2008 Nissan Frontier Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 19%of 136 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,606miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Nissan Frontier, 19% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,606 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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“I have a 2008 Nissan Frontier with only 48,000 miles on it. I noticed that the engine started to whine and took it to a local mechanic. Come to find out that this is a known issue and it will cost $1,500 to repair. I took a look on the internet and there are a lot of people stating that they have the same problem. I think that Nissan should be pressured to send out a recall to pay for the repairs on these engines.”
NHTSA complaint #10683121, filed 2015-02, 48,000 miles“I received a letter for a settlement offer from Nissan about the transmission cooler failure which leads to total transmission failure. I started to research what was wrong and what I can do about it seeing as my Frontier has 102,000 miles on it and is not covered by the settlement offer. As I did some research I found out about a symptom before transmission failure occurs which is at an idle you have a loss of heat until you rev the engine or start to accelerate and heat returns. …”
NHTSA complaint #10492357, filed 2013-01, 95,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 9% |
| 2023 | 13 | 20% |
| 2022 | 6 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2020 | 5 | 22% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 4 | 11% |
| 2016 | 8 | 18% |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 8% |
| 2012 | 13 | 16% |
| 2011 | 4 | 6% |
| 2010 | 7 | 12% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 26 | 19% |
| 2007 | 72 | 14% |
| 2006 | 82 | 13% |
| 2005 | 80 | 15% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Nissan Frontier
54 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Nissan Frontier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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