–2021 1,960 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline