AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2010 Nissan Frontier
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 59 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Nissan Frontier, most frequently naming the airbags, powertrain (other) and electrical categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 107 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2010 | 1 | 1 |
| May 2010 | 1 | 2 |
| Sep 2010 | 1 | 3 |
| Nov 2010 | 1 | 4 |
| Jan 2011 | 1 | 5 |
| Mar 2011 | 3 | 8 |
| May 2011 | 2 | 10 |
| Oct 2011 | 2 | 12 |
| Nov 2011 | 1 | 13 |
| Feb 2012 | 2 | 15 |
| Sep 2012 | 1 | 16 |
| Oct 2012 | 1 | 17 |
| Dec 2012 | 1 | 18 |
| Sep 2013 | 1 | 19 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 20 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 21 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 22 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 23 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 24 |
| Jul 2015 | 4 | 28 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 29 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 30 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 31 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 32 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 33 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 34 |
| Mar 2017 | 2 | 36 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 37 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 38 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 39 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 40 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 41 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 42 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 43 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 44 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 45 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 46 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 47 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 48 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 49 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 50 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 51 |
| May 2023 | 2 | 53 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 54 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 55 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 56 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 57 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 58 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 59 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags1925.7%
- Powertrain (other)1520.3%
- Electrical912.2%
- Engine912.2%
- Brakes56.8%
- Driver assistance34.1%
- Fuel system34.1%
- Body & structure34.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
EQUIPMENT
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Transmission Failures
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I took my truck in to a dealership to fix the airbag recall. I do not believe they fixed it because the airbag light is still on on my dash board. It is the only light on as this truck is low miles and regularly maintained.. I asked them and they just said, "we fixed it." However, they did not.
- NHTSA ID
- 11661500
- Incident
- May 5, 2025
I have had this issue for years and unable to fix it. My solution was not to drive my truck in snowy weather. The first incident was I was driving down hill around with snow that barely started to stick. I driving around 65mph when my truck started to buck. I slowed to 30mph and my truck was still bucking. It did not stop until the weather warmed. By the next storm I was traveling around 60mph in light snow and my truck slid. I slowed to 50mph and when going uphill my truck lost control. It felt like the brakes locked. I tired to get control without pressing the brakes that did not work and when I did press the brakes it felt like my petal was already pushed down. I shifted the truck to gain control. Since then I have never drove that truck above 35 mph in snow. After a few weeks of bad weather the truck would either buck or just not move. The truck finally throw a code saying the right rear wheel speed sensor had a weak connection. I took the truck to three mechanics were they found nothing wrong and could not mimic my issue. I replaced my speed sensor myself. I was able drive the truck in snow without it bucking but the truck would still lock up the brakes and slide. I just never drove fast enough that the slide wasn't serious. After years the truck stopped driving in the snow period again. I took it to a local mechanic and a nissan dealership. Both said the connection were fine to everything but they were able to lock the brakes. I was told by both that it was the abs module and the part was on back order. I called to different dealerships and multiple told me that people have waited for 6 plus months on this part. It took me years of being car-less every winter to figure out what was wrong and to get told the part was on back order. Based on my research is this isn't uncommon. I won't be shocked if there hasn't been car accidents from this. My vehical is dangerous and I have no way to fix it before next winter.
- NHTSA ID
- 11657277
- Incident
- Mar 12, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
- NHTSA ID
- 11612320
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 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. The local dealer was contacted. The contact scheduled an appointment where the vehicle was inspected but the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- NHTSA ID
- 11571592
- Incident
- Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 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. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11548641
- Incident
- Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 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. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11541519
- Incident
- Aug 29, 2023
Air bag light on and blinking I replace the crash sensor on the front of the truck and steel blinking
- NHTSA ID
- 11521316
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to Waxahachie Nissan (W Highway, 1900 US-287 BYP, Waxahachie, TX 75167), where the previous diagnostic test result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11520125
- Incident
- Feb 1, 2023
- Mileage
- 79,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
AIR BAGS
VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51) 2005-2013 Xterra (N50) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History to confirm campaign eligibility. INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary safety recall campaign on certain specific model year 2005-2012 Pathfinder, and 2005-2013 Frontier and Xterra vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the Driver Air Bag Cover. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number PC945 and PC948 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communication and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign. DEALER RESPONSIBILITY It is the dealer’s responsibility to check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History for the campaign status on each vehicle falling within the range of this voluntary safety recall which for any reason enters the service department. This includes vehicles purchased from private parties or presented by transient (tourist) owners and vehicles in a dealer’s inventory. Federal law requires that new vehicles in dealer inventory which are the subject of a safety recall must be corrected prior to sale. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While federal law applies only to new vehicles, Nissan strongly encourages dealers to correct any used vehicles in their inventory before they are retailed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 7 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2023 | 64 | 1 | 0 | 52.1 |
| 2022 | 110 | 6 | 0 | 57.8 |
| 2021 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 45.2 |
| 2020 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 57.3 |
| 2019 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 46.3 |
| 2018 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 45.2 |
| 2017 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2016 | 43 | 1 | 0 | 44.7 |
| 2015 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 38.4 |
| 2014 | 42 | 2 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 2013 | 48 | 1 | 0 | 47.2 |
| 2012 | 78 | 3 | 0 | 47.6 |
| 2011 | 64 | 1 | 0 | 41.8 |
| 2010Viewing | 59 | 6 | 1 | 51.8 |
| 2009 | 37 | 5 | 1 | 50.8 |
| 2008 | 136 | 6 | 1 | 51.1 |
| 2007 | 520 | 2 | 1 | 47.2 |
| 2006 | 616 | 7 | 2 | 55.0 |
| 2005 | 532 | 6 | 1 | 52.5 |
| 2004 | 66 | 4 | 0 | 52.4 |
| 2003 | 77 | 7 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2002 | 124 | 8 | 0 | 54.3 |
| 2001 | 134 | 7 | 1 | 59.8 |
| 2000 | 189 | 6 | 0 | 56.4 |
| 1999 | 78 | 5 | 0 | 52.3 |
| 1998 | 129 | 5 | 0 | 53.1 |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.