Three problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 2005 Nissan Frontier. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Nissan Frontier based on all problems reported for the 2005 Frontier.
Nissan's rear axle design for the Frontier is faulty, utilizing a bleeder valve that clogs causing seals to fail. Failed seals cause differential oil to leak leading to axle wear, among other issues. Oil leak also spreads all over breaks leading to possible break failure. My axles were replaced in 2012 (along with breaks due to oil damage), now I'm being told (2015) that axles need to be replaced again. I believe Nissan is aware of the problem but this part failure generates revenue, as the work is costly, and leads to the need for break replacement. There needs to be a recall.
Purchased a 05 Frontier cc 4x4 truck from a local dealership. 2 weeks I had the truck roughly the 15 of July, I had put a 30 to 40 pound stone in the back of my truck which has the rhino bed liner, rock dent in the ribs of the box and chipped the rhino bed lining. Took it to the dealership, explained in detail but nothing done as of yet. Yet another person had the same problem I was told by the service department and got a new box. Problems with the drivers side window rattling, the rear end squeaking, and the rear. I took the truck in again, they took it in said they fixed the problems with the window and the rear end squeaking. Took truck home and was doing the same thing. Took back again for same problem plus rear differential and engine brake. Said they fixed window (not true again), had to replace the bushings in the rear(were bad), and needed a new rear differential engine brake they said they had to contact someone else about to find out problem(not fixed to date) took truck in again had it 3 days said was fixed. I took the truck home rear differential was doing exact same thing but now rear was getting hot. Called Monday morning to tell them it was doing exact same thing and the rear was getting hot and service department manger got pissed off was yelling. Now having trouble with the steering in the front , not right. Tried to get problem worked out with dealership. Had to finally call Nissan complaint center. Waited a week for response and finally had call from consumer affairs with no resolution. Told me they could not do nothing except send to general manager plus file complaint with bbb auto which, cost $200, no guarantee. Dealership service department also did not give me copies of service work done and refuses to do so. Consumer affairs only told me they can get them and it will help their case. Called another dealership had them pull up work done on truck and none was filed. I was sold a lemon Nissan don't want to deal with. I smell a lawsuit!.
The "differential lock" (dif lock) dash light goes on after a period of driving. After awhile, the dif lock light turns off & the abs & slip dash lights come on. At first, the dealer could not reproduce the problem. After additional driving by the dealership, the lights came on. The dealership replaced a control module which controls all of these features.