Most common 1999 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of the 78 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Frontier complaints by model year
Best Frontier years: 2015, 2018, 2021. Years to avoid: 2022, 2023, 2006, 2007, 2005. Compare all years →
1999 Nissan Frontier recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
Remedy: 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…
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tail lamp sockets.
What 1999 Nissan Frontier owners say
Wheels & tires
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 miles on it, tread wear minor. Complaint filed with Firestone, and tire sent to them at my expense. …
On 04/20/03 I experienced a severe vibration while driving my '99 Nissan Frontier at 65 MPH. As I pulled over, the right rear tire (OEM Firestone wilderness ht p215/65r-15) shed most of its tread. Tire was replaced and remaining tires were checked and found to be in good condition. One week later, the left rear tire began a similar vibration for a few seconds, then exploded at 65 MPH, destroying most of the sheet metal and body supports behind the wheel well. Tires had 48K miles, good tread, and were properly inflated to mfrs. Specs.
Air bags
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, [phone]) and (premier Nissan, 300 highway 77, paris, tn 38242, [phone]) and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The front end body damage was repaired at an independent body shop. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Vehicle veered off the inter state highway, across the medium, and crashed into the mountain at 60 MPH. Upon impact, none of the frontal air bags deployed. As a result, driver sustained neck and back injuries.
Fuel & propulsion system
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.
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 condition. How can I get the recall performed if they will not work on it if it won't start? I now have paid over $300 in towing charges and have not had any work done.
1999 Nissan Frontier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Nissan Frontier a good car?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Frontier rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Frontier at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Nissan Frontier?
The wheels & tires — 19 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt. Next are the air bags (17) and fuel & propulsion system (13).
How many recalls does the 1999 Nissan Frontier have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1999 Nissan Frontier, the most recent from May 24, 2004 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Frontier?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2018 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2023, 2006, 2007 and 2005. See the full Nissan Frontier years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Nissan Frontier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 23% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.