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2008 Nissan Frontier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Frontier years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Nissan Frontier are substantially higher than the model-year median of 64.

About this comparison →
136Owner complaints

Model-year median: 64

5Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
532
2005617
2006520
2007136
200837
200959
201064
2011
Compare all Frontier years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Power Train
54Engine
26Air Bags
21Electrical System
13Fuel/propulsion System
13
All reported categories
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
10Engine And Engine Cooling
9Unknown Or Other
5Seat Belts
4Steering
4Suspension
4Electronic Stability Control (esc)
3Fuel System, Gasoline
3Structure
3Exterior Lighting
2Seats
2Service Brakes
2Vehicle Speed Control
2Electronic Stability Control
1Equipment
1Latches/locks/linkages
1Tires
1Traction Control System
1Wheels
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

108 reports with mileage · 28 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports2 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

136 reports
136,911 miles · Oct 13, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, BUT IT SEEMED LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING POWER. SO, I SHUT IT OFF AND WHEN I TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN THE FANS AND LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NOTHING ELSE. I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE STARTER. THEY REPLACED THE STARTER AND THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED THE ATECU FUS…

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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, BUT IT SEEMED LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING POWER. SO, I SHUT IT OFF AND WHEN I TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN THE FANS AND LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NOTHING ELSE. I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE STARTER. THEY REPLACED THE STARTER AND THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED THE ATECU FUSE. IT STARTED AND RAN FOR THREE MINUTES AND THEN DIED AGAIN. THEN I TOOK IT TO AN ELECTRICAL SHOP. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEN I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAIN ECM. THEY FIXED THAT AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START THE CAR. THEN THEY SAID IT WAS THE ECU AND TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO GOOD DUE TO CROSS CONTAMINATION (RADIATOR FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION). THIS IS A NISSAN DEFECTIVE RADIATOR AND THEY CHARGED $5500 FOR A MISTAKE THAT WASN'T MY FAULT.

NHTSA ODI #11268170

136,911 miles · Oct 13, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE BUT IT SEEM LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING POWER. I SHUT IT OFF AND THEN IT WOULD NOT START. ADD THE STARTER REPLACED STILL AND START THE ATE UP FUSE WAS BLOWN.TICKET TO ELECTRICAL SHOP THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAIN ECU AND THEN THEY SAID THAT IT WAS…

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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE BUT IT SEEM LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING POWER. I SHUT IT OFF AND THEN IT WOULD NOT START. ADD THE STARTER REPLACED STILL AND START THE ATE UP FUSE WAS BLOWN.TICKET TO ELECTRICAL SHOP THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAIN ECU AND THEN THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE BRAIN AND THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO GOOD COST $5500 TO FIX

NHTSA ODI #11268165

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2019
Seat BeltsUnknown Or Other

SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS FLASHING, TIRE LIGHT STAYS FLASHING, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAY ON EVEN AFTER DEALER RESET.

NHTSA ODI #11257924

133,000 miles · Jul 11, 2019
Air Bags

TL- CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER NISSMO DRIVER FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG AND REAR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT, WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. NO INJURIES OCCURRED AT TIME. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE DEPLOYMENT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHUCK COLVIN FORD NISSAN 1925 OR-99W MCMINNVILLE,OR (503) 472-6124. VEHICL…

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TL- CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER NISSMO DRIVER FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG AND REAR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT, WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. NO INJURIES OCCURRED AT TIME. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE DEPLOYMENT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHUCK COLVIN FORD NISSAN 1925 OR-99W MCMINNVILLE,OR (503) 472-6124. VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED THEY PROVIDED CASE 35786777 THEY OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE REPAIRS. FAILURE MILEAGE 13300. EP

NHTSA ODI #11231078

120,000 miles · Jul 6, 2019
Power Train

MY COOLANT MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. CAUSING IT NOT TO ACCELERATE. NISSAN MECHANIC SAYS IT'LL COST 6000 DOLLARS TO COMPLETELY FIX. ABSURD!!!!!! 120,000 MILE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11229789

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2019
Unknown Or Other

TRANSMISSION HAS WATER IN IT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO IT NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #11209274

135,000 miles · Mar 27, 2019
Power Train

NOTICED SHAKING IN PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AFTER DOING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF WORKED TO THE FRONT END. TO FIND OUT THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WERE MIXING FLUID. SHOP TOLD ME TRANSMISSION IT IS DONE AND MUST BE REBUILT AND RADIATOR MUST BE REBUILT. BEEN TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE …

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NOTICED SHAKING IN PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AFTER DOING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF WORKED TO THE FRONT END. TO FIND OUT THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WERE MIXING FLUID. SHOP TOLD ME TRANSMISSION IT IS DONE AND MUST BE REBUILT AND RADIATOR MUST BE REBUILT. BEEN TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FRONTIER.

NHTSA ODI #11192032

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL THE TANK WITH GASOLINE AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS, THE LIQUID CAN NOT BE PROPERLY DISPENSED INTO THE TANK BECAUSE OF A BLOCKAGE. THE LIQUID IMMEDIATELY SPEWS OUT OF THE GAS TANK AND ONTO THE PERSON FILLING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11181800

150,000 miles · Dec 18, 2018
Engine

THE COOLER TUBES FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR CRACKED, ALLOWING FOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS RESULTED IN RAPID DEGRADATION OF THE FRICTION ELEMENTS WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. THE FRONTIER IS NOW UNDRIVABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11162276

128,000 miles · Dec 14, 2018
Engine

THIS VEHICLE HAS KNOWN TIMING BELT ISSUES. THE VEHICLE STARTS MAKING A LOUD NOISE(WHINING) THAT GETS LOUDER AS I DRIVE FASTER ON ANY ROAD. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND NISSAN HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IT WILL COST OVER 2400 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND NISSAN DOESN'T SEEM TO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE

NHTSA ODI #11161312

Official recalls

5

23V067000 · Air Bags:frontal

Feb 10, 2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

10V401000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)

Sep 10, 2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

10V075000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:auxillary Tank

Mar 3, 2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal

Dec 29, 2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

08V045000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jan 25, 2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.' THE TIRE PLACARD LISTS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE SELECTION TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY 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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP12004 · Transmission Failures

Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Power Train

On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.