1998 Nissan Frontier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 18%of 129 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Nissan Frontier, 18% of the 129 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Instrument cluster. Does not work. No gauges work at all. Do not know what my speed is, fuel level, RPM, heat gauge, nothing at all. Started by just going out once in a while then in june 2007 completely quit working. Had to buy a GPS so I know how fast I am going. Odometer reads 999999. Dealer says their is no replacement part and it is a known issue but can not get parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10339191, filed 2010-06, 180,000 miles“Alternator failed on my 98 pickup. When changing I found that the original alternator was remanufactured . I bought this truck new and alternator was never changed. Complained to manufacturer - they responded information not available and they are not in a position to move forward .”
NHTSA complaint #10325900, filed 2010-04, 108,000 miles“All gauges( speedometer, tachometer, temp, and fuel) malfunction periodically at the same time. Sometimes this results in the gauges pegging out or just not working at all. The frequency with which this occurs increases daily. The speedometer doesn't really ever function properly at this point. I feel this malfunction is cause for a recall because in doing some research I have found numerous complaints on multiple online forums indicating this exact same malfunction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222997, filed 2008-04, 150,000 miles“The circuit board behind the dash instruments that operates all of the dash board instruments on my 1998 Nissan pu has failed. The dealership could not obtain a new one and said that the part is no longer made. The pu has about 58000 miles on it but now I can not have it safety checked because none of the gauges on the dash work. I tried to get some positive response from the customer service in canada but enev after 4 calls -- nothing but a run a round.”
NHTSA complaint #10204408, filed 2007-09, 58,000 miles“The problem is with my 1998 Nissan Frontier 4x4, the problem is the speedometer is not reading the correct speed, using a radar speed set up, and confirming with a GPS, the reading on the speedometer significantly varies, holding the vehicle at a constant speed of 50 MPH on the oem speedometer will generate actual vehicle speeds from 42mph to 66mph, my concern is more safety than a speeding ticket, basically the operator has no idea how fast the vehicle is going, sometimes the speedometer will jump and move, while at a constant speed, I have tried to purchase replacement parts from Nissan…”
NHTSA complaint #10192680, filed 2007-06, 160,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 30 | 45% |
| 2022 | 31 | 28% |
| 2021 | 6 | 30% |
| 2020 | 3 | 13% |
| 2019 | 5 | 18% |
| 2018 | 5 | 20% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 2 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 14% |
| 2013 | 8 | 17% |
| 2012 | 7 | 9% |
| 2011 | 6 | 9% |
| 2010 | 9 | 15% |
| 2008 | 13 | 10% |
| 2007 | 28 | 5% |
| 2006 | 31 | 5% |
| 2005 | 38 | 7% |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 10% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 23 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1998 Nissan Frontier
23 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Nissan Frontier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology