2010 Nissan Frontier Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 12%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Nissan Frontier, 12% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,500 miles.
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.
“I have trouble shot the airbag light I have that has been blinking for a week now. I can not figure it out. I have noticed many posts on forums about this issue. I do not have a recall. The second issue is the truck idles rough, I have also seen many forums about this issue as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11318793, filed 2020-03, 109,000 miles“Transmission has been slipping. Happens frequently when stopped at a red light, stop sign...when time to go car does not move. Complained to Nissan dealer in 2014 and they suggested changing the fluid...could not find any problems. Fluid was changed and I am still having problems. Will be taking it to another dealer this week. I understand Nissan has had major issues with coolant leaking into transmission as I had a 2005 Nissan Frontier and this is what happened to me. Nissan would not compensate me as my mileage was 100+k. …”
NHTSA complaint #10743605, filed 2015-07, 114,000 miles“Engine idles too low: engine idles at approximately 600 rpms, when AC kicks in idle drops to 500 rpms or less causing vehicle to shutter and shake as if it is going to stall. Have taken vehicle back to dealer for reset, but vehicle still idles at around 600 RPM. Vehicle specs state vehicle should idle at 650 RPM +or- 50 rpms for v6 engine. This is too low when AC is turned on.”
NHTSA complaint #10881709, filed 2016-06, 26,000 miles“My complaint is that my vehicle is turning off with a brand newly installed battery and my Nissan dealership cannot read my car to understand why this is happening. They kept my vehicle for close to a month and still did not fix the problem. The vehicle never fails to turn over, but it just loses power and turns off like someone snatched out the battery. Sometimes it fails to turn over, right away, but then it turns over and I can drive it a few miles before it stalls on me again, even while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11033936, filed 2017-10“Radiator failure leaking into tranny, causing a sound coming from transmission as if driving over a rumble strips when accelerating between 40-60mph, as well as sudden jerking when changing gears. SMOD residue (creamy pink fluid) present on radiator cap. This is a known issue that I was never made aware of during nor after purchase. Obviously this was not addressed prior to the sale by the Nissan Dealership. No warning signs were present prior to the issue appearing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11488994, filed 2022-10Related 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…
- 10109200Mar 9, 20172010-2015 FRONTIER, 2010-2012 PATHFINDER AND XTERRA; VIBRATION WHILE IDLING This bulletin has been amended to add 2013-2015 Frontier and additional steps for that model range…
- 10192478Nov 25, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Starting with 2010 Model Year, Nissan vehicles have been gradually incorporating a new type of DTC known as Permanent DTC or P-DTC. If a vehicle is equipped…
- 10192293Jan 13, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Nissan vehicles are now "Blank" ECMs. Blank ECMs come without software and must be programmed (not…
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 2010 Nissan Frontier
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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