2004 Nissan Frontier
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 66
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
20% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 66 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 129 |
| 1999 | 78 |
| 2000 | 189 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 77 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2006 | 617 |
| 2007 | 520 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 64 |
| 2012 | 80 |
| 2013 | 48 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
20% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
Show complaint excerpts
Gear shifter in automatic 2004 Nissan Frontier Truck can shift into any gear with out the truck running or without keys.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-25
My truck suddenly had issues shifting. I went online and saw there was a lawsuit and common issues with the radiator and transmission. I was not notified about the lawsuit or the issue from Nissan.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-08
Steering
11% · 7 reportsFuel system, gasoline
11% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and throttlebody/manifold.
Structure
11% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing body and bumpers.
Show complaint excerpts
After driving my vehicle to work (Around 15 miles), the lights began to dim and the radio turned on and off several times. I parked in the garage where I work, and went to my office to get in touch with a mechanic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-17
Also filed under Engine
This truck has been worked on multiple times for rust, corrosion, gas tank leaks, bearings and rear differential. It continues to rust and corrode. The motor runs well but the vehicle has rusted even with excellent care. I am so disappointed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-04-03
Engine
9% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…
Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
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R
2007-08-17Equipment07E046000 Certain hopkins aftermarket trailer brake control connection harnesses sold for use on certain models of Nissan vehicles which are listed above. The internal part numbers within hopkins are…
Remedy: Hopkins will notify owners and replace the original harness with a revised harness free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2007. Owners can contact hopkins at 800-835-0129.
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R
2010-12-13Steering10V554000 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…
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…
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R
Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.
Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 07E046000 · Equipment
- Recall 10V554000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Nissan Frontier reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Nissan Frontier is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Frontier?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Frontier have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.