RoadVitals

2010 Nissan Frontier Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
59
Latest May 16, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Nissan Frontier, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags1925.7%
  • Engine912.2%
  • Brakes56.8%
  • Driver assistance34.1%
  • Fuel system34.1%
  • Body & structure34.1%
  • Tires & wheels22.7%
  • Steering22.7%
  • Seat belts11.4%
  • Interior & seats11.4%
  • Suspension11.4%
  • Other / unspecified11.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 16, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11612320 · filed Sep 3, 2024
All 19 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Radiator failure leaking into tranny, causing a sound coming from transmission as if driving over a rumble strips when accelerating between 40-60mph, as well as sudden jerking when changing gears. SMOD residue (creamy pink fluid) present on radiator cap. This is a known issue that I was never made aware of during nor after purchase. Obviously this was not addressed prior to the sale by the Nissan Dealership. No warning signs were present prior to the issue appearing. Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer yet as I am only now learning of this problem, however I have made arrangements. The issue is confirmed by third parties. Vehicle is available for further inspection upon request. The issue first appeared about 2 weeks ago but symptoms were milder and progressively became more noticeable. Sudden transmission failure on the highway could be catastrophic and is part of my daily driving routine.

NHTSA ID 11488994 · filed Oct 12, 2022

TRANSMISSION FAILED, @ 133 THOUSAND MILES. COOLANT MADE ITS WAY INTO THE TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ID 11271079 · filed Oct 25, 2019
All 15 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On October 29, 2016 my airbag light came on and stayed on. Took it to Jenkins Nissan of Leesburg FL. They charged me $95.00 to check the problem, then said it would be $800.00 to replace the module but if that didn’t work the next thing they could try would be $1,000.00, but they could not guarantee that it would fix the problem. Then my tire pressure light came on and stayed on about 3 years ago…same scenario with Jenkins Nissan… you pay us, but no guarantee that they can fix it. Then my horn stopped working about a year ago. Same scenario with Jenkins Nissan. I took my truck to another mechanic, everything is fixed for one price. The problem with everything was evidently connected. These issues in my opinion are safety hazards and should be recalled.

NHTSA ID 11471266 · filed Jun 27, 2022

MY COMPLAINT IS THAT MY VEHICLE IS TURNING OFF WITH A BRAND NEWLY INSTALLED BATTERY AND MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP CANNOT READ MY CAR TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THEY KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR CLOSE TO A MONTH AND STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE NEVER FAILS TO TURN OVER, BUT IT JUST LOSES POWER AND TURNS OFF LIKE SOMEONE SNATCHED OUT THE BATTERY. SOMETIMES IT FAILS TO TURN OVER, RIGHT AWAY, BUT THEN IT TURNS OVER AND I CAN DRIVE IT A FEW MILES BEFORE IT STALLS ON ME AGAIN, EVEN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE 64,500 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND I HAVE BABIED IT SINCE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW IN 12/2009. THE SLIP LIGHT COMES ON AND THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND THEN THE VEHICLE GETS CONFUSED AND SHUTS OFF. IT IS ANNOYING. IT FEELS LIKE A BATTERY ISSUE AND MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP CHANGED WHAT THEY CALLED A FAULTY POSITIVE TERMINAL HOOK-UP BUT I STILL HAVE THIS ISSUE WHERE MY VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY POWERED. I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY START THE VEHICLE BACK UP AND BARELY MAKE IT HOME. I WAS NEVER IN A CRASH, BUT I DID HIT THE BOTTOM OF MY VEHICLE ON AN ABUTMENT THAT WAS IN A AUTOMOTIVE PARKING LOT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 3MPH. BUT THIS HAPPENED IN 2014 DECEMBER AND I HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT AND DROVE IT FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID 11033936 · filed Oct 16, 2017
All 9 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 2, 2023

Radiator failure leaking into tranny, causing a sound coming from transmission as if driving over a rumble strips when accelerating between 40-60mph, as well as sudden jerking when changing gears. SMOD residue (creamy pink fluid) present on radiator cap. This is a known issue that I was never made aware of during nor after purchase. Obviously this was not addressed prior to the sale by the Nissan Dealership. No warning signs were present prior to the issue appearing. Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer yet as I am only now learning of this problem, however I have made arrangements. The issue is confirmed by third parties. Vehicle is available for further inspection upon request. The issue first appeared about 2 weeks ago but symptoms were milder and progressively became more noticeable. Sudden transmission failure on the highway could be catastrophic and is part of my daily driving routine.

NHTSA ID 11488994 · filed Oct 12, 2022
All 9 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 28, 2025

MASTER CYLINDER LEAKING INTERNALLY -BRAKE PETAL GOING CLOSE TO THE FLOOR.

NHTSA ID 10850953 · filed Mar 22, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY COMPLAINT IS THAT MY VEHICLE IS TURNING OFF WITH A BRAND NEWLY INSTALLED BATTERY AND MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP CANNOT READ MY CAR TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THEY KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR CLOSE TO A MONTH AND STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE NEVER FAILS TO TURN OVER, BUT IT JUST LOSES POWER AND TURNS OFF LIKE SOMEONE SNATCHED OUT THE BATTERY. SOMETIMES IT FAILS TO TURN OVER, RIGHT AWAY, BUT THEN IT TURNS OVER AND I CAN DRIVE IT A FEW MILES BEFORE IT STALLS ON ME AGAIN, EVEN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE 64,500 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND I HAVE BABIED IT SINCE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW IN 12/2009. THE SLIP LIGHT COMES ON AND THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND THEN THE VEHICLE GETS CONFUSED AND SHUTS OFF. IT IS ANNOYING. IT FEELS LIKE A BATTERY ISSUE AND MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP CHANGED WHAT THEY CALLED A FAULTY POSITIVE TERMINAL HOOK-UP BUT I STILL HAVE THIS ISSUE WHERE MY VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY POWERED. I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY START THE VEHICLE BACK UP AND BARELY MAKE IT HOME. I WAS NEVER IN A CRASH, BUT I DID HIT THE BOTTOM OF MY VEHICLE ON AN ABUTMENT THAT WAS IN A AUTOMOTIVE PARKING LOT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 3MPH. BUT THIS HAPPENED IN 2014 DECEMBER AND I HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT AND DROVE IT FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID 11033936 · filed Oct 16, 2017

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING. HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, STOP SIGN...WHEN TIME TO GO CAR DOES NOT MOVE. COMPLAINED TO NISSAN DEALER IN 2014 AND THEY SUGGESTED CHANGING THE FLUID...COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. FLUID WAS CHANGED AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. WILL BE TAKING IT TO ANOTHER DEALER THIS WEEK. I UNDERSTAND NISSAN HAS HAD MAJOR ISSUES WITH COOLANT LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION AS I HAD A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. NISSAN WOULD NOT COMPENSATE ME AS MY MILEAGE WAS 100+K. WHEN I TREADED IN MY 2005 FOR A 2010 I WAS ASSURED THAT NISSAN HAD FIXED THE DEFECT. HERE WE GO AGAIN...I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER!

NHTSA ID 10743605 · filed Jul 27, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE TO EXIT A PARKING LOT AND WAITING FOR AN OPENING IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY FOUR-LANE ROAD WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 50 MPH, I HIT THE GAS TO ACCELERATE INTO AN OPENING AND NOTHING HAPPENED, NO FORWARD MOTION. AND THERE HAVE BEEN SUBSEQUENT INCIDENTS; ONE INVOLVED TRYING TO CROSS A BUSY STREET FROM A STOP SIGN. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE; WHEN THE DRIVE TRAIN IS UNRESPONSIVE IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, PEOPLE COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED. TODAY, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TO HAVE THIS ANOMALY CHECKED OUT. THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THE RADIATOR CRACKED, LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND BOTH MUST BE REPLACED. THIS IS BEING DONE AT NO COST TO ME, AS THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE RADIATOR CRACKING FOR WHICH NISSAN HAS INCREASED THE WARRANTY TO 8 YEARS OR 80,000 MILES. HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY NOTIFICATION DOESN'T MENTION THE TRANSMISSION MAY BE COMPROMISED, STATING ONLY, "IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY MIGHT OCCUR AT HIGHER MILEAGES LEADING TO INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF ENGINE COOLANT." MY VEHICLE IS FOUR YEARS OLD AND JUST HIT 12,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10597204 · filed Jun 9, 2014

