What are the most common Nissan Frontier problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,100+ owner reports, the 2016 Nissan Frontier has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure (VQ40DE), Rear Timing Cover Oil Gallery Gasket Blowout Causing Low Oil Pressure at Idle (VQ40DE), RE5R05A 5-Speed Valve Body and Integrated TCM Solenoid Failure Causing Limp Mode. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Frontier reliable?
The 2016 Nissan Frontier has 10 known issues documented across 2,100+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure (VQ40DE) and Rear Timing Cover Oil Gallery Gasket Blowout Causing Low Oil Pressure at Idle (VQ40DE) and RE5R05A 5-Speed Valve Body and Integrated TCM Solenoid Failure Causing Limp Mode. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Frontier problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan Frontier issues range from $30 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure (VQ40DE), typically costs $1,500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure (VQ40DE)?
The Nissan Frontier VQ40DE 4.0L V6 is notorious for timing chain guide and tensioner failure, typically occurring between 80,000-130,000 miles. The plastic chain guides deteriorate and break apart, causing chain rattle and potential engine damage. This is one of the most well-kno… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier Rear Timing Cover Oil Gallery Gasket Blowout Causing Low Oil Pressure at Idle (VQ40DE)?
On the 4.0L VQ40DE the two oil gallery cover plates sit on the inner (rear) timing chain cover behind the front cover. Their gaskets are a known failure point shared with the VQ35DE/VQ37VHR family: the gasket blows out and dumps pressurized oil internally back into the sump. The… Repairs typically run $1,200-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier RE5R05A 5-Speed Valve Body and Integrated TCM Solenoid Failure Causing Limp Mode?
The Jatco RE5R05A five-speed automatic used in the second-generation Frontier carries its transmission control module bolted directly to the valve body, submerged in hot ATF. That packaging is the weak point: sustained heat cycling and vibration crack solder joints and kill solen… Repairs typically run $900-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420 / P0430) on the 4.0L VQ40DE?
The 4.0L VQ40DE Frontier is a repeat offender for catalyst efficiency codes, typically appearing somewhere past 100,000 miles as P0420 (Bank 1) or P0430 (Bank 2), often both. The converter is usually a victim rather than the root cause: unburned fuel from a misfire, an over-rich… Repairs typically run $900-$2,600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2025 Nissan Frontier Transfer Case Shift Actuator Motor and Position Switch Failure - 4WD Will Not Engage?
On 4x4 Frontiers the transfer case is shifted by an electric actuator motor with position switches rather than a mechanical lever, and both the motor and the switches are common failure points. The classic presentation is that the 4WD selector is turned and nothing happens: the d… Repairs typically run $350-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2024 Nissan Frontier Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion Triggering ABS, VDC OFF and SLIP Warning Lights?
The Frontier's wheel speed sensors sit exposed at the hubs and fail from corrosion, road salt and debris damage, and because the same signal feeds the anti-lock brakes, the Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system and the traction control, one dead sensor lights the whole cluster… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier Fuel Sending Unit Failure and Inaccurate Gauge?
The Frontier fuel level sending unit is prone to failure, causing the fuel gauge to read inaccurately or erratically. The gauge may show full when the tank is half empty, drop suddenly from half to empty, or fluctuate randomly. This is caused by wear on the sending unit rheostat… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier Rear Differential Bushing Clunk?
The D40 Frontier develops a clunk from the rear end during acceleration and deceleration transitions, caused by worn rear differential mount bushings. The rubber bushings deteriorate over time, allowing the differential to shift and create a noticeable "clunk" when transitioning… Repairs typically run $30-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier Rear Leaf Spring Sag and Flat Bed Syndrome?
The D40 Frontier is known for progressive rear leaf spring sag, often called "flat bed syndrome." The factory leaf springs are relatively light-duty and sag over time, especially if the truck is used for hauling. The sagging rear end gives the truck a nose-up rake appearance and… Repairs typically run $150-$1,000. Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure Causing No Heat and Clicking Under the Dash?
The plastic-geared blend door actuators behind the Frontier dash strip their teeth or lose position calibration, and the failure is easy to recognize: a repeated clicking or ratcheting from under the dash or behind the glovebox each time the temperature is changed or the ignition… Repairs typically run $200-$900. Severity: low.
