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
- 136
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
40% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 136 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
40% · 54 reportsMost commonly citing seal and automatic transmission.
Show 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, 2017-11-30
Also filed under Engine
Engine
19% · 26 reportsShow 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, 2015-11-25
Also filed under Air bags
Air bags
15% · 21 reportsShow 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, 2024-01-29
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, 2014-06-02
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Frontier. While driving 50 MPH, the air bags deployed without a crash. The air bag indicator illuminated immediately after all the air bags (Front, rear, and the ones near the sunroof) deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-12-23
Fuel/propulsion system
10% · 13 reportsElectrical system
10% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Truck stops running while driving at speeds around 45MPH. Engine off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-12
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2008Complaint volume 136 complaints filed for this model year.
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2008-02-25Equipment08V045000 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…
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.
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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.…
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2010-03-22Fuel system, gasoline10V075000 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…
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…
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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.
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2010-09-16Equipment10V401000 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…
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2012-06-11Defect petitionClosed 2016-10-22 Transmission Failures
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2023-12-08Air bags23V067000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 54 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 21 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V045000 · Equipment
- Recall 08V690000 · Air bags
- Recall 10V075000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 10E019000 · Suspension
- Recall 10V401000 · Equipment
- Recall 23V067000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Frontier have?
- 6 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.