2004 Nissan Frontier Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 20%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Nissan Frontier, 20% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 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.
“My truck suddenly had issues shifting. I went online and saw there was a lawsuit and common issues with the radiator and transmission. I was not notified about the lawsuit or the issue from Nissan. I also called a mechanic and they said it is a common issues and it would be about $6,000 to replace the transmission and radiator. This is unacceptable as Nissan should have notified customers so that we could have had it fixed before it turned into a major issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11053478, filed 2017-12, 102,000 miles“This truck has been worked on multiple times for rust, corrosion, gas tank leaks, bearings and rear differential. It continues to rust and corrode. The motor runs well but the vehicle has rusted even with excellent care. I am so disappointed. The gas tank has been fixed multiple times and continues to corrode and leak. I think that all of these issues need to be checked on. The rear differential has corroded and all of these issues are very expensive every time that it has to be fixed. I would appreciate your help with these problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11320150, filed 2020-04, 90,000 miles“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 up at a high rate of speed due to lack of lubrication. Got a quote of $1500 to replace the oil pan. Seems kind of steep considering I am not the one who put the, in my opinion, sub par oil pan on these vehicles. Updated 4/8/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10616626, filed 2014-07, 123,000 miles“When driving from 50- 70 MPH vehicle vibrated under the floor board. The dealer replaced the drive shaft, however problem recurred. The dealer moved the shaft 1/4 turn and the same problem recurred. The Nissan manufacturer suggested that this particular make/model does in fact experience this type of problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10075451, filed 2004-07, 164 miles“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 credit. Total cost so far is approx. $2,800. The transmission housing has no external damage that would have caused this crack to the housing. Consumer sent an updated portable to correct the VIN. Updated 07/08/11”
NHTSA complaint #10411392, filed 2011-07, 56,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10182353Oct 21, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SIDE FLANGE MOUNTING BOLT Service Campaign ID # P4134 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs…
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10024689Apr 28, 2008Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement. 2004 to current nissan vehicles.
- 10019151Dec 20, 2005No a/t upshift after hill with ascd (automatic speed control device) on.
Transmission 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 2004 Nissan Frontier
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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