2004 Nissan Frontier recalls and problems

The 2004 Nissan Frontier has 1 safety recall and 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
66
Crashes / fires
8 / 3
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Nissan Frontier vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Nissan Frontier recalls

Recall 10V-554: Steering

Reported Nov 11, 2010 · 500,552 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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, through january 6, 2005. Over time corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit movement of the joint. The limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, it may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs.

Risk: The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

2004 Nissan Frontier problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train13
Structure7
Fuel System, Gasoline7
Steering7
Tires6
Air Bags6
Engine6
Suspension5
Electrical System5
Equipment4
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Visibility3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Power Train › Driveline — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
  • Structure › Body › Bumpers — 2
  • Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 61,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Nissan Frontier complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Parking Brake · at 209,000 miles · reported Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while parked, the contact pulled the cable release for the parking brake and the bracket under the parking brake detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer stated that the manufacturer no longer manufactured the part for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 209,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Dec 15, 2022
This is the first major safety incident with a stuck and wide-open throttle. I just started from a left hand turned at a stop light. I noticed the 2004 Nissan Frontier pickup truck began to increase its speed without any extra pressure applied to the gas pedal. I applied the brakes to slow down the truck's speed while the engine continued to increase speed. I turned on the flashers to warn traffic. I put the truck into neutral while braking and the engine immediately revved to high and loud rpms. I heard the engine making a shift in its high rpm revving noise, and I turned off the engine. I…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Sep 23, 2021
This vehicle suddenly starts to accelerate on its own like it's in cruise control only it's not and I'm not pressing the gas pedal. It would go well only a 100 if I let it and applying the brakes does nothing. The only way of stopping the vehicle is to put it in neutral and one time that didn't stop it and I had to put it in park and turn off the key. I've taken the vehicle to 3 different garages and they are not able to figure out what the issue is. I've contacted Nissan and they have no recalls of this. I finally looked online and saw that other people have been in accidents because of the…
Structure · at 78,900 miles · reported Apr 6, 2021
Dealer sold a vehicle as a florida 2 owner vehicle. I did another carfax on it after I made the purchase to discover dealer sold it to someone in tn and they titled it. Then they returned it. Dealer sold it to me without having title on hand. Vehicle was shipped and dropped off at my house without me being there to look it over. They never told me when it would be shipped. When my mechanic inspected it he seen many issues. One was there were parts on the trucks steering that did not belong. It had the wrong sway bar links installed. When you attempt to turn steering hits the sway bar and it…
Structure · at 90,000 miles · reported Apr 3, 2020
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. The gas tank has been fixed multiple times and continues to corrode and leak. I think that all of these issues need to be checked on. The rear differential has corroded and all of these issues are very expensive every time that it has to be fixed. I would appreciate your help with these problems.

Other Nissan Frontier years

Compare all Nissan Frontier years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Nissan Frontier: 10V-554 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Nissan Frontier?

Owners report power train problems most often (13 reports), followed by structure (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 61,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.