1999 Nissan Frontier Problems
- Complaints
- 78filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 26 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl RWD · 20 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Nissan Frontier (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe tire failures — tread separation and sidewall blowouts on the original-equipment tires — along with airbags that did not deploy in a crash, fuel pump/sending unit failures that stall the truck, and a clunking or hard-to-shift manual transmission. A number of these reports come at relatively low mileage, while others appear on trucks well past 100,000 miles.
- Tires
Tire tread separation and sidewall blowouts
- 17 complaints (22%)
- median 45,464 mi at 4.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2006
Complaints describe the original-equipment tires developing bubbles, cracks between tread and sidewall, or shedding tread at highway speed, sometimes with a vibration beforehand. Several owners report a blowout that pulled the truck to one side or made it hard to control, and some say one tire failed shortly after another of the same set. Owners say the dealer or tire maker generally declined reimbursement, and in a few cases dealers replaced tires under warranty. Many reports come between roughly 20,000 and 50,000 miles, often at highway speeds.
What to check: Inspect tire date codes, look for cracks between tread and sidewall, and check for uneven wear or vibration at highway speed; ask whether the tires are original and when they were last replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I've only owned this vehicle for 2 weeks. I have digital images of the tire and will send them upon request. The failure was sidewall blowout, not result of running over something. I'm concerned that these tires are all in danger of failure. The look of the blow-out suggests separation of material. (DOT number: w2vfnna069 tiresize: p215/65r15)”
NHTSA complaint #740768, filed 2001-02“Traveling south on tx 130 near manor at 65 MPH. Bright cool, sunny weather, dry road. Right rear tire exploded. Tread came off in one long strip, which thrashed the car. Was able to safely pull car off road, but damage to right rear panel, wheel well, and fuel filler estimated at between $1500 and $3000. The car had been vibrating at highway speeds for a while, but I suspected a suspension problem rather than a tire problem. Now I notice all tires appear rotten on outside; they had not been holding air well for several months. …”
NHTSA complaint #10176616, filed 2006-12, 41,979 miles - Fuel system
Truck stalls or won't start (fuel pump / sending unit)
- 13 complaints (17%)
- median 100,009 mi at 5.4 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2023
Complaints describe the engine dying at speed or failing to restart, traced to the fuel pump or sending unit; some mention a corroded terminal or a short in the wiring inside the tank. Owners also report a fuel gauge that stops reading after a fill-up, and several link the failure to the fuel pump terminal recall and say the recall work had been done or was refused. Repairs described include replacing the sending unit and pump. Reported from about 45,000 to over 200,000 miles, often while driving rather than at startup.
What to check: Ask whether recall 04V230000 was performed and keep the paperwork; check that the fuel gauge reads correctly after filling and listen for any stumble or hesitation on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Truck started dying randomly. Finally it died and would not restart. The truck was diagnosed with having no fuel pressure. I found out that there was a recall on the truck (ntb04-062c) that could cause the fuel pump to stop working. I verified with Nissan over the phone that the truck was definitely involved in the recall. I had the truck towed to a local Nissan dealership (southlake Nissan in merrillville, in). …”
NHTSA complaint #11192624, filed 2019-03, 213,530 miles“While driving on a half full fuel tank fuel sending unit failed, causing the vehicle to stall. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but the problem was not resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10048170, filed 2003-11, 80,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on or airbags not deploying
- 15 complaints (19%)
- median 90,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2019
Owners describe a flashing or intermittent airbag warning light that dealers could not resolve, and in several complaints the frontal airbags did not deploy in a collision, including rear-end and highway impacts. Some reports note a clicking noise from the steering column attributed to the airbag assembly. Complaints describe dealers checking the system without finding a fix. Reported from early ownership up to around 200,000 miles, with several crash-related reports above 60,000 miles.
What to check: Switch the ignition on and watch whether the airbag light comes on and then goes out; ask whether the system has ever been scanned for stored codes, and avoid disturbed seat trim or wiring that a service bulletin warns can affect side airbag operation.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Both lights and attachments by license plate fell out. Both bulbs and attachments were lost while driving 1 or two weeks apart. Airbag light flashing in past month. Have had mechanic check out and states fuse and everything is okay but the airbag light flashes continuously while vehicle is on. Firestone tires blew out at sidewall x2 tires at 30,000 miles. This was the original tires with vehicle bought brand new. Nissan or firestone stated could not reimburse for loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10047219, filed 2003-11, 90,000 miles“Vehicle veered off the inter state highway, across the medium, and crashed into the mountain at 60 MPH. Upon impact, none of the frontal air bags deployed. As a result, driver sustained neck and back injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10054019, filed 2004-01, 66,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Manual transmission clunk and difficult shifting
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 60,078 mi at 4.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2005
Owners of five-speed manual trucks describe a clunking sound when changing gears that became more frequent and a shifter that grew progressively harder to move. Some complaints also mention driveline noise traced to a missing or failed center support bearing and strap. In one report the dealer told the owner a new transmission was needed while chasing a check-engine light and a chassis noise it could not reproduce. Described from shortly after purchase into the 100,000-mile range, worsening over time.