WHEN THE LOW FUEL GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON MY DAUGHTER PUT $40.00 IN GAS. HOWEVER THE GAUGE ONLY SHOWED 1/4 OF AT TANK (@$3.40 PER GAL) I THOUGHT IT WAS A PROBLEM AT THE GAS STATION PUMP. THE NEXT MORNING I STOPPED TO PUT GAS IN THE TANK FEARING I WOULD RUN OUT. I PUT AN ADDITIONAL $25.00 AND THE GAUGE NEVER MOVED. BEING A 2010 VEHICLE, THIS SHOULD NOT OF HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10479232 · filed Oct 8, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2010 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A BUMPER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BUMPER HE PURCHASED HAS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW THAT LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. DUE TO THE DESIGN OF ONE OF THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, IT MADE CONTACT WITH A METAL POWER STEERING LINE, AND FROM THE VIBRATION, IT RUBBED THROUGH THE LINE CAUSING TOTAL FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THE LOCATION OF THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE SEEN BEFORE OR DURING INSTALLATION, BUT ONLY WITH THE BUMPER ON, BY LOOKING THROUGH AN OPENING LESS THAN TWO INCHES, AT JUST THE RIGHT ANGLE, WITH A FLASH LIGHT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10400361 · filed May 10, 2011

2010 NISSAN FRONTIER RUSTING REAR BUMPER STARTED IN DECEMBER WITH 12,000 MILES ON VEHICLE 7 MONTHS OLD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10390230 · filed Mar 15, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY MADE A LOUD CLANKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE U-JOINTS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AFTER HAVING THE U-JOINTS REPLACED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE TRANSFER CASE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. RK

NHTSA ID 10586930 · filed May 7, 2014

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN FRONTIER EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH RADIAL LONE TRAIL AT TIRES (N/A), SIZE P265/70/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25-30 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS SWITCHED OUT FOR THE SPARE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING AND TO VISIT THE TIRE DEALER. THE TIRE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE FOR THE BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD ONLY ASSIST WITH 50-60% OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRE COSTS. THE TIRE HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,600. UPDATED 12/23/10*LJ UPDATED 01/03/11

NHTSA ID 10358188 · filed Sep 29, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 60MPH AND TRUCK WILL JUST SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING

NHTSA ID 11004944 · filed Jul 12, 2017

2010 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A BUMPER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BUMPER HE PURCHASED HAS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW THAT LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. DUE TO THE DESIGN OF ONE OF THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, IT MADE CONTACT WITH A METAL POWER STEERING LINE, AND FROM THE VIBRATION, IT RUBBED THROUGH THE LINE CAUSING TOTAL FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THE LOCATION OF THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE SEEN BEFORE OR DURING INSTALLATION, BUT ONLY WITH THE BUMPER ON, BY LOOKING THROUGH AN OPENING LESS THAN TWO INCHES, AT JUST THE RIGHT ANGLE, WITH A FLASH LIGHT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10400361 · filed May 10, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

On October 29, 2016 my airbag light came on and stayed on. Took it to Jenkins Nissan of Leesburg FL. They charged me $95.00 to check the problem, then said it would be $800.00 to replace the module but if that didn’t work the next thing they could try would be $1,000.00, but they could not guarantee that it would fix the problem. Then my tire pressure light came on and stayed on about 3 years ago…same scenario with Jenkins Nissan… you pay us, but no guarantee that they can fix it. Then my horn stopped working about a year ago. Same scenario with Jenkins Nissan. I took my truck to another mechanic, everything is fixed for one price. The problem with everything was evidently connected. These issues in my opinion are safety hazards and should be recalled.

NHTSA ID 11471266 · filed Jun 27, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2010 NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X2 SE. VIBRATING PASSENGER SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10330162 · filed May 12, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR LEAF SPRING CRACKED & ONE HALF OF ONE SECTION FELL OFF OF VECHILE WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID 10993039 · filed Jun 4, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 28, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .