Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Nissan Frontier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
At approx. 20,000 miles vehicle started to make a rattling/bumping noise in left front. Took it to dealer who said this was a common problem with 2000 nissian's and wouild be replaced only when consumer complained. Dealer replaced left stabilzer bushing and refused to give a copy of w/o saying it "was recorded in computer." at aprox. 45,000 miles left stabilizer bushing failed again and was replaced by mechanic who again stated that this was a problem with nissian. At 67,000 miles both stabilizer bushings have failed and need to be replaced. Had vehicle checked by third mechanic who reaffirmed that stabilizer bushings on Nissan's did not hold up well.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2000 Nissan Frontier at 45 MPH she heard a loud noise at the rear of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the noise was due to corrosion of the bearings. The bearings corroded because of inadequate sealing of the antilock breaking system, which caused water and moisture to reach the bearings. The dealership repaired the left side axle ,and installed bearings. The contact stated there was a recall for the same problem. However, was informed by the dealership that this vehicle was not apart of the recall. The vehicle currently had 63000 miles. Updated 03/19/07.
Rear shocks on 2000 Nissan Frontier rusted completely off at the connection with the frame without any warning. Handling became very unstable. Fortunately occurred at low speed in the city and vehicle remained controllable. On the highway, situation would have been much worse.
There was a popping noise when the vehicle was turned or going over a bump, the dealer determined a bolt which held the sway bar assembly had come out. One year later the bolt on the other side came out.
Noticed that truck had a lean to the passenger side. When taking left turns, truck would list and lean excessively to the passenger side. This is especially troublesome in downhill turns or under adverse weather conditions. Sought dealer help multiple times as well as Nissan consumer affairs. Dealer adjusted ride height, said these trucks had a torsion bar issue, nothing else they could o. Consumer affairs did nothing but refer me to another dealer, same result. A letter to the president of the company produced a letter back telling me to go to contact consumer affairs. Truck has also broken stabilizer nuts several times. Took vehicle to an alignment an suspension expert, said the truck ride height cannot be adjuster up to factory specs, and maintain alignment. He had to lower the vehicle to allow it to be aligned properly. It is my guess that there is a design issue or part failure. …
We own two 2000 frontiers, an both trucks have the broken sway bar suspension bolts. Since the original production bots were used nissian has incresed the replacement bolt in diameter and from a #5 hardness to a # 8 hardness bolt. The problem is they only replace the failed bolt that fails if it is in warranty. In both 2000 trucks we own the left fron bolts have failed with affect sway control of the trucks Nissan claims thee is not a problem, but the lou fusz Nissan dealership in st. Louis admitted that the stock the bolts because they have such a high failure rate with te trucks that are coming into their dealership. Perhps it's time to find out how many trucks are out there with broken suspension systems. The first failed truck was dicovered by an alert service inspection tech were we service our vehicles. This seems to be a bigger problem than Nissan is willing to acknowledge.
Since ownership of vehicle consumer states he felt there was something wrong with steering wheel, as he was driving home he let the steering wheel go and suddenly the vehicle was pulling to the right almost causing an accident, consumer took vehicle into dealership to be inspected and dropped it off when he returned to pick vehicle up and drove away consumer states he almost hit a curb so vehicle was returned and consumer waited for vehicle and was told by dealership they could not find the problem, consumer requested that mechanic take a test drive with him, mechanic did see what it was and told consumer that was normal, however dealership did perform a wheel alignment and 2 weeks later the vehicle was pulling again, consumer took vehicle to another dealership and another wheel alignment was performed, consumer also states driveshaft has rusted.
Consumer is unable to balance all tires, truck bounces. Consumer states after some work done on the tires, they were bouncy and rough riding, the district representative for Michelin tires informed consumer that he did not have Michelin tires on his vehicle-that they were an inferior tire made for certain discount stores, Michelin x radial plus all season xse, size p215/15r15.
When turning steering will go all the way to the right. Steering will not automatically correct itself, and is capable of staying in that position to make a circle. Dealership has provided no assistance to consumer for this problem. Consumer states the power gear assembly has been replaced, the front end was aligned twice, consumer was told that problem could not be corrected.
Vehicle is pulling to right when driving at any speed. Dealer cannot remedy problem. Consumer contacted a Firestone dealer to have wheel alignment done, thinking tires were at fault. Mechanic stated front right caster cannot be adjusted. Consumer stated seat rattled. Window molding was replaced. Passenger side air bag warped, dealer replaced air bag module.
Suspension complaints in other Frontier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Nissan Frontier, 12% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is front (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Nissan Frontier suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2000 Nissan Frontier, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Nissan Frontier suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.