Nissan FrontierModel year report

2008 Nissan Frontier Problems

Compared with other Nissan Frontier years

More complaints than typical for this model

77/100 1.9× a typical year · 50 = typical

Complaint rate is 1.9× that of a typical Nissan Frontier year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
17 of its 136 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
Most reported problem: Coolant mixing into transmission fluid (39 complaints, median 116,000 mi).
5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2011

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints: 136filed with NHTSA
Median mileage: 85,000miles, 108 complaints with mileage
Recalls: 5campaigns on record
Trend: StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating: —overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy: 19 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 22 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Nissan Frontier (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owner complaints on this model year center on the automatic transmission, where owners most often describe engine coolant mixing with transmission fluid after a radiator/internal cooler failure. A second cluster covers air bag warning lights and related sensor or seat belt faults, and a smaller group describes fuel gauge and fuel-fill problems. Reported mileages range widely, from a few thousand miles to well past 150,000.

1
Transmission and drivetrain
Coolant mixing into transmission fluid
- 39 complaints (29%)
- median 116,000 mi at 8.8 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $4,000 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2011–2022
Owners describe the radiator or its internal transmission cooler tube failing and allowing engine coolant into the transmission fluid. Symptoms include slipping, shuddering, delayed or harsh engagement, loss of power, and in some cases the truck becoming undrivable with a transmission rebuild or replacement needed. Complaints say dealers and independent shops identified the radiator as the source, and several mention an extended warranty or settlement that did not cover their mileage. Reported from around 50,000 miles up to 160,000 miles, with many in the 80,000-130,000 range and several owners noting it appeared without warning.
What to check: Ask whether the radiator has been replaced or a separate auxiliary transmission cooler fitted, and check the transmission fluid for a milky or contaminated appearance. A fluid and radiator inspection before purchase is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have the well documented problem with the radiator coolant entering and damaging the transmission. I am having it repaired a Nissan dealership. I will have to pay over 3200.00!. There was a settlement agreement that is ridiculous!. The problem does not even occur until over 80000 miles when Nissan will not cover anything. There are hundreds if not thousands of complaints.”
NHTSA complaint #10584460, filed 2014-04, 92,000 miles
“Purchased this vehicle in jan of 2017 as a used truck. Had less than 2 mos. The transmission has failed. As we took it to our mechanic for repair, we discovered Nissan has had this issue on several of their models. The radiator fluid had leaked into the transmission and ruined the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10959928, filed 2017-03, 87,263 miles
2
Air bags
Air bag warning light on / sensor and seat belt faults
- 20 complaints (15%)
- median 82,000 mi at 8.1 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2024
Owners report the red air bag warning light illuminating or flashing, sometimes steadily and sometimes intermittently. Complaints describe dealers diagnosing a faulty passenger seat air bag sensor, seat cushion sensor, or seat belt retractor, with repairs sometimes repeated. Some owners also describe the horn becoming inoperable and note that recall parts were not yet available when they asked. Mostly reported between roughly 30,000 and 80,000 miles, with some reports at higher mileage.
Recall 23V067000 Recall 08V690000 2 related service bulletins
What to check: Confirm the air bag warning light cycle is normal at key-on and that the horn works, and ask whether the driver air bag emblem campaign and any air bag sensor work have been completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ref recall 08v690000. Why would our truck not be part of this recall?. We live in an area which is surrounded by ocean so salt corrosion is common. I know several others that have similar issue not only frontiers. I understand the front crash sensor corrosion is common. Please do something about this before someone gets hurt due to airbags or deploying due to this common sensor issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11104614, filed 2018-06, 98,000 miles
“One day, all of the sudden, the flashing red airbag indicator light started flashing on the dash. I noticed there is major safety recall on my vehicle model and year for this exact problem, I've called the dealer where I bought this truck new, bill rapp Nissan, syracuse, ny and another local dealer , burdick Nissan, north syracuse, ny and they both indicated that my vehicle is not on their vehicle recall list. …”
NHTSA complaint #10660334, filed 2014-11, 85,000 miles
3
Fuel system
Fuel gauge misreads and fuel tank hard to fill
- 13 complaints (10%)
- median 49,400 mi at 7.0 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2024
