Model year record

1999 Nissan Frontier recalls & problems

The 1999 Nissan Frontier has 5 safety recalls and 78 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is tires (22 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints78filed by owners

Crashes · fires9 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints

1999 Nissan Frontier in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Fuel system, gasolineMay 24, 2004

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 04V230000586,196 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
Risk: IF CORROSION OCCURS, THE TERMINAL STRIP COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP OPERATION. THIS WILL RESULT IN NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: IN THE FOLLOWING STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT. THESE STATES ARE CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Exterior lightingDec 20, 1999

Tail lights

Recall 99V34700267,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MOLDED, RESULTING IN THE LOCKING TAB HAVING INSUFFICIENT FORCE TO RETAIN THE BULB.
Risk: IF THE BULB FALLS OUT OF THE SOCKET, THE BRAKE OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION CANNOT OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1999 Nissan Frontier Extended Cab 4x2

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Frontier 2WD

21mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Frontier 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Frontier 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Frontier V6 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Frontier V6 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	22	0	0	45,464 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	17	9	8	90,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Driveshaft	13	0	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	10	0	0	60,078 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components; Foundation components › Disc	7	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Storage › Tank assembly	7	0	0	109,115 mi
Fuel system, other	5	0	0	80,000 mi
SuspensionRear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › Leaf; Front › Wheel bearing	4	0	0	—
Exterior lightingTail lights	4	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Frame and members	3	0	0	—
Electrical systemWiring; Ignition	3	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield; Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring	2	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 1999 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the sending unit and fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Aug 1, 2023 · 180,000 miles
Air bagsCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN OUT OF A PARKING LOT, ANOTHER VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO THE FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO DEALERS (WEAKLEY COUNTY MOTORS, 841 N LINDELL ST, MARTIN, TN 38237, 731-587-3141) AND (PREMIER NISSAN, 300 HIGHWAY 77, PARIS, TN 38242, 731-642-0601) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT END BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED AT AN INDEPENDENT…
Jun 1, 2015 · 200,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
TRUCK STARTED DYING RANDOMLY. FINALLY IT DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE TRUCK WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING NO FUEL PRESSURE. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRUCK (NTB04-062C) THAT COULD CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP WORKING. I VERIFIED WITH NISSAN OVER THE PHONE THAT THE TRUCK WAS DEFINITELY INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP (SOUTHLAKE NISSAN IN MERRILLVILLE, IN). AFTER KEEPING THE TRUCK THERE FOR A WEEK AND TELLING ME THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER PARTS, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED HOME TODAY. THIS RECALL IS SPECIFICALLY FOR AN ISSUE THAT IS KNOWN TO CAUSE A NO START…
Mar 22, 2019 · 213,530 miles
Air bags › Frontal
1999 NISSAN FRONTIER PICKUP FOLLOWING DEFECTS ARE AS FOLLOWS,FRONT AIRBAGS CONTINUOUSLY FLASHES,FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT INDICATE AMOUNT OF FUEL AFTER FILLING.,SUSPENSION PROBLEM. *TR
Dec 20, 2009 · 100,009 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH IN DRY CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER , AND DISCOVERED THAT RECALL 04V230000 WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENDER, BUT THE VEHICLE REMAINED INOPERABLE. WHEN THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FAILURE, BUT A RETURN PHONE CALL WAS NEVER RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,900.*AK
Mar 19, 2007 · 45,900 miles
Tires › Tread/belt
TRAVELING SOUTH ON TX 130 NEAR MANOR AT 65 MPH. BRIGHT COOL, SUNNY WEATHER, DRY ROAD. RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED. TREAD CAME OFF IN ONE LONG STRIP, WHICH THRASHED THE CAR. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL CAR OFF ROAD, BUT DAMAGE TO RIGHT REAR PANEL, WHEEL WELL, AND FUEL FILLER ESTIMATED AT BETWEEN $1500 AND $3000. THE CAR HAD BEEN VIBRATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR A WHILE, BUT I SUSPECTED A SUSPENSION PROBLEM RATHER THAN A TIRE PROBLEM. NOW I NOTICE ALL TIRES APPEAR ROTTEN ON OUTSIDE; THEY HAD NOT BEEN HOLDING AIR WELL FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. HAVE REPLACED ALL 5 TIRES. CAR: 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER PICKUP. TIRE: WILDERNESS HT, P215/65R15 95S, DOT #W2VF NNA 129. TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WITH TRUCK, 42000…
Nov 11, 2006 · 41,979 miles
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TAIL LIGHTS BULB CONSTANTLY FELL OUT THE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CHECKED THE VIN # TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS UNDER ANY RECALLS. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #99V347002 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.
Oct 10, 2006 · 80,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
1999 FRONTIER STALLED WHILE DRIVING. FUEL SENDING UNIT CORRODED. *TS ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER LEARNED THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED ON HIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMEBR 2004. HOWEVER, AT THE TIME THERE WAS NO CORROSION. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB
Jan 1, 1901

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.