What to check: On a test drive, listen for a clunk on gear changes and check that each gear engages without grinding; ask whether the driveline center bearing and support have been inspected or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I found this problem after reading about owners of other Nissan frontiers having the same part fail. When I exaimined the vehicle, I discovered the failure. I know of 9 other frontiers with similar problems. No safety defect discussed in summary.”
NHTSA complaint #726296, filed 2000-07“Check engine light on, dealer says I need a new transmission. (this truck has been to the dealer many times to have a chassis noise checked out with no probem found by the dealer.)”
NHTSA complaint #10000789, filed 2003-01, 60,078 miles
Buying note. Check the age and condition of the tires and the fuel gauge reading first, and confirm whether the fuel pump terminal recall was completed. A short drive covering gear changes and a cold start will show most of the transmission and exhaust symptoms owners describe.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 1999 Nissan Frontier. 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 29 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Tires19 24%
- Air bags17 22%
- Fuel system13 17%
- Engine cooling10 13%
- Brakes6 7.7%
- Suspension4 5.1%
- Electrical system3 3.9%
- Exterior lighting3 3.9%
- Body and structure3 3.9%
Also reported: Other or unknown (2), Seat belts (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Tires: “On 04/20/03 I experienced a severe vibration while driving my '99 Nissan Frontier at 65 MPH. As I pulled over, the right rear tire (oem firestone wilderness ht p215/65r-15) shed most of its tread. Tire was replaced and remaining tires were checked and found to be in good condition. One week later, the left rear tire began a similar vibration for a few seconds, then exploded at 65 MPH, destroying most of the sheet metal and body supports behind the wheel well. Tires had 48k miles, good tread, and were properly inflated to mfrs. Specs.”
NHTSA complaint #10017086, filed 2003-05, 48,950 milesAir bags: “1999 Nissan Frontier pickup following defects are as follows,front airbags continuously flashes,fuel gauge does not indicate amount of fuel after filling.,suspension problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10326918, filed 2010-04, 100,009 milesFuel system: “I have a 1999 Nissan Frontier xe king cab 4wd with a 3.3l engine. The middle spring on the right rear leaf spring broke and the forward portion (still attached via a rivet to the other two) pivoted and unbeknowst to me wore a hole in the fuel tank. I only noticed that there was a problem when I filled up the tank and noticed a strong odor. There is a recall on the fuel sending unit and when I take the vehicle in for this I will notify them of this other problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088167, filed 2004-08, 109,115 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Problem 1) difficult to start when engine is hot and truck has sat for 1-4 hours problem 2) vibration in driveline under light acceleration in overdrive and when truck bed has weight in it viration occurs all the time. Dealer had truck for three times before deciding to shim the rearend which has not helped any. I believe the problem is with nissans brand new transmission that is in this truck but it seems they dont want to accept that fact. I have gone as far as to have a Nissan engineer from denver look at this truck but still no fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #704566, filed 1999-03Mileage when problems were reported
23% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 109,115 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 Nissan Frontier version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Frontier 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Frontier 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Frontier V6 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Frontier V6 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V230000May 24, 2004Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Nissan Frontier 1999–2003, Xterra 2000–2003
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…
- 99V347002Dec 20, 1999Exterior lighting › Tail lightsCovers: Nissan Frontier 1999–2000, Quest 1999
Vehicle description: minivans and light duty trucks. The tail light socket may have been improperly molded, resulting in the locking tab having insufficient force to retain the bulb.
Recall details for the 1999 Nissan Frontier → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 29 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
- 10239060Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023Electrical system. VEHICLE 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 bulletin.
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023Electrical system. INTELLIGENT 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.
- 10232658Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657Feb 22, 2023Wheels. WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021Suspension. STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Frontier
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 2,700 | 1 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 9 | — | 3 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 22 | 1,100 | 3 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 66 | 4,500 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 94 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 112 | 2,000 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 20 | 26,500 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 23 | 28,000 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 28 | 12,000 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 21 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 25 | 9,745 | 2 | — | 19 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 38 | 17,500 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 44 | 32,500 | 1 | — | 19 | 46 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 33 | 29,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 23 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 42 | 35,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 48 | 27,000 | 1 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 80 | 43,000 | 3 | — | 19 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2011 | 64 | 47,800 | 1 | — | 19 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 59 | 41,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2009 | 37 | 60,097 | 3 | — | 19 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 136 | 85,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 520 | 82,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 617 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 532 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 66 | 61,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 77 | 65,500 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 124 | 69,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 134 | 73,850 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 189 | 88,125 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 78 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 129 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan Frontier model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Nissan Frontier?
Owners of this model year most often describe tire failures — tread separation and sidewall blowouts on the original-equipment tires — along with airbags that did not deploy in a crash, fuel pump/sending unit failures that stall the truck, and a clunking or hard-to-shift manual transmission. The issues reported most often: Tire tread separation and sidewall blowouts; Truck stalls or won't start (fuel pump / sending unit); Airbag warning light on or airbags not deploying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 1999 Nissan Frontier as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Nissan Frontier is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 19 complaints (24% of the total), followed by air bags with 17.
Has the 1999 Nissan Frontier been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Nissan Frontier get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Nissan Frontier (Frontier 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 20 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Nissan Frontier reported?
Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 109,115 miles; 23% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.