2008 Nissan Frontier
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 129 |
| 1999 | 78 |
| 2000 | 189 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 77 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2006 | 616 |
| 2007 | 520 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 64 |
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2013 | 48 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 42 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 110 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
38% of complaints: power train — 51 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION COOLER IN RADIATER FAILED AND COOLANT LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND OVERHEATING.BROKE DOWN ON SIDE OF ROAD AND HAD TO BE TOWED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171130
19% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151125
TRANSMISSION COOLER IN RADIATER FAILED AND COOLANT LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND OVERHEATING.BROKE DOWN ON SIDE OF ROAD AND HAD TO BE TOWED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171130
15% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the driver's side air bag suddenly deployed without an impact.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240129
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151125
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 68 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A CRASH WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BARRIER, AND TWO ADDITIONAL VEHICLES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140602
10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TRUCK STOPS RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS AROUND 45MPH. ENGINE OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171212
SAFETY TIMELINE
NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEH
Remedy: NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 08V045000 — check if this car was fixed
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, MA
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. THE
Campaign 08V690000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BE
Campaign 10V075000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN
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.
Campaign 10E019000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEP
Campaign 10V401000 — check if this car was fixed
Transmission Failures
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driverÂs airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
Campaign 23V067000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V045000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V690000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E019000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V401000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V067000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Nissan Frontier is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Frontier?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Frontier have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.