2014 Nissan Frontier Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 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
- Airbags1125.6%
- Electrical614.0%
- Powertrain (other)614.0%
- Fuel system511.6%
- Visibility37.0%
- Driver assistance37.0%
- Brakes24.7%
- Body & structure24.7%
- Other / unspecified12.3%
- Interior & seats12.3%
- Seat belts12.3%
- Steering12.3%
- Exterior lighting12.3%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Air Bag light is constantly on. So the diagnosis was air bag sensor is not working. so the air bags will not deploy in an accident
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The air bag light warning light illuminated and remained constantly illuminated since the day of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V052000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The mechanic informed the contact that the integrated computer module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was a Voluntary Service Campaign for the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 57,400.
TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2014 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHOM DETERMINED THAT THE MAIN WIRE HARNESS WAS DEFECTIVE. THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED BECAUSE THE HARNESS WAS NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA AS THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES LESS THAN 10 DEGREES, THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE UPON FIRST MOVEMENT. THIS DISABLES THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, IT WILL ALSO DISABLE THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM IF NOT ENGAGED BEFORE MOVEMENT. AMBIENT TEMP MUST RISE ABOVE 25 DEGREES TO REVERSE THE SYMPTOMS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR ANYONE THAT LIVES IN A COLD CLIMATE.
I HAVE ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT: FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017. THIS IS FROM RESEARCH ON WWW (THOUSANDS OF ADS TO SELL NISSAN "BELL HOUSINGS ON WWW); FROM YOUTUBE CONCERNING A $7,000 REAIR: AUTONATION NISSAN OF BRANDON IN BRANDON, FL DID THE WORK AND A FEW MONTHS LATER AND A COUPLE THOUSAND MILES I AM HAVING NO ISSUES AND MUCH OF THE BELL HOUSING RATTLE IS GONE! THEY ENDED UP REPLACING MY DRIVE SHAFT ALONG WITH THE BELL HOUSING, AND I ALSO GOT A NEW FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER/DOWNPIPE AS IT WAS DAMAGED DURING REMOVAL DUE TO SEIZED HARDWARE. THE WHOLE WARRANTY JOB WAS AROUND $7,000! FROM YOUTUBE (THE "RED LINES" IN MY ATTACHED PHOTOS ARE "CRACKS", YOU CAN "HANG" YOUR FINGERNAIL ON) I LEARNED THERE HAS BEEN "BELL HOUSING DECENTIGRATION, REAR END OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFTS BREAKING OFF, TRANSMISSION BEARINGS SPINNING IN THE TRANS. HOUSINGS AND DRIVESHAFTS WOBBLING, ETC, ETC. SHOULD I REPORT THIS TO "FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION? THE DATE BELOW IS WHEN I WAS DRIVING (180 MILES) HOME AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE. BAKER NISSAN HAS BEEN "JERKING" ME AROUND FOR OVER TWO (2) YEARS NOW. THAT IS THE REASON BRAD BAKER STATED TO ME: "...DON'T BRING THE VEHICLE BACK THERE AGAIN..." AND I STILL HAVE 28,000 MILES / 2 1/2 YEARS WARRANTY ON VEHICLE! DRIVETRAINS DON'T "VIBRATE" !!!
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
FROM A STAND STILL, WHEN ACCELERATING TO ENTER INTO TRAFFIC. DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE TRUCK ONLY MOVES INTO TRAFFIC BUT THEN THE TRUCK FAILS TO ACCELERATE. THERE IS A FLAT SPOT. NO ACCELERATION AT TIMES. I HAVE TO "PEDAL" THE ACCELERATOR TO TRY TO GET THE TRUCK TO MOVE. MEANWHILE I AM STUCK WITH TRAFFIC RAPIDLY APPROACHING BECAUSE I CANNOT GET OUT OF THE WAY. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND ALWAYS AT THE WORST TIME LIKE WHEN TRYING TO ENTER ONTO A HIGHWAY. I HAVE HAD NEAR COLLISIONS TWICE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN DEALER HAS FOUND NOTHING. THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM WHEN I TAKE IT TO THEM.
EVERY TIME I NEED TO FILL MY TRUCK UP, I NEVER LET IT GET BELOW A QUARTER OF A TANK, FUEL WILL COME SHOOTING BACK OUT AS IF IT IS FULL, BUT IT IS NOT. MY TRUCK WAS OFF, AND THE KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY SINCE MY GETTING THIS TRUCK, 1/19/20190 TO CURRENT. I HAVE TO FUEL SLOW IN ORDER TO GET GAS A FULL TANK, LIKE THERE IS A KINK IN THE SYSTEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SUN ROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. HEARD A LID POP LOOKED UP AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS SHATTERED. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY.
I HEARD A LOAD POP SIMILAR TO A GUN SHOT. MY SUN ROOF HAD JUST SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. IT BUCKLED IN THE MIDDLE AND THE WHOLE ROOF WAS SHATTERED.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
FROM A STAND STILL, WHEN ACCELERATING TO ENTER INTO TRAFFIC. DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE TRUCK ONLY MOVES INTO TRAFFIC BUT THEN THE TRUCK FAILS TO ACCELERATE. THERE IS A FLAT SPOT. NO ACCELERATION AT TIMES. I HAVE TO "PEDAL" THE ACCELERATOR TO TRY TO GET THE TRUCK TO MOVE. MEANWHILE I AM STUCK WITH TRAFFIC RAPIDLY APPROACHING BECAUSE I CANNOT GET OUT OF THE WAY. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND ALWAYS AT THE WORST TIME LIKE WHEN TRYING TO ENTER ONTO A HIGHWAY. I HAVE HAD NEAR COLLISIONS TWICE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN DEALER HAS FOUND NOTHING. THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM WHEN I TAKE IT TO THEM.
THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT COAST DOWN HILL WITHOUT DECELERATING UP TO 5 MILES BELOW SET SPEED, SO 55, IF YOUR SET AT 60, ETC. THE TRUCK HAS THE SMALL 2.5 4CYL ENGINE, BUT IT WILL CLIMB THE FIRST HILL PERFECTLY FINE WITHOUT MISSING A BEAT, JUST WHEN IT STARTS COMING DOWN THE BACKSIDE OF THE HILL YOU CAN PHYSICALLY FEEL A DRAG LIKE THE THROTTLE PLATE IS COMPLETELY CLOSED. ON VERY HILLY TERRAIN IT WILL DECELERATE DOWN THE FIRST HILL, AND UPON REACHING THE SECOND HILL, ACCELERATE SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY (4 TO 5K RPM) TOO CATCH UP WITH ITSELF. MORE OFTEN THEN NOT, I JUST SHUT THE SYSTEM OFF AND DRIVE NORMALLY TOO AVOID UNNECESSARY WEAR ON THE ENGINE AND TRANS, NOT TOO MENTION THE LOSS IN FUEL ECONOMY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES LESS THAN 10 DEGREES, THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE UPON FIRST MOVEMENT. THIS DISABLES THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, IT WILL ALSO DISABLE THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM IF NOT ENGAGED BEFORE MOVEMENT. AMBIENT TEMP MUST RISE ABOVE 25 DEGREES TO REVERSE THE SYMPTOMS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR ANYONE THAT LIVES IN A COLD CLIMATE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FELT SOFT AND SPONGY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL. WHEN IN A "FRONT END COLLISION" AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (EST. 70-80 MPH), AT IMPACT, NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AND RESULTED IN HITTING MY HEAD EITHER AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL OR THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW (I AM UNSURE, AS I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS FOR SECONDS AFTER THE COLLISION). THIS COLLISION OCCURRED, MOST RECENTLY, ON 08/28/18. I WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN A "FRONT END COLLISION" WITH A SEMI-TRUCK/18-WHEELER IN FEBRUARY OF 2018. THIS WAS ALSO AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED BUT THE IMPACT WAS TO THE PASSENGER SIDE, PREDOMINANTLY. ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T HAVE A PASSENGER, I STILL WAS HIT HARD ENOUGH THAT THE IMPACT JOLTED MY HEAD TO, ONCE AGAIN, HIT MY STEERING WHEEL AND RESULTING IN BEING TRANSPORTED TO THE ER VIA LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT. BOTH OF THESE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN MOTION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD MELTED AND BECAME STICKY AND SHINY. WHEN THE SUNLIGHT SHINED ON THE MELTED SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD, A GLARE WAS PRESENT CREATING A VISIBILITY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT TIRES OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ROUGH IDLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT LUG NUTS. AS A RESULT, THE THREADS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRES. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT ALL LUG NUTS, STUDS AND TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HOOD LATCH FAILED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, CAUSING THE HOOD TO OPEN, BLOCK OUR VIEW AND SMASH OUR WINDSHIELD. THE HOOD WAS BENT, THE ROOF WAS DENTED AND THE INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR AND OVERHEAD LIGHT CAME OFF.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT ENGAGE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. NISSAN DEALER MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT EXAMINED, SAYS BUCKLE MUST BE REPLACED ($200, OUTSIDE 30,000 MILE WARRANTY).
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING. ERRATIC STEERING WAS EXPERIENCED WHEN DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE INPUT SHAFT ON THE STEERING BOX WAS NOT CONNECTED PROPERLY. THIS CREATED MOVEMENT IN THE CONNECTION WHICH WORE OFF THE SPLINES. THIS RESULTED IN ERRATIC STEERING AND STEERING FAILURE THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT. THE NISSAN REP DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED WHEN I CALLED TO ALERT THEN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES ON NEW VEHICLE, NOTICED NOT ONLY HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM, BUT EXTREMELY WEAK ON DRIVER SIDE. WHEN SAFELY AT HOME, OPEN HOOD TO SEE IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE WHITE PLASTIC RETAINING RING THAT HOLDS THE HEADLIGHT BULB (9007) IN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING WAS OFF AND HANGING ON THE WIRES, AND THE HEADLIGHT BULB WAS STARTING THE COME OUT OF THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. AFTER TALKING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY COMPARED THE RETAINING RING TO THREE OTHER NEW, NEVER SOLD BEFORE FRONTIERS AND FOUND THIS WAS A STANDARD PART. THE RING DOES NOT MAKE A FULL 1/4 TURN TO TIGHTEN AND THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE / FORCE TO TIGHTEN RETAINING RING EQUALED TO ALMOST NOTHING. UNKNOWN IF THIS WILL BE A CONSTANT ISSUE IN MY FUTURE OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE, BUT SINCE THIS WAS AN ISSUE ON EVERY FRONTIER ON THIS LOT, EVEN THOUGH THEY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE RING, NOTHING WOULD BE RESOLVED, IT'S AN IDENTICAL RING. A) UNKNOWN IF THIS WILL CONSTANTLY COME UNDONE ALLOWING THE BULB TO LOOSEN AND FALL OUT. B) IF THIS CONTINUES TO COME UNDONE, WATER / MOISTURE ? DIRT CAN CONSTANTLY ENTER THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. C) IF BULB FALLS OUT AND IN USE THE HOT BULB CAN / COULD MELT THE HEADLIGHT UNIT, OR FALL ON WIRES MELTING THE MATERIAL CAUSING ELECTRICAL ISSUE. D) CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE WITH ANOTHER ISSUE AND THE RESPONSE WAS THEY PREFER TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP HANDLE VEHICLE CONCERNS. SO DON'T KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH NISSAN THEY HAVE A POOR PRODUCT DESIGN / POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD CONSIDER REDESIGN OF NOTHING ELSE, THE WHITE RETAINING RING. I DID SUGGEST THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SHOULD CONTACT CORPORATE OF THIS, BUT UNKNOWN IF THIS WAS TURNED IN TO NISSAN CORPORATE. *TR
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .