Model year record

2000 Nissan Frontier recalls & problems

The 2000 Nissan Frontier has 6 safety recalls and 189 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is tires (30 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints189filed by owners

Crashes · fires17 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints

2000 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.

Power trainOct 2, 2000

Automatic transmission

Recall 00V28800076,652 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT. " THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE A SHIFT CABLE LOCK PLATE THAT IS TOO BRITTLE AND CAN BREAK. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER AND THE "PRNDL" INDICATOR MAY MOVE, BUT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THE TRANSMISSION COULD SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION, BUT THE GEAR INDICATED ON THE DISPLAY MAY DIFFER FROM THE GEAR ENGAGED IN THE TRANSMISSION.
Risk: IF THE DRIVER SELECTS 'DRIVE' AND THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTUALLY IN 'REVERSE', A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE LOCK PLATE.

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

2000 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 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Frontier V6 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/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

Frontier V6 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/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	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	30	1	0	3	65,169 mi
Power trainDriveline › Driveshaft; Automatic transmission	26	3	0	1	119,179 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	23	1	0	1	27,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Storage › Tank assembly	19	0	0	0	94,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	18	4	0	0	50,318 mi
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	15	0	3	0	48,260 mi
Air bagsFrontal	12	6	0	4	109,500 mi
Vehicle speed controlLinkages; Cruise control	11	0	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Linkages; Windshield	10	0	0	0	107,100 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	10	0	0	0	85,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	8	0	1	0	115,000 mi
Exterior lightingTail lights; Headlights	7	1	1	0	81,120 mi

*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 2000 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact was unable to register the vehicle with an open recall. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
May 24, 2004
Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased 7 months ago. The contact stated that upon attempting to register the vehicle and to secure the license plates, the State DMV informed the contact that there was an open recall on the vehicle that needed to be completed prior to the registration. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact had called several dealers, who advised that the parts were not available and would need to be located. The contact had not been able to drive the vehicle due to the unrepaired recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
May 4, 2004
Engine
From my Internet search using Google Gemini, (and Google AI has a disclaimer it can make errors), I have replaced my distributer on my 2000 Nissan Frontier three times now due to a stalling problem I have experienced on hot days. My 2000 Nissan Frontier is VIN [XXX] . Let's see how much Gemini info I can paste here: "The distributor on your KA24DE engine contains the camshaft position sensor, which is a critical component for engine timing. The distributor itself can fail for a number of reasons, including: Internal bearing failure: The bearing that the distributor shaft spins on can fail, causing the shaft to wobble or seize up. This disrupts the signal from the camshaft position sensor.…
Aug 21, 2025
Visibility/wiper
I was driving home or not and it was raining. I turned the windshield wipers on. They were working to begin with but after a few minutes, they just quit working altogether. You could hear the motor running for the wiper, but they just wasnât moving so I had to see it on the side of the road to it. Quit raining so I could make it home. and couldnât find the part to fix the windshield wipers so my boyfriend has rigged it to where it would work
Jun 6, 2024
Fuel/propulsion system
Unknown
Apr 2, 2023
Exterior lighting
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear taillight bulb would eject from the retaining clip inside the socket of the taillight assembly. She became aware of the failure after purchasing replacement bulbs for what she thought were blown bulbs. After several failures, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who physically held the bulb in place inside the assembly. After letting go of the bulb, the failure recurred. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer notified the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V347002 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included.…
Sep 9, 2021 · 168,000 miles
Air bags
PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT TURN ON WITH FACTORY KEY.
Mar 30, 2021 · 272,000 miles
Tires
WENT TO MY LOCAL GARAGE TO GET MY TIRES BALANCED. MECHANIC REPORTED THAT 1 OF THE 4 TIRES (ALL BOUGHT TOGETHER) WAS BEGINNING TO COME APART INTERNALLY / BELT SEPARATION. THE TIRES WERE INSTALLED DURING OCTOBER OF 2019. THEY HAVE LESS THAN 8000 MILES ON THE TIRES. VENDOR IS REIMBURSING ME FOR THE ONE TIRE THAT WAS FOUND TO HAVE THE DEFECT. THANKFULLY THIS WAS CAUGHT EARLY, BUT AM VERY CONCERNED AS THE OTHER 3 TIRES HAVE THE SAME DOT NUMBER.
Nov 9, 2020 · 179,065 miles

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