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2002 Nissan Frontier Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 124 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Nissan Frontier, most often about the fuel system (20% of complaints, typically around 104,000 miles). It is 7th of 27 Frontier model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2002 Nissan Frontier problems
Fuel system
25 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 104,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage.
A very strong and very overpowering gas smell came inside the vehicle while I was driving it at night. I had my 5-year old strapped in his car seat in the back. I was stuck in traffic on I-95 and didn't have many options but to continue to drive home. The "service engine soon" light came on as well. The next day, I…
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed an overpowering wave of a gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled while the contact was attempting to accelerate uphill. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where they…
Brakes
15 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 4,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, power assist.
Brake failure, 1st repair-nothing found. 2nd (diff dealer)-brake control switch adjust. 3rd-refuse to repairfailure. 4th (diff dealer) replaced entire brake system excpet computer control.
Dealer is denying responsibility for the problems I am having. I brought the truck 4 times for ABS, 3 for A/C not working & engine light remains on. I just finished arbitration and bbb auto line decided that ABS is not a safety issue despite the fact that the Nissan manual shows the importance of it in braking. I…
Engine
13 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
General grabber aw 225-70-15 stock on 2002 Nissan Frontier have belt separation in the sidewalls. I have filed a complaint with general tire (#55041). Have also contacted Nissan to have a specialist check it out. Complaint number [req:195685] <::2gd6lyfjiwv6ovjy:: > with jane national direct marketing e-mail address…
2002 Nissan Frontier. Electrical component; alternator/generator/regulator. Experiencing exact same problem as described in the NHTSA campaign id #05v319000. 1) normal operation leading to failure. 2) consequence; battery and brake warning lamps come on and battery begins to discharge. Engine goes into fail safe mode…
Speed control
13 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 47,000 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control, linkages.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. While parking the vehicle and applying the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The contact applied extreme force to the brakes; however, they failed causing him to crash into the front door of a bank. The damages to the vehicle were unknown. There were no injuries.…
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. While driving 68 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal noise then decelerated without warning. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle did not respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and then back on and the vehicle functioned normally. Several…
Electrical
13 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, alternator/generator/regulator.
Tach, odometer, speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges did not activate on start. Driving engaged speed limiter once transmission entered 3rd gear (automatic). After driving 3-4 miles, gauges came to life. This happened on a previous experience but was rectified by turning off and restarting vehicle. A web search…
My Nissan Frontier, 2002 model, is just out of warranty, less than 3 years old. Without any warning completely died on interstate. I towed in and problem was something electrical with the distributor. I understand this vehicle has no warranty after 36000 miles however this issue seems very rare to me and should be…
Steering
13 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 107,000 miles. Parts named most often: column.
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired for the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 10v554000 (steering:column). After receiving the vehicle from the authorized dealer, the contact noticed that the steering wheel was positioned out of alignment. Whenever the…
End play was discovered while vehicle was in motion and at rest. A certified technician removed the steering column and did not notice anything loose. After lifting the vehicle's hood, the technician discovered (3) loose bolts located in the lower steering column area just ahead of the spline. The technician attempted…
Body and structure
11 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Water gets in the seal of the upper rear tail light/cargo light. The water leaks through damaging the headliner and carpet. Also blew my fuse and none of the lights work in it, as well as blowing out the fuse every time I replace it. There is still no updated version or recall for it all you can do is get a new one…
Tl contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier double cabin super-charge. The contact made a left turn at 2 MPH and was struck on the passenger side door by another vehicle traveling 35 MPH. The contact's vehicle flipped approximately eight feet in the air and landed upside down. The vehicle was destroyed and the contact was…
Suspension
9 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
Vehicle became hard to control, regarding steering and just trying to keep the truck from drifting. Discovered that the retaining nut had worked loose and sway bar was not secured to the right side of car. Was repaired at the dealership.
: the contact stated since the vehicle was purchased there was a knocking sound under the rear of the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed or when reversing at 3 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent service dealer who replaced the rear shocks, but the noise continued. The service dealer inspected the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Nissan Frontier recalls
Steering: column
Risk: The shaft may break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The steering column shaft and joint will be replaced with a shaft of a different design. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on december 13, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Full defect summary
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 frontier vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001 through october 20, 2004, and model year 2002-2004, xterra vehicles manufactured from july 9, 2001, through january 6, 2005. Over time corrosion may form in the lower steering column joint and limit movement of the joint. The limited movement of this joint may create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, it may lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: If corrosion occurs, the terminal strip could eventually break causing the fuel pump to stop operation. This will result in not being able to start the engine or cause the engine to stop running without warning, which can result in a crash.
Fix: In the following states, dealers will replace the fuel-sending unit. These states are connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, tennessee, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. In the other states, the dealer will inspect the fuel pump terminal on the sending unit for corrosion. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the unit. If there is not corrosion, the dealer will apply sealant to the terminal housing to
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks equipped with six cylinder engines and sport utility vehicles equipped with four or six cylinder engines, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel-sending unit can develop a crack in the plastic molding. This can cause the terminal strip to corrode under some environmental conditions.
Speed control: vehicle speed control
Risk: This will cause the engine control system to go into the failsafe mode. Under this condition, the malfunction indicator lamp will illuminate and engine speed will not exceed 2400 RPM regardless of the throttle position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module. Owner notification began january 15, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with a supercharger, under certain conditions, such as full throttle in low gear when the engine is not fully warmed up and at cold ambient temperature, the amount of intake air flow through the air flow meter may exceed the maximum preset diagnosis limit value.
Suspension: rear
Risk: This can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and any affected components will be replaced. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. Owner notification began december 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2002 Nissan Frontier
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Nissan Frontier?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (25 complaints, typically around 104,000 miles); brakes (15 complaints, typically around 4,500 miles); engine (13 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Nissan Frontier have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 11, 2010 (steering). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Nissan Frontier?
- It is 7th of 27 Frontier model years by number of complaints, with 124 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.