RoadVitals

2000 Nissan Frontier Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Aug 25, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
10%
of 189 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2000 Nissan Frontier submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 18 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming powertrain

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 25, 2025

From my Internet search using Google Gemini, (and Google AI has a disclaimer it can make errors), I have replaced my distributer on my 2000 Nissan Frontier three times now due to a stalling problem I have experienced on hot days. My 2000 Nissan Frontier is VIN [XXX] . Let's see how much Gemini info I can paste here: "The distributor on your KA24DE engine contains the camshaft position sensor, which is a critical component for engine timing. The distributor itself can fail for a number of reasons, including: Internal bearing failure: The bearing that the distributor shaft spins on can fail, causing the shaft to wobble or seize up. This disrupts the signal from the camshaft position sensor. Failed or failing camshaft position sensor: The sensor itself can fail due to age, heat, or internal electrical issues. Ignition coil failure: The ignition coil is often integrated into the distributor housing on this engine. As it heats up, it can fail and lose spark, causing the engine to stall. The reason this issue is often related to hot weather or a hot engine is that the heat can cause the internal components of the distributor to expand and fail, and it can also cause the ignition coil to break down more easily. Symptoms of Distributor Failure The symptoms for a failing distributor on the 2.4L are very similar to those of the V6 engine: Stalling, especially when hot: This is the most common symptom. The engine may run perfectly when cold, but after it has been running for a while and the engine compartment is hot, it may stall and refuse to restart until it cools down. Engine runs poorly: You may experience a rough idle, misfires, or a loss of power. Hard start or no start: A failing distributor can cause the engine to crank but not start, as it is unable to produce a spark." Nissan no longer provides a replacement distributor and I suspect aftermarket are rebuilds. ***Stalling in traffic I believe is a definite safety issue*** Please let me know. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID
11683018
Incident
Aug 21, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 15, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE AND THE GEAR STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER FAILED. THE DEALER (AUTOSTAR NISSAN OF BOONE, 135 INNOVATION DR, BOONE, NC 28607, (828)-264-7726) WAS CONTACTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 253,640.

NHTSA ID
11140340
Incident
Oct 3, 2018
Mileage
253,640 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 23, 2012
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD UNTIL CRASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE BODY DAMAGES REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT THEN NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V288000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,358.

NHTSA ID
10459457
Incident
May 22, 2012
Mileage
114,358 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 9, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GEAR LEAK FROM UNDER THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE REAR END APART IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.

NHTSA ID
10435021
Incident
Sep 9, 2011
Mileage
124,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 9, 2005

1996 SENTRA GXE DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, AND TRANSMISSION.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE SENTRA. HE NOW HAS A 2000 NISSAN FRONTIER IN WHICH HE EXPERIENCED LINGERING SLIPPING, A JERKING FEELING COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION, REAR DIFFERENTIAL OR SOME PART IN THE DRIVE TRAIN. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS TRYING TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, IT SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE HAVING DIFFICULTY RELEASING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD METAL PARTS/PIECES WERE FOUND IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION PAN. THE TECHNICIAN HAD DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE A DEFECTIVE DRIVE SHAFT CENTER SUPPORT BEARING, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. *JB

NHTSA ID
10137725
Incident
Sep 1, 1901
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 15, 2004

COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE - ALL BEARINGS FAILED, GEARS DISCOLORED, COUNTERSHAFT DAMAGED - ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WORN OUT. WARRANTY COMPANY WILL NOT UPHOLD WARRANTY, NOR WILL NISSAN UPHOLD LEASE WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID
10069596
Incident
Aug 15, 2003
Mileage
64,850 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 27, 2002

I HAVE MADE REPEATED COMPLAINTS TO VICTORY NISSAN IN RICHMOND VIRGINIA ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED NISSAN DIRECTLY AND THEY NEVER EVEN ADDRESSED THE LETTER I SENT THEM DECEMBER, 2001. MY TRUCK HAS EXPERIENCED DRIVE TRAIN VIBRATIONS SINCE I PURCHASED IT AT 6900 MILES. DESPITE THE DOZENS OF TECHNICAL BULLETINS ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, I HAVE REPEATEDLY BEEN TOLD THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO HELP MY VEHICLE. WHEN THE CENTER BEARING WAS FINALLY DISCOVERED TO BE BAD, THE DELEARSHIP REPLACED IT AND THE SHIMMY I ORIGINALLY HAD WAS THEN MAGNIFIED TO AN ATROCIOUS HARMONIC HUM. RIDING IN MY TRUCK IS LIKING RIDING ON A WASHING MACHINE. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP NOT TO HAUL LOADS OR TOW AS THE VIBRATIONS WOULD GET WORSE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS FOR MYSELF, AND THEY ARE MUCH WORSE WHEN TOWING. MY VEHICLE IN NO WAY SERVES THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH I PURCHASED IT AND I HAVE BEEN CAST ASIDE AND IGNORED BY NISSAN SINCE MY CAR WAS ONLY 11 MONTHS OLD. I AM FED UP AND I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW WHAT A TERRIBLE VEHICLE THIS IS!*AK

NHTSA ID
763558
Incident
Jun 29, 2001
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 17, 2002

PROBLEM WITH DRIVESHAFT HANGER BEARING, INVOLVES A TWO PIECE DRIVE SHAFT. BEARING THAT CONNECTS TWO SHAFTS FAULTY. VIBRATION ON ACCELERATION BECOMES WORSE AROUND 26,000 MILES. FAILURE TO REPLACE COULD CAUSE DRIVESHAFT TO FALL OUT. AFTER BEING REPLACE TWICE BOLTS HOLDING HANGER BEARING IN PLACE WEAR AND DO NOT HOLD SHAFT IN PLACE. RUBBER SURROUNDING BEARING RIPS AND FALLS APART.

