NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
124 reports140,000 miles · May 9, 2011
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY PULL TOWARDS THE LEFT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO NOTIFY AN AUTHORIZED …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY PULL TOWARDS THE LEFT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO NOTIFY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10399657
73,000 miles · May 6, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES WHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN BUT IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE DAY. THE RPMS RAPIDLY INCREASED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE SLID INT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES WHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN BUT IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE DAY. THE RPMS RAPIDLY INCREASED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE SLID INTO AN INTERSECTION ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT FORCEFULLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 06/10/11 *BF UPDATED 1/24/2012 *LN *TR
NHTSA ODI #10399299
100,000 miles · Jan 21, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
SMELLING EXHAUST FUMES IN MY PICKUP CAB. I HAD A NEW EXHAUST SYSTEM INSTALLED AND CHECK BY A MECHANIC. IT WAS OK. HE SAID I HAVE A CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I CHECKED ON THE WWW AND A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. MY TRUCK IS A NISSAN FRONTIER YEAR 2002. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378173
Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2011
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 1 MPH AND ENTERING A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. SHE STATED THAT SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 1 MPH AND ENTERING A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. SHE STATED THAT SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN TWO YEARS WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END AND FENDER AND THE BUMPER WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AT THE TIME OF EITHER INCIDENT. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V298000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND COULD NOT RECALL IF THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 8/30/11 *CN
NHTSA ODI #10375422
70,250 miles · Dec 11, 2010
Steering
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 10V554000 THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED LAST SATURDAY TO MY 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER....MY STEERING COLUMN BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO STEERING. I ALMOST CRASHED TWICE AND BUT MANAGED TO LAND THE TRUCK SAFELY ON A FRIEND'S MOTHER'S FRONT LAWN. AN EXPERIEN…
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NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 10V554000 THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED LAST SATURDAY TO MY 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER....MY STEERING COLUMN BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO STEERING. I ALMOST CRASHED TWICE AND BUT MANAGED TO LAND THE TRUCK SAFELY ON A FRIEND'S MOTHER'S FRONT LAWN. AN EXPERIENCED MECHANIC ON SCENE SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN A STEERING COLUMN BREAK OFF LIKE THIS ONE DID. IT WAS TOWED BY A FLATBED FROM THERE AND IS CURRENTLY AT THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER, BUT THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE TO FIX IT. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE THIS WEEK, AND I DID BUY ANOTHER NISSAN, A 2009 FRONTIER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10369995
15,000 miles · Oct 4, 2010
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS TO THE REAR SEALS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V299000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) IN 2003. ONE YEAR LATER, THE LEFT REAR SEAL BEGAN LEAKING ON THE AXLE. THEN, IN 2005 THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FRACTURED FROM THE AXLE BECAUSE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS TO THE REAR SEALS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V299000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) IN 2003. ONE YEAR LATER, THE LEFT REAR SEAL BEGAN LEAKING ON THE AXLE. THEN, IN 2005 THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FRACTURED FROM THE AXLE BECAUSE THE SEAL FAILED A SECOND TIME. IN TOTAL, THE CONTACT HAS HAD THE SEALS REPLACED SEVEN TIMES AND MOST RECENTLY, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE REAR HOUSING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
NHTSA ODI #10359034
36,000 miles · Jul 21, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AND APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKES; HOWEVER, THEY FAILED CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO THE FRONT DOOR OF A BANK. THE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE WERE UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLIC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AND APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKES; HOWEVER, THEY FAILED CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO THE FRONT DOOR OF A BANK. THE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE WERE UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36000.
NHTSA ODI #10344579
105,208 miles · Apr 9, 2010
Air BagsCrash
THE CAR HIT FROM FRONT WHERE THE SENSOR OF THE AIRBAGS ARE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT EXPLODE WHEN THEY WHERE SUPPOSED TO. SO WE WANT TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT BECAUSE WHAT ABOUT IF THE DRIVER WOULD OF GOTTEN HURT OR HAVE HAD HEAD INJURIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324787
70,000 miles · Nov 25, 2009
Suspension
NO FOLLOW UP FROM DEALER ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 02V299000. I CALLED NISSAN TO GET MORE INFORMATION BECAUSE MY ABS SENSOR LIGHTS TEND TO TURN ON DURING RAINY DAYS. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS RECALL, ASKED TO SCHEDULE MY TRUCK FOR SERVICING WITH NO RESULTS, NOT EVEN A CALL BACK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293602
133,500 miles · Nov 13, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
2002 NISSAN FRONTIER FUEL TANK EVAP LEAKS AND FUEL LEAK DUE TO RUST DAMAGE ON TANK. SHOP IS UNABLE TO OBTAIN A REPLACEMENT TANK AND STATES TANK IS NOT THE NORMAL TANK FOR THIS TRUCK IS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY IT. THEY INFORMED ME NISSAN HAS A PROBLEM WITH FAULTY TANKS FOR THE FRONTIER THIS YEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292055
Official recalls
4Nov 11, 2010
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 LOWER STEERING COLUMN JOINT AND LIMIT MOVEMENT OF THE JOINT. THE LIMITED MOVEMENT OF THIS JOINT MAY CREATE EXCESSIVE LOAD ON THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. IF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, IT MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE SHAFT DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS THAT REQUIRE LARGE STEERING INPUTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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 NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
May 24, 2004
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 CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: 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, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Nov 12, 2002
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 FLOW METER MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PRESET DIAGNOSIS LIMIT VALUE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 THROTTLE POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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 RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Nov 12, 2002
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