2009 Nissan Frontier
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
24% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231103
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING ON MY DASHBOARD. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITH THIS WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180413
16% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190408
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MR. , PRESIDENT & CEO NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. P.O. BOX 685003 FRANKLIN TN 37064 DEAR SIR; I AM WRITING TO YOU TODAY TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER CLUB CAB.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090711
"I HAD 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS AND WENT TO FILL UP. AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK, I TURNED ON THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THE NEEDLE DID NOT REGISTER THE FULL TANK. AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090128
5% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR - STAYED ON AFTER VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT DEALER FOR 75,000 MI CHECK UP WHICH INCLUDED EXTENSIVE REVIEW OF ALL VEHICLE SYSTEMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130815
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 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
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VE
Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 — 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
2009 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V690000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E019000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) 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 2009 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Nissan Frontier is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Frontier?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Frontier have?
5 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.