2005 Nissan Frontier recalls and problems

The 2005 Nissan Frontier has 3 safety recalls and 532 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
532
Crashes / fires
9 / 8
Injuries / deaths
11 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Nissan Frontier vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Nissan Frontier recalls

Recall 10V-517: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 28, 2010 · 747,480 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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) assembly contains an engine control module (Ecm) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.

Risk: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 08V-690: Air Bags

Reported Dec 29, 2008 · 242,720 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, a mixture of snow/water and salt can enter into the front crash zone sensor (Czs) housing. If this occurs, the czs may internally rust resulting in a signal interruption. If this happens, the red air bag warning light will illuminate to alert the vehicle operator.

Risk: This issue could result in the non-deployment of the driver and passenger front air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: 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. These owners will be notified of the warranty extension by mail and will receive a sticker to place in their warranty booklet explaining the extended warranty coverage. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Recall 06V-092: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Mar 30, 2006 · 42,000 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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 unscrewing the fuel filler cap.

Risk: This may result in a fuel spill which in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

2005 Nissan Frontier problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train264
Fuel System, Gasoline121
Engine and Engine Cooling106
Engine80
Electrical System38
Fuel/Propulsion System25
Fuel System, Other18
Structure17
Vehicle Speed Control15
Air Bags14
Unknown or Other14
Steering5

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 19
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 10
  • Structure › Body — 8
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 6
  • Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 5
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank — 4
  • Power Train › Driveline — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 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 2005 Nissan Frontier complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Jan 9, 2025
El emblema de resina en la cubierta del mã“dulo airbag del conductor en los vehãculos afectados puede tener durabilidad reducida debido a posibles variaciones en el proceso de producciã“n del proveedor. En esta condiciã“n, con el tiempo, los postes del emblema pueden desarrollar grietas, y el emblema y los componentes de retenciã“n podrãan desprenderse en caso de que se despliegue el airbag.
Air Bags · reported Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power Train · reported Jul 4, 2023
The truck loss power stalling,shuddering, bucking, want pick up speed even when excellerating, slow take off, loss of speed
Engine · at 189,000 miles · reported May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact then stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway. The contact then stated that the check engine warning light intermittently flashed upon start-up then remained illuminated. The contact stated that he allowed the engine time to cool down then restarted the vehicle; however, after the vehicle was restarted, he depressed the…
Power Train · at 88,700 miles · reported Dec 16, 2021
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. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission and radiator failure. The transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,700.

Other Nissan Frontier years

Compare all Nissan Frontier years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Nissan Frontier: 10V-517 (engine and engine cooling), 08V-690 (air bags), 06V-092 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Nissan Frontier?

Owners report power train problems most often (264 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (121). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 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.