Owners describe the fuel gauge dropping to empty or reading low shortly after filling up, with the low fuel light and check engine light coming on, and sometimes the gauge recovering after driving. Others report slow or impossible refueling and fuel spitting from the filler neck, which complaints attribute to a failed vent control valve or fuel sending unit. Reported from about 19,000 miles upward, including several reports in the 30,000-90,000 mile range.
Recall 10V075000 3 related service bulletins
What to check: Fill the tank during the test drive and watch whether the gauge reads full and holds; ask whether the fuel sender, vent control valve, or fuel tank recall has been addressed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I filled up my truck one day for vacation n right after I turn on my truck it read full then I parked it to load up suit cases then I turn it back the light came and was reading empty then my service engine soon light came on.”
NHTSA complaint #10487397, filed 2012-12, 65,875 miles
“I have a 2008 Nissan Frontier and the gas vent control valve has failed where the back wash flap at the top of the gas tank has fallen into the gas tank neck preventing me from being able to put gas into the gas tank. I called Nissan headquarters and they transferred me to a local dealer. The service manager there said I would be charged $150.00 just for them to look at the vehicle. I think this is outrages because I read on your government site that this is a common problem on more Nissan models too. This should be a recall item. …”
NHTSA complaint #10908090, filed 2016-09, 140,000 miles
4
Engine
Timing chain guide and tensioner noise
- 10 complaints (7%)
- median 73,566 mi at 7.5 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $1,850 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2013–2018
Owners describe a whine or warbling noise from the engine that rises with engine speed or gets louder as the truck is driven. Complaints say shops diagnosed worn timing chain guides and tensioners, with repair estimates often in the low thousands, and some owners report the engine stalling when the tensioner failed. Reported from as few as 6,000 miles up to around 130,000 miles, with several reports below 100,000.
What to check: Listen for a whine that tracks engine rpm during the test drive, and ask whether timing chain guides, tensioners, or chains have been replaced with records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“All of a sudden I heard a whining noise that I had never heard in my 2008 Nissan Frontier 4.0 truck. The noise is new and over the last week or so, it comes and goes. Vehicle went out of warranty 2.5 months ago at 5 yrs 2.5 months old. 54500 miles on the truck. The whine pitch increases with engine speed. In neutral as you rev the engine you hear the whine noise go up and down with the rpms. …”
NHTSA complaint #10561549, filed 2014-01, 54,500 miles
“This vehicle has known timing belt issues. The vehicle starts making a loud noise(whining) that gets louder as I drive faster on any road. This is a common problem and Nissan has not done anything to correct this problem. It will cost over 2400 dollars to fix this problem and Nissan doesn't seem to recall for this issue”
NHTSA complaint #11161312, filed 2018-12, 128,000 miles
5
Brakes
Soft or low brake pedal
- 13 complaints (10%)
- median 55,202 mi at 3.9 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2008–2015
Owners report the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy and traveling far toward the floor before the brakes bite, with the complaint sometimes intermittent in heavy traffic. One owner reports the master cylinder was replaced and the pedal feel returned afterward. Reported at low mileage, including a few hundred to a few thousand miles and again around 20,000-30,000 miles.
What to check: Press the pedal firmly while stopped and check it holds without sinking; have a shop check the master cylinder, brake fluid, and rear axle seals for fluid seepage onto the brakes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We own a 2008 Nissan Frontier truck/ 4 wheel drive, 6cyl. The brakes are far too soft,and spongy, require far too much pedal travel to be safe or effective, or to be effectively used by anyone!! All Frontier models have this same problem. They need to be recalled/brake system corrected & made firmer, safer!”
NHTSA complaint #10273227, filed 2009-06, 50 miles
“Upon pennsylvania state required inspection the inspector recognized that the rear seals of the axle were leaking fluid and that the fluid had saturated the entire braking assembly including the caliper, pads, rotor and emergency brake shoes causing the operation of the vehicle to be a hazard to the operator. When asked when this occurred the inspector said that it must have been this way for some time based on the amount of axle grease covering the braking mechanisms. …”
NHTSA complaint #10702811, filed 2015-03, 90,000 miles

Buying note. Check the transmission fluid for coolant contamination and ask directly about radiator replacement, since that is the most common and most expensive complaint on this model year. Also verify air bag warning light behavior, fuel gauge accuracy when filling up, and recent engine noise or timing chain service records.

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 136 consumer complaints for the 2008 Nissan Frontier. 108 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 106 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Frontier model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 77 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

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.

