Power Train Problems of Nissan Frontier - part 1

My 2025 Nissan Frontier sv with 4,300 miles is experiencing an ongoing drivetrain issue related to the driveshaft and transfer case. There is a defect related to these parts that results in the drivetrain binding causing the vehicle to have rough shifting and at times, lunge forward when braking to a stop due to the drivetrain binding and then releasing. This makes me weary to drive the vehicle because it may lunge forward and cause a collision or affect my ability to stop in a emergency. There is also an audible metal clunk shearing noise that accompanies this issue when the binding finally releases. My vehicle has not been at the dealership twice and there only solution is to grease the splines between the driveshaft and transfer case. This fix has shown to be a short lived temporary fix that last approximately 2,000 miles. The dealership admitted this is a widespread issue and that many owners are experiencing this issue and that Nissan does not have a fix for it. This has been an issue for over a year and there is tons of posts in forums and social media pages related to these newer model Nissan Frontiers having this issue. It seems Nissan is trying to ignore and downplay the issue claiming the only problem is a "clunk" noise that can be fixed with some grease.

See all problems of the 2025 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

While driving my 2026 Nissan Frontier pro-4x at highway speeds, the vehicle intermittently loses the ability to accelerate. The engine remains running, but pressing the accelerator produces no increase in vehicle speed or engine rpm. No warning lights or diagnostic messages appear when the condition occurs. This creates a significant safety risk because the vehicle cannot maintain or increase speed in traffic. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Nissan dealer on three separate occasions. The dealer was able to reproduce the condition but has not identified a cause or implemented a repair. The defect remains unresolved and continues to present a safety concern.

Started rolling in park, then would not start towed to dealer , no word and no help!!!!.

See all problems of the 2021 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

Muffler developed hole in the top of it prematurely and melted the main wiring harness due to a known design flaw. The vehicle is still at the dealer awaiting repair. All warning lights came on, 4 wheel drive was disabled, center console lost power and hvac was disabled. Safety was put at risk as this happened on the nys thruway and the vehicles main wiring harness was actively melting/shorting while driving. The shorts disabled all safety features like lane assist, detections, and abs. Transmission would also not down shift properly leaving me unable to safely accelerate. Im unsure if the tail lights were still operational or not but wouldnt be surprised if they weren't as many other systems to the rear of the vehicle were fully disabled. The truck is at the dealer I have a quote and video of the muffler and melted wiring harness. The truck is not safe to drive but the problem is constant. This is a known problem by Nissan as theres a TSB to place a larger heat shield over the wiring harness.

See all problems of the 2023 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

This is a nine speed transmission which basically shifts up each gear every 5 to 6 mph until you hit 9th gear about 52 mph. The transmission will not shift to next gear fast enough causing the vehicle to be very slow. The transmission has to go through 5 gears to get to 30 mph. Each gear shifts at 1650 to over 2000 rpm before it will shift to next gear. If the air conditioning is running the least amount of rpm's is over 2000 or higher to shift up to next gear. At 2000 rpm's the engine has very little torque needed from the transmission due to the 3. 692 axle ratio and sounds like the engine is revving higher than it should be. If you don't relax on the gas pedal it will stay in that gear and just rev the rpm's in the gear it is in, until you let off the gas pedal for it to shift up. If you need high acceleration at low speeds it just won't shift up to next gear. I have almost been rear ended many times trying to get onto an expressway or accelerating from a red light to get up to posted speed limit. If you have 5 gears to get to 30 mph then they have to shift at low rpm's (1250 to 1500 rpm"s) and as fast as possible to get the speed of the vehicle up quickly. The transmission has engine braking and will decelerate through each gear. If you are slowing the truck with foot off the brake and then accelerate the driveshaft and rear end will clunk so you have to be gentle with the pedal to prevent loud clunking noises. It will clunk back into first gear at times when braking to stop the vehicle. It is unsafe to drive when getting up to posted speed is crucial.

See all problems of the 2024 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

Transmission hunts between gears at 25-30mph. Downshifts are delayed or hesitates during hard acceleration. Delayed shifting during slow turns.

Crank bolt snapped causing me to loose power steering, a part failed that shouldn't have . I have the bolt looks like in was cracked when they put it together, it was only on by about three threads, my mechanic and the one from Nissan said they'd never seen one come apart before,lucky I wasn't on the highway or in traffic.

