2002 Nissan Frontier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 10%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Nissan Frontier, 10% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Seat belt light on the dash turned on and continued flashing. The diagnosis read on it was tensioner on system restraint. Sensor was replaced but the srs light continued to flash and now has locked my seat belts. Driver's seat belt will not release so I have been having to drive without a seat belt. All wiring on sensors on the seat belt and under the seat have been checked and are fine so there must be a faulty sensor someplace or an electrical issue causing the seat belt to lock in place.”
NHTSA complaint #11398532, filed 2021-03, 142,000 miles“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 investigated.”
NHTSA complaint #10096502, filed 2004-10, 46,000 miles“During vehicle operation the brake and battery light will flash repeatedly on and off until engine is shut off. Will not start again until after vehicle is driven short distance. Battery, alternator, and regulator have been tested. During use at night vehicle headlights will flicker and dim as well as dashboard lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10955687, filed 2017-02, 115,000 miles“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, engine will stop and could result in crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10141235, filed 2005-10, 28,730 miles“When driving 70 MPH vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway. Consumer was able to restart vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. While vehicle is set on cruise control, the entire system shut down. Consumer couldn't restart the vehicle. Ignition system failed four times, and was brought to two different dealers.”
NHTSA complaint #10067378, filed 2004-05, 14,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004962May 21, 2024VEHICLE 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…
- 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.
- 10172183Feb 6, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN WINDOW REGULATOR Service Campaign ID #s PU306 & PU307 are no longer active. ï· - Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no…
- 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 2002 Nissan Frontier
25 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Nissan Frontier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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