Also reported: Steering (4), Suspension (4), Body and structure (3), Exterior lighting (2), Seats (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “Driving on street truck began to shake and vibrate I loss power and car couldn't shift into gear it seemed I pulled over and stopped and shut off. Car I started it began to drive and it wudnt go over 30mph I stopped and noticed leaking under the truck towards the engine and when I pressed on gas it wouldn't go still so I stopped and got towed”

NHTSA complaint #11348447, filed 2020-08, 180,000 miles

Engine: “The antifreeze and transmission fluid got mixed together in my truck and I am now told that the manufacturer knew that the truck would at least give me 100,000 miles before that would actually happen.”

NHTSA complaint #11325611, filed 2020-05, 160,000 miles

Air bags: “On the 22nd of july 2016, my 2008 Nissan Frontier deployed both sides of its curtain airbags. I was traveling at roughly 3-5 MPH on freest road 618 outside of camp verde, arizona. The road had a slight inclin of maybe 1-2%, with slightly muddy ground due to it raining. My frontiers front left tire rolled onto a rounded rock no taller than 4-5 inches tall and slipped off of it to the left. The slipping off of the rock was when the curtain airbags deployed. I was in the drivers seat driving the vehicle and my little brother was in the passenger seat. …”

NHTSA complaint #10896777, filed 2016-08, 113,000 miles

Fuel system: “Having the same issue that other frontiers were recalled for. Gas gauge is unreliable and the engine light stays on. Other frontiers manufactured just three months before ours are on recall but not ours. This is obviously a Nissan issue as well documented on various boards and websites.”

NHTSA complaint #11131668, filed 2018-09, 52,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

25% of the 108 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 113,000 miles.

Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (108 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 85,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Nissan Frontier. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Side pole	Rollover
Frontier Crew Cab · sedan RWD/AWD	not rated	4 / 4	—	—	4 · 19.8% risk
Frontier King Cab · coupe RWD/AWD	not rated	4 / 5	—	—	4 · 19.8% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2008 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	2.5L 4-cyl	5-speed manual	19	23	21	$3,200
Frontier 2WD	2.5L 4-cyl	5-speed automatic	17	22	19	$3,550
Frontier 2WD	4.0L 6-cyl	5-speed automatic	15	20	17	$3,950
Frontier 2WD	4.0L 6-cyl	6-speed manual	16	20	17	$3,950
Frontier 4WD	4.0L 6-cyl	6-speed manual	15	19	17	$3,950
Frontier 4WD	4.0L 6-cyl	5-speed automatic	14	19	16	$4,200

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

23V067000Feb 10, 2023
Air bags › Frontal
Covers: Nissan Frontier 2008–2011, Pathfinder 2008–2011, Xterra 2008–2011 +3 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
10V401000Sep 10, 2010
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)
Covers: Nissan Frontier 2008–2010, Versa 2008–2010, Altima 2008–2010 +4 more
Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can overheat.
10V075000Mar 3, 2010
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank
Covers: Nissan Frontier 2006, 2008, Pathfinder 2006, 2008, Xterra 2006, 2008
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2006 and model year 2008 frontier, xterra and pathfinder vehicles. The molded fuel tank shells can deform, causing the fuel sender float arm to contact an embossment molded into the tank shell causing the instrument…
08V690000Dec 29, 2008
Air bags › Frontal
Covers: Nissan Frontier 2005–2009, Pathfinder 2005–2009, Xterra 2005–2009
Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new…
08V045000Jan 25, 2008
Equipment › Other › Labels
Covers: Nissan Frontier 2008, Xterra 2008, Titan 2008
Nissan is recalling 5,523 my 2008 titan, frontier and xterra vehicles for failing to comply to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, 'tire selection and rims for motor vehicles.' the tire placard lists an incorrect vehicle…

Recall details for the 2008 Nissan Frontier → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

DP12004Transmission FailuresClosed · Jun 11, 2012

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. 106 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
11007001Jul 8, 2024Air bags. VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51)…
11004962May 21, 2024Electrical 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.
11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (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.
11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
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.

See all 106 bulletins →

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 2008 Nissan Frontier?

Owner complaints on this model year center on the automatic transmission, where owners most often describe engine coolant mixing with transmission fluid after a radiator/internal cooler failure. The issues reported most often: Coolant mixing into transmission fluid; Air bag warning light on / sensor and seat belt faults; Fuel gauge misreads and fuel tank hard to fill.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Nissan Frontier have?

NHTSA recorded 136 consumer complaints for the 2008 Nissan Frontier as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2008 Nissan Frontier is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 54 complaints (40% of the total), followed by engine with 26.

Has the 2008 Nissan Frontier been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Nissan Frontier get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Nissan Frontier (Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Nissan Frontier reported?

Among the 108 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 113,000 miles; 25% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.