Timing Tensioner problems of the 2008 Nissan Frontier

The engine makes a whining noise that increases in frequency with engine rpm. The truck has 69,000 miles on it but the noise has been apparent for some time. I took the truck to the dealer and was informed that the secondary timing chain tensioners were worn out and needed to be replaced at a cost of $1,800.

Timing chain guides and tensioners need to be replaced. Also the timing chains [3]. If these fail on the highway, a severe accident could result. Nissan has published bulletins on this problem but has not notified owners about it. There are evidently class action suits filed against them. These part are defective in design and quality and pose a potentially hazardous situation.

A whining or buzzing type noise has develop from the timing chain area caused by excess slack in the secondary timing chains. Nissan has issued a service bulletin (ntb09-128) regarding this issue. Replacement of both secondary timing chains and their tensioner shoes will be necessary to repair this concern. My 2008 Frontier has 89k miles on it (out of Nissan's 60k warranty) and has been whining for sometime now. Nissan knows of this problem per the previously mentioned tsp. It is my worry that if the chain breaks or fails while driving it the motor will instantly stop/fail and possibly lock up therefore putting myself and family and or others at great risk for injury.

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Frontier. While driving approximately 30 mph, there was a waddling noise coming from the passenger side of the engine. The vehicle stalled and the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain tensioner failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.