1999 Nissan Frontier Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 15%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,078miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Nissan Frontier, 15% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,078 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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 1999-03“1999 Nissan Frontier experiencing a clunking sound when shifting gears on the five speed manual transmission. The transmission also progressivley became more difficult to shift. The consumer complained to the manufacturer through survies but they never replied.”
NHTSA complaint #10125815, filed 2005-06“1999 Nissan Frontier developed a problem with changing gears. The consumer stated soon after purchase, the vehicle began to make a clunking sound and became progressively worse over time.”
NHTSA complaint #10135651, filed 2005-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 27% |
| 2025 | 2 | 20% |
| 2024 | 6 | 27% |
| 2023 | 13 | 20% |
| 2022 | 24 | 21% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 12 | 52% |
| 2019 | 7 | 25% |
| 2018 | 2 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 3 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 15% |
| 2014 | 6 | 14% |
| 2013 | 6 | 13% |
| 2012 | 20 | 25% |
| 2011 | 9 | 14% |
| 2010 | 15 | 25% |
| 2009 | 8 | 22% |
| 2008 | 54 | 40% |
| 2007 | 222 | 43% |
| 2006 | 220 | 36% |
| 2005 | 262 | 49% |
| 2004 | 13 | 20% |
| 2003 | 7 | 9% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 8 | 6% |
| 2000 | 26 | 14% |
| 1999 | 12 | 15% |
| 1998 | 9 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1999 Nissan Frontier
19 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Nissan Frontier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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