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2004 Nissan Frontier Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Nissan Frontier, most often about the transmission (20% of complaints, typically around 72,500 miles). It is 11th of 27 Frontier model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2004 Nissan Frontier problems
Transmission
13 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 72,500 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, manual transmission.
Noticed transmission fluid was slowly leaking and covering the bottom pan. Mechanic looked at it and found a crack in the housing of the transmission near the top. My certified mechanic had never seen this before. The transmission and torque converter now needs to be replaced and the "core" cannot be sent back for any…
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and traveling uphill, the transmission slipped after the contact depressed the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the defect was also present when driving downhill. The contact had to shift to neutral and back…
Engine
9 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Nissan Frontier. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the contact was unable to restart it. Both the dealer and manufacturer were notified who informed the contact that there were no related recalls. The vehicle had not been repaired or diagnosed. The current and failure…
The timing chain tensioner guide failed, causing the timing chain to rub a hole into the block. The local dealership, ceranti oakes Nissan, is aware of the problem, as well as the timing tensioner recall submitted by the manufacturer, and initially suggested that I haul the truck to the dealership, at my own expense…
Fuel system
9 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, fuel injection system.
The check engine light turned on in may vehicle. I had it checked and it turns out the gas tank/ hose connection to the tank is rusted causing a fume leak. This leak can be smelled inside the vehicle and is very strong outside the vehicle and is a potential fire hazard. This occurred in august 2006. I had to order a…
Contact owns a 2004 Nissan Frontier. The service engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. It would illuminate intermittently. The consumer attempted to take his vehicle in for inspection but it failed due to this failure. He then took the vehicle to a mechanic who ran diagnostic testing on the vehicle. After…
Wheels and tires
8 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 32,000 miles. Parts named most often: valve.
I have these tires original from Nissan when I bought the truck. After 28,000 miles, they would just peel off on the top layer and leave the rest of the tire intact. At high speeds, this has caused major damage to my truck by a slapping action of the peeled layer. They should notify all consumers of this defect.
I've had 2 general aw grabber tires lose the tread on me while driving. Size is p225 70 r15. Just lost the tread on one yesterday while traveling on the highway almost causing a severe crash.
Body and structure
7 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 115,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
After driving my vehicle to work (around 15 miles), the lights began to dim and the radio turned on and off several times. I parked in the garage where I work, and went to my office to get in touch with a mechanic. About 1/2 hour later, a police officer called because my truck caught fire. It caused damage to the…
I noticed small oil stains under the Nissan while parked in my driveway, at work, and anywhere I would stop. Upon further investigation, I noticed the oil pan is rusting through. I have done research and noticed I am not the only person experiencing this problem. This could be a major problem if the motor would lock…
Steering
7 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Nissan Frontier. While driving approximately 60 MPH the steering wheel became very stiff. The vehicle was taken to his residence. The failure was not diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and stated that her vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id…
Dealer sold a vehicle as a florida 2 owner vehicle. I did another carfax on it after I made the purchase to discover dealer sold it to someone in tn and they titled it. Then they returned it. Dealer sold it to me without having title on hand. Vehicle was shipped and dropped off at my house without me being there to…
Brakes
6 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 109,000 miles.
Nissan 2004 Frontier xe brakes failed without warning causing a collision into an apartment complex entry sign made out of cement blocks. The damage to the vehicle resulted in a total loss. If the vehicle had been repairable, a serious concern for driver and passenger safety due to the high probability of repeated…
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while parked, the contact pulled the cable release for the parking brake and the bracket under the parking brake detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer stated that the manufacturer no longer manufactured the part for the…
Air bags
6 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: frontal.
I have a 2004 Nissan Frontier crew cab, long bed (6') and the air bags (both driver & passenger) did not deploy. The entire front end of the truck suffered damage. The damage is significant enough that the hood folded upwards. My daughter hit an impala without side impact air bags on the driver's side door hard enough…
Traveling approximately 35mph, vehicles in front came to an abrupt stop. Nissan Frontier failed to stop in a timely manner, resulting in crash. Brake pedal went to floor without the truck stopping. Resulting crash did not deploy airbags. Vehicle was totaled. Driver was hospitalized.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 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.
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 2004 Nissan Frontier
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Frontier?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (13 complaints, typically around 72,500 miles); engine (9 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles); fuel system (9 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Frontier have?
- 1 recall 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 2004 a bad year for the Nissan Frontier?
- It is 11th of 27 Frontier model years by number of complaints, with 66 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.