See all problems of the 2020 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

Drive shaft/ drive line noise concern with being disabled. Dealer confirmed noise states "repair under review".

The 9 speed automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure (codes po893 and po876), forcing the vehicle into limp mode. The vehicle loses propulsion unexpectedly in traffic, and the transmission risk complete mechanical lockup while driving. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on public roads, creating a severe crash hazard. 06.

Transmission shifting harshly and may have to be replaced.

My 2024 Nissan Frontier has experienced repeated intermittent shut off and no-start failures. The problem began in late 2024 and continued through January 2025, throughout 2025, 2026, and is still occurring. The truck has randomly shut off while driving and has failed to restart at different times. This creates a serious safety risk in traffic and on the freeway because loss of power can cause an accident or leave me stranded in unsafe areas. I brought the vehicle to Nissan dealership service in January 2025 for diagnosis, but they stated no issue was found. The same problem continued afterward. Auto parts stores also checked battery/charging systems and did not identify the cause. Most recently, the vehicle would not start at carmax and required roadside assistance / jump start / towing. The issue is intermittent and difficult to predict, which makes it more dangerous. I am requesting investigation of this recurring defect.

While underway at speeds under 20 mph. Vehicle hesitates and lurches creating a danger when taking off from a stop light. Vehicle may delay acceleration from a stop, which can feel unsafe in traffic and in merging situations. This activity is uncontrollable as the driver has no control and could lead to an accident or injury to pedestrians or other wise. Another problem is rough shifting, hard downshifts and a jerking. There is both an audible clunk and felt responce or "shift shock". Potential safety risk of hesitation or unexpected gear changes may compromise vehicle control. I have reported and visited the bradenton Nissan dealership. (2 times) to no avail.

The light turned green. The truck got up to fourth gear and slipped all the lights on the dash lit up so I took it to the first transmission shop where they said transmission just went out at 75,140 miles pretty much the exact mileage for my first service according to the book in the glove box I took it to Nissan dealership where they said it was the shift selector needed to be changed for a total of $1600. I had it done. I drove it a half a mile down the road and it did it again. They said they drove it over 14 miles with no problem but my odometer says different now they’re telling me I need a new transmission for $9214. 03. I’ve done a lot of research and googled other people having the same problem. I called Nissan corporation they offered to pay 60% for a new transmission. This tells me they know something is wrong with it. After taxes I will have spent over $11,800 for a new transmission at 75,000 miles. This should not have happened.

See all problems of the 2022 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

See attached document for complaint.

Transmission down shifts hard sometimes. Notice more when coming off highway and making exits slowing down.

Purchased new 12. 12. 25, drove 3 miles and heard clunk in transmission, went into limp mode at mile 23. Flatbed back to dealer, they replaced solenoid valve and said was good to drive. Drove away and still have loud clunk in transmission on downshifting. 1. 5. 26 dealer still has vehicle, no resolution.

Transmission fluid mixing with coolant in radiator!.

See all problems of the 2011 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed into a nearby lot with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the failure could not able to be replicated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred within the week. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that undisclosed wires need to be cleaned. The wires were cleaned but the failure reoccurred approximately 2-3 weeks later. The vehicle was again towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred a week and a half later. The vehicle was not diagnosed and or repaired again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

When driving, the collision sign randomly comes on. It causes the the vehicle to rev and there's a lag in picking up speed. There are times when the vehicle is "stuck" while waiting on a left turn and it screeches and jolts when I press on the gas to move forward before it actually moves.

From my internet search using google gemini, (and google ai has a disclaimer it can make errors), I have replaced my distributer on my 2000 Nissan Frontier three times now due to a stalling problem I have experienced on hot days. My 2000 Nissan Frontier is VIN [xxx] . Let's see how much gemini info I can paste here: "the distributor on your ka24de engine contains the camshaft position sensor, which is a critical component for engine timing. The distributor itself can fail for a number of reasons, including: internal bearing failure: the bearing that the distributor shaft spins on can fail, causing the shaft to wobble or seize up. This disrupts the signal from the camshaft position sensor. Failed or failing camshaft position sensor: the sensor itself can fail due to age, heat, or internal electrical issues. Ignition coil failure: the ignition coil is often integrated into the distributor housing on this engine. As it heats up, it can fail and lose spark, causing the engine to stall. The reason this issue is often related to hot weather or a hot engine is that the heat can cause the internal components of the distributor to expand and fail, and it can also cause the ignition coil to break down more easily. Symptoms of distributor failure the symptoms for a failing distributor on the 2. 4l are very similar to those of the v6 engine: stalling, especially when hot: this is the most common symptom. The engine may run perfectly when cold, but after it has been running for a while and the engine compartment is hot, it may stall and refuse to restart until it cools down. Engine runs poorly: you may experience a rough idle, misfires, or a loss of power. Hard start or no start: a failing distributor can cause the engine to crank but not start, as it is unable to produce a spark. " Nissan no longer provides a replacement distributor and I suspect aftermarket are rebuilds. ***stalling in traffic I believe is a definite safety issue*** please let me know. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informatio.

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I took my 2022 Nissan Frontier sv 4x4 in for an oil change and a state inspection. The shop discovered that my left rear axle seal was leaking all over the brakes and rotors. As a result, it failed the inspection, and I had to spend $1,600 to get it repaired. The mechanic mentioned that it's unusual to see this issue on a 2022 model with only 27,000 miles. I figured I should report it, as it might be a concern.

The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle vibrated. The contact stated that the vibration increased as the contact decelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission parking pawl and the transmission control module had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the dealer advised that the clutch might need to be repaired, but the contact advised the dealer to wait until the clutch displayed signs of failure. The contact stated while driving four months after the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle vibrated when the rpms decreased, and the vehicle operated as intended when the rpms increased. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission fluid was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for the clutch repair. While at the dealer, the contact was informed that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The failure was progressively worsening. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Hello, I was an owner of a new 2020 Nissan Frontier pro4x. My vehicle had 33,000 miles, garaged in the winter and never used for towing. All minor maintenance were performed at a certified Nissan dealer. On [xxx] I was driving my truck on [xxx] in youngstown when suddenly I heard a terrifying loud grinding noise coming under the truck causing also the truck to shake violently. I'm blessed that I didn't not lose control of the vehicle and most importantly it did not happen on the freeway. This happen as I was ready to merge into [xxx]. I arranged the truck to be towed to sims Nissan dealer in youngstown. I was told that my driveshaft came apart somehow causing other major damages to other critical parts of the truck. I end up also calling my insurance. I discussed with them the incident, and the insurance started a comprehensive claim. On may 29th robert griffith the adjuster call me to inform me that the truck will be totaled. I've already reached out with a letter to Nissan headquarters, I explained what happened but most importantly wanted to Nissan to be aware of my incident. Didn't get any help or support but I was given a claim number, [xxx]. I've also contacted bbb of my incident. I feel really strong that this incident should have never happened and I will do my best to get an answer. Thank you so much for your time. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The truck is jerky during low speed take offs. It also died off during acceleration and then surged all of a sudden recently. It is now in the repair shop being diagnosed for an electric transmission control warning light. It would not start.

The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving at 30 mph or above, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. On a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled and drastically shifted out of gear into a different gear. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or find a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph and reversing(r) out of a parking spot, the messages "key malfunction" and "crash detected" were displayed. The contact pulled over and attempted to turn off the vehicle; however the vehicle failed to turn off. Additionally, when the contact shifted to park(p) the gear shift indicator failed to indicate that the transmission was in park(p). The contact attempted to shift to drive(d), and the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that a passerby helped to turn off the vehicle by disconnecting the battery terminals. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and it was determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the same messages were displayed, and the transmission slipped out of gear. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer who cleared the codes and stated that the battery was in good condition. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failures reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module error. The contact was informed by the mechanic to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 22v671000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,172.

The contact owned a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v671000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the vehicle began to inadvertently roll away the contact stated the vehicle ran over the contact's foot. No medical attention was needed the contact stated the vehicle crashed into a tree stump and the front bumper was damaged the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55, 000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Vehicle gears down for no reason, then gets stuck in that gear. I have tried to manually shift it when it does this, but it still will not shift gears. Takes off in 2nd gear very often.

•what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? [presumably an issue with electrical (alternator failure on 8/15/2024, then again on 9/3/2024, dead battery)] •how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? [on both dates described above, the vehicle lost complete power and was unable to be restarted. The loss of power occurred in very busy lanes of traffic, causing me (driver and sole occupant) to exit the vehicle and push it our of active lane of traffic. In both cases, the stall caused other motorist to brake hard to avoid hitting my stalled vehicle and/or to pass me on right hand shoulder. ] •has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? [in both situations, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where vehicle was purchased, and service to the vehicle was provided. On first occasion, I was told the vehicle had a bad alternator, and that the alternator was replaced. On the second incident, I was told the battery was dead, and the battery was replaced. ] •has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? [per service tech, a Nissan engineer visited the location and observed the vehicle. ] •were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? [in both cases, at no time did any warning lights appear prior to loss of power. There were no other indications a power failure that would lead to the vehicle suddenly stalling in busy lanes of traffic was imminent. ].

2024 new Nissan Frontier pro 4x was purchased on 07/10/2024. On 07/18/2024 I was driving on the freeway and exited coming to the cross street which I needed to make left hand turn on. I was behind one other vehicle, when the street signal turned green for our lane the vehicle in front made its lh turn I waited as another car approached and after it passed I started to make my left hand turn, I felt a hesitation on my speed like the transmission was slipping thinking this isn't right. The very next day again during a turn it happened again this time while a vehicle was approaching from the the opposite direction, my vehicles hesitates during the turn with on coming traffic which could result in an accident. I spoke to the salesman the next day who told me to bring it to the service dept the following day on 07/20/2024. I arrived and the service advisor who was aware of my complaint came out and wanted to drive it. He drove and I was passenger and he was able to reproduce the problem 2-3 times during the test drive all the time explaining to me that this was a transmission shift problem and that the hesitation was due to the transmission trying to find the correct gear either higher or lower and that Nissan is aware of the problem and is working on a solution. Back at the dealership he took the back to have service dept document my complaint, but it comes back as "no problems found at this time, vehicle drives as designed". There were no lights, no warnings, no accidents in the few hundred miles I've driven, but how long until it happens. Myself and or any others with me should not have there life's put in jeopardy due to a transmission shift software problem that the factory is and more than likely was aware of from the beginning. And then the dealership makes no mention of the service advisor duplicating the complaint during test drive on the service ticket but advised me to do this complaint. Now that's customer service (sar).

On July 15 2024 my 2023 Nissan Frontier died while running. I had stopped briefly and the entire engine completely died. I attempted to re-stared the truck multiple times. Once the tow truck driver got there he jump started my vehicle which resulted in it finally turning on. I advised my service advisor of this and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. My service advisor had the battery tested and stated everything was normal but they did see a code for “low voltage”. The service advisor said there was nothing he could do for me since the battery appeared fine and they could not replicate the issue. Thank god I was not in a dangerous area and could push my vehicle. I am afraid this problem will happen again since they did nothing to fix the issue and could not diagnose the problem I feel unsafe driving this vehicle.

In December 2023 I noticed a bad discoloration of the coolant in my 2007 Nissan Frontier. I took the truck to the local Nissan dealership and had them flush the coolant system. There were no warning lamps or messages. There were no other symptoms or problems prior to that. Receipt available for this service. Then in may 2023 the transmission began shifting extremely hard. Upon checking the coolant it was the consistency of strawberry milkshake. The truck was taken to a local transmission shop and they rebuilt the transmission assembly along with replacing the radiator and flushing the system. This work was completed June 3, 2024. Receipt is available for this service. With continuing to see the coolant have a consistency of strawberry milkshake, I reached out to the local Nissan dealership for them to tell me there had been a recall for this. Upon doing further research, I have learned there actually wasn't a recall but an extended warranty offered that Nissan did not willingly let owners know about. $4,500. 00 later I still have the same problem I started with and am fearful this truck will fail as I'm driving on the highway and am concerned about my safety. Nissan knew when they flushed the coolant in December 2023 of this problem and said nothing. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

See all problems of the 2007 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

My vehicle was the subject of Nissan's safety recall for the parking pall not engaging. I had the vehicle into the dealer twice six months ago, where they supposedly addressed this defect. Beginning last week, my vehicle's parking pall will not engage when the vehicle is in park, allowing it to roll freely. The manufacturer's fix is either not working or the material or workmanship is a problem. I am bringing the vehicle to the dealer tomorrow for the problem.

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the "electronic shift and key fob" warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was not shifting into park (p), and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v671000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.