NHTSA ID
9005508
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 10, 2001

NISSAN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NTB00-025 - MARCH 10, 2000. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

NHTSA ID
748254
Incident
Jul 10, 2001
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 12, 2001

CARRIER BEARING AT THE CENTER SUPPORT FAILED. TRUCK STARTED VIBRATING AFTER THE FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED THE BEARING BUT THE VIBRATION GOT WORSE. DEALER REPLACE THE WHOLE DRIVE SHAFT. I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME TROUBLES REPORTED MANY TIMES FROM DIFFERENT FRONTIER OWNER. NOW ASKING NISSAN CUSTOMER AFFAIR TO CLARIFY THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. 2001 MODEL DOES NOT HAVE A CARRIER BEARING. I DISCUSSED POSSIBLITY OF DEFECTIVE DESIGN ON 1998-2000 MODEL BECAUSE OF THIS NISSAN'S CORRECTION EFFORT. CARRIER BEARING FAILURE WILL END UP WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT TO FAIL, WHICH MAY CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED UNDER RECALL.

NHTSA ID
746730
Incident
May 17, 2001
Powertrain (other)SuspensionTires & wheels
Filed May 15, 2001

SINCE OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE CONSUMER STATES HE FELT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH STEERING WHEEL, AS HE WAS DRIVING HOME HE LET THE STEERING WHEEL GO AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED AND DROPPED IT OFF WHEN HE RETURNED TO PICK VEHICLE UP AND DROVE AWAY CONSUMER STATES HE ALMOST HIT A CURB SO VEHICLE WAS RETURNED AND CONSUMER WAITED FOR VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT MECHANIC TAKE A TEST DRIVE WITH HIM, MECHANIC DID SEE WHAT IT WAS AND TOLD CONSUMER THAT WAS NORMAL, HOWEVER DEALERSHIP DID PERFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND 2 WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING AGAIN, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND ANOTHER WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, CONSUMER ALSO STATES DRIVESHAFT HAS RUSTED. *JB

NHTSA ID
561216
Incident
Mar 27, 2001
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 12, 2001

SEVERE VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION OR WHILE PULLING A LOAD. *AK

NHTSA ID
742321
Incident
Mar 10, 2001
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 6, 2001

ON CHRISMAS DAY, MY FATHER AND I WERE DRIVING MY NISSAN PU ON ROUTE 29 IN VIRGINIA AT ABOUT 55 MPH. A SUDDEN AND SEVERE JERK WAS FELT TWICE AND WE PULLED OFF AND CHECKED THE TRUCK FOR DAMMAGE. NO OBVIOUS EXTERNAL DAMAGE WAS NOTED AT THAT TIME BUT THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE NOTED WHEN TRUCK WAS PUT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW. NORMAL FUNCTION NOTED IN 4 HIGH AND 3 HIGH. ON 1/2/2001 AT DEALERSHIP ...THE LEFT FRONT 4X4 HUB COVER WAS NOTED TO BE MISSING AND THE HUB HAD SPIRAL CRACKS ALL AROUND IT. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO CONFIRM THIS AS A TORQUE FRACTURE AND REFUSED TO ENTERTAIN ANY THOUGHT THAT THE TRUCK THEY HAD SOLD HAD MALFUNCTIONED. NOT ONLY WAS THIS INCIDENT SCARY BUT I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT MY FATHER AND I WERE NOT IN A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ID
738900
Incident
Dec 25, 2000
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 14, 2000

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
727842
Incident
Aug 10, 2000
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 10, 2000

THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE FRONTIER OWNERS. REPLACEMENT PART "FIX" NISSAN PROVIDES IS ALSO KNOWN TO FAIL. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ID
727439
Incident
Jul 7, 2000
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 9, 2000

I WAS ON YAHOO.COM IN A CLUB FOR THE SPECIFIC VEHICLE I HAVE AND ALOT OF OTHER OWNERS ADVISED FOR EVERYONE CHECK THEIR DRIVESHAFT CARRIER BEARING TO SEE WHAT TYPY EVERYONE HAD, WHETHER IT BE A SOLID TYPE OR THE 3 PRONG TYPE. THE 3 PRONG TYPE WAS WHAT WENT BAD ON THE VEHICLE, THE BOTTOM RUBBER PRONG WOULD POP OUT OF THE METAL CASING ENCLOSING THE BEARING; THEREFORE CAUSING THE DRIVESHAFT TO SHIFT AND COME OUT OF PLACE. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A LITTLE OVER 35 DAYS NOW. I TOOK IT INTO MY DEALER AND THEY VERIFIED IT WAS BAD AND HAD TO ORDER ANOTHER DRIVESHAFT SIMPLY DUE TO THIS DRIVESHAFT CARRIER BEARING.I BELIEVE THE NEW 2001 NISSAN FRONTIER IS COMING WITH A ONE PIECE DRIVESHAFT, UNLIKE THE 200 WITH A TWO PIECE DRIVESHAFT. I BELIEVE THAT THE ONE PIECE WOULD RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE ANOTHER OWNER HAS HAD TO HAVE THREE DRIVESHAFTS NOW AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING. THE ONE PIECE I FEEL WOULD "FIX" THE PROBLEM WE OWNERS ARE HAVING.

NHTSA ID
727222
Incident
Aug 5, 2000
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 31, 2000

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
726302
Incident
Jul 21, 2000
Powertrain (other)Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 2, 2000

THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. YET THEY HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES TWICE. THEY ARE TREATING SYMPTOMS NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID
719564
Incident
Jan 15, 2000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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