2005 Nissan Frontier Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 262about this part
- Share
- 49%of 532 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 262 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Nissan Frontier, 49% of the 532 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When the truck hit about 115,000 miles, it started shifting oddly. At 120,000 miles it would not drive. I let it sit for a week and then it would drive. I can only drive it 5 miles or less in order for it to drive. Anymore than that, the check engine light comes on and it doesn't have the power to go over 10mph. After driving, even less than 5 miles, it leaks antifreeze.”
NHTSA complaint #11337993, filed 2020-07, 120,000 miles“Noticed transmission rumble. Took vehicle to local dealership where I was told there was cross-contamination between the radiator and transmission. Apparently a known issue with this make and model. Informed it would be over $6000 to repair. I have owned the vehicle since 2005 and was never informed of the defect or the pending class-action suit.”
NHTSA complaint #10607514, filed 2014-07, 119,950 miles“After 2 and a half months of fighting with Nissan consumer affairs, Nissan has basically told me they do not care about me or the other people affected by this issue or their safety. As sad as it sounds its going to take someone getting killed because of this issue before they open their eyes.”
NHTSA complaint #11044241, filed 2017-11, 91,000 miles“Transmission starts slipping at highway speed. Rpm increases without increase in speed. Intermittent but getting worse. This is my son's truck and I am worried about his safety when merging into the interstate. He almost got hit by a semi last week when merging into I-20 as the slipping was happening.”
NHTSA complaint #10820548, filed 2016-01, 145,000 miles“The coolant is mixing with the transmission fluid. It's a known and widespread defect yet Nissan ignores it. We paid $14,000 for the truck less than a year ago, but Nissan has squeezed us out of any rebate because the truck is over 100,000 miles. Now we have to pay another $7,000 to fix it. That's wrong. They should fix it no matter how old.”
NHTSA complaint #10507021, filed 2013-04, 105,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10192821May 10, 2016SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission…
- 10192691Nov 30, 2015IF YOU CONFIRM: A remanufactured automatic transmission supplied by ATC Drivetrain is installed in an APPLIED VEHICLE AND CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) is not able to communicate…
- 10192524Feb 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when…
- 10192474Nov 20, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the…
- 10192051Oct 12, 2012Nissan has decided in the interest of customer satisfaction, to further extend the warranty for the Radiator Assembly on all 2005-10 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra vehicles…
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10033345Mar 19, 2010Nissan: oil leaking from transfer case. Oil is leaking from one or a combination of three bolts at the rear of the transfer case. If bolts are not missing, do not replace…
- 10024689Apr 28, 2008Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement. 2004 to current nissan vehicles.
- 10019623Mar 24, 2006Rear final drive breather.
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 2005 Nissan Frontier
160 complaintsEngine cooling
106 complaintsEngine
80 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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