2005 Nissan Frontier
This year had more than double the complaints 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
- 532
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
50% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 532 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 | 79 |
| 2013 | 48 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 43 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
50% · 264 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle came to a complete stop and then hesitated to accelerate. Additionally, a burning odor was detected.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-12-16
In November 2010 my transmission failed and had to be replaced. 3 months after having the transmission replaced I started having problems with the new transmission, I discovered I had to have the radiator replaced but it was too late.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-04
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Fuel system, gasoline
23% · 121 reportsMost commonly citing auxillary tank and filler pipe and cap.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact smelled a fuel odor in the passenger compartment. While driving approximately 15 to 25 MPH, a puff of smoke was noticed followed by flames in the front end of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-05
Engine and engine cooling
20% · 106 reportsMost commonly citing radiator assembly and cooling system.
Engine
15% · 80 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Nissan Frontier. While the contact's son was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and crashed into a jersey wall. The driver was trapped inside the vehicle when it suddenly burst into flames.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-11
The timing chain has gone out. Other crankshaft sensor went out while driving the vehicle at about 30mph.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-08
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
7% · 38 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving down the road at 40MPH my Frontier suddenly cut off , had no brakes or power steering. I went off the road and hit some trees. My insurance fixed my truck, even after I told them and the body shop I wanted it checked out first.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-19
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2005Complaint volume 532 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2006-04-24Fuel system, gasoline06V092000 On certain king cab trucks, in a severe side impact crash, there is a possibility that deformation of the vehicle's body could cause the fuel filler cap tether to be stretched to the point of…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel cap tether pin assembly with a modified one free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2006. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
-
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.
-
R
2009-01-26Air bags08V690000 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…
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.…
-
R
2010-07-12Suspension10E019000 Nissan is recalling certain front and rear lower links, p/nos. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, and 54500ZR00A, sold…
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected lower link free of charge. The safety recall began on July 12, 2010. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
-
R
2010-12-06Engine and engine cooling10V517000 Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Armada, Titan, Infiniti QX56 and model year 2005-2006 Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (Ipdm)…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on December 6, 2010. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
-
I
2012-06-11Defect petitionClosed 2016-10-22 Transmission Failures
-
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
2005 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 264 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 121 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 106 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06V092000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E046000 · Equipment
- Recall 08V690000 · Air bags
- Recall 10E019000 · Suspension
- Recall 10V517000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Nissan Frontier reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Nissan Frontier is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Frontier?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Frontier have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.