Browsing the market for a new pick-up under $50k. Found several Frontiers out there. They were listed on Southern states FB Marketplace pages. What details, comments or opinions do you have about these trucks? Engines, electronics, interior spaces, etc.? Worth considering or pass them up for the others?
NISSAN Frontier Quality/Durability
- Thread starter HICKORY11595
- Start date
Make sure the frame is properly welded: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/lemon-2023-nissan-frontier.386639/
I heard Nissan makes a pretty good waaaaambulance though.
Take with grain of salt, Consumer Reports rates it worst in class for reliability(23/100) where a GM Canyon (40/100) rates double better and is slightly below average.
That’s enough for me to ask more questions but not rule out.
That’s enough for me to ask more questions but not rule out.
I would go tool around clubfrontier.org for a while. I only know 1 member here that has a new Fronty. I do think they look the best of all the new trucks, and they have some pretty cool colors too.
They had a parking pawl recall - its a Mercedes designed transmission that Nissan builds. The parking Pawl was a machining problem, and I only heard of a couple owners that actually had any issue, so who knows, but that is long behind them. I haven't heard of any other recurring problem, just the occasional one off issues - like the frame weld mentioned which is un-nerving for sure.
The previous generation was wildly reliable, but it took Nissan several years to get through there issue - seems to be normal for them. This particular engine / transmission has been in service since 2020 - they put it in the old body style for a couple years. So its still pretty new. Nissan electronics tend to be pretty good mainly because they use Hitachi/Denso/NTK for everything. The rest of the truck is actually very close in design to the earlier truck, so likely no issues there.
If I had to buy a new truck I would likely get a Nissan. Myself, I would be more likely to go looking for a gently used second generation that still had the VQ40 - with MPI only.
They had a parking pawl recall - its a Mercedes designed transmission that Nissan builds. The parking Pawl was a machining problem, and I only heard of a couple owners that actually had any issue, so who knows, but that is long behind them. I haven't heard of any other recurring problem, just the occasional one off issues - like the frame weld mentioned which is un-nerving for sure.
The previous generation was wildly reliable, but it took Nissan several years to get through there issue - seems to be normal for them. This particular engine / transmission has been in service since 2020 - they put it in the old body style for a couple years. So its still pretty new. Nissan electronics tend to be pretty good mainly because they use Hitachi/Denso/NTK for everything. The rest of the truck is actually very close in design to the earlier truck, so likely no issues there.
If I had to buy a new truck I would likely get a Nissan. Myself, I would be more likely to go looking for a gently used second generation that still had the VQ40 - with MPI only.
I test drove the current gen Frontier. I need a truck but keep pooing it off and rent one as needed. The build quality is where the current gen has issues. Don't confuse build quality with powertrain reliability. One example of the build quality is the headlight aim there is a NHTSA recall for on some 2024's. The link has another embarrassing recall on some 2024's.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/NISSAN/FRONTIER%2520CREW%2520CAB/PU%252FCC/4WD#recalls
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/NISSAN/FRONTIER%2520CREW%2520CAB/PU%252FCC/4WD#recalls
I own a 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x for 2 years and 10000 miles. There are others on ClubFrontier with more miles, but in my experience it's been a reliable vehicle. I get about 20 mpg average, seats are very comfortable on long road trips, no problems with electronics (23 has wired Android Auto/Apple Carplay and 25 added wireless) and the features (factory bed liner, rail system, power outlets, led headlights) with option packages are great.
I don't think resale is as good as some other brands. Parts may be higher because they are not as common as a Ford, GM or Dodge. I can get about anything I need for my F-150 as far as replacement, aftermarket or salvage yard parts are concerned.
Wife and I bought a new 2024 Nissan Frontier Pro X in June. This will be our third Nissan (two Frontiers, one Xterra). So far to date none have ever had a quality issue that needed attention by a dealer or the factory. Our new one did get the headlight recall but it did not have the faulty assembly.
I don’t own one, but have spent time in one. You want one after 2010. The super crew rear seats are a little tight if that matters. The steering used to be hydraulic type at least through 19.
It still is.
I really like the simplicity of the Frontier, especially the drivetrain. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if these end up going the distance and are considered extremely reliable in the future.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
I own a 2022 Frontier S-model, crew cab, 4x4. I've owned it 2yrs and it's been flawless. ~45K miles total on it. I bought it one year old with ~2K miles on it. The sticker price when new on mine was ~$37K. I paid ~$33K for it plus TTL. You get a lot of truck for the money with a Frontier. I do recommend driving one though. The ride is very 4x4 truck-like stiff, jarring/jostling, and the steering is super stiff. They still use old school hydraulic rack/pinion steering and she's a stiff one.
It's too early to tell the long-term longevity of the new VQ38DD engine and Jatco's copy of the Mercedes Benz 9G-tronic, but they've been out since 2020 and problems are few and far between with them. I really like ours and if I was in the market for another truck like this, I would buy one again.
It's too early to tell the long-term longevity of the new VQ38DD engine and Jatco's copy of the Mercedes Benz 9G-tronic, but they've been out since 2020 and problems are few and far between with them. I really like ours and if I was in the market for another truck like this, I would buy one again.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
We also have a 2017 Nissan Frontier SV crew cab 4x4, long bed in the family. It's my 80yr/old FILs truck. Back in 2018, he bought his as a 1yr/old ex-rental with ~6K miles on it for just under $24K. Those were the days...
It's a waste for him to own it as he doesn't use it and he won't think of parting with it. They live back in the woods and it's getting mice damage, tree sap, etc..etc. I think it has 16K miles on it at this point. He takes it yearly to Ziebart to have that driveway sealer type coating re-applied to the undercarriage for free as part of the package he bought. As clean and low mileage as it is, it's pretty much a total loss with that stuff "sealing" everything underneath. Combine that with rodents getting into the truck. Regardless of that, this truck has been flawless thus far.
The crew cab, long bed Frontiers have a comically huge turning radius per the size/config of the vehicle, which makes them a chore in tight maneuvering situations.
It's a waste for him to own it as he doesn't use it and he won't think of parting with it. They live back in the woods and it's getting mice damage, tree sap, etc..etc. I think it has 16K miles on it at this point. He takes it yearly to Ziebart to have that driveway sealer type coating re-applied to the undercarriage for free as part of the package he bought. As clean and low mileage as it is, it's pretty much a total loss with that stuff "sealing" everything underneath. Combine that with rodents getting into the truck. Regardless of that, this truck has been flawless thus far.
The crew cab, long bed Frontiers have a comically huge turning radius per the size/config of the vehicle, which makes them a chore in tight maneuvering situations.
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"Nissan"
I have a 2015 with the v6. 235000 miles. only fluid changes and brakes. 80% hwy miles.
I did have to replace the front bearings at 215000 but it was driven on rough roads.
I borescope the engine recently and the engine horning had no wear! It's been incredible. Just rides like a tank lol
I did have to replace the front bearings at 215000 but it was driven on rough roads.
I borescope the engine recently and the engine horning had no wear! It's been incredible. Just rides like a tank lol
What?? 2015 with 235K miles, what do you do with a lot of mileage on your vehicle?
