Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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 [redacted] . 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. Failed or failing camshaft position sensor: The sensor itself can fail due to age, heat, or internal electrical issues. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Nissan Frontier. The contact that after pulling into his driveway at speeds of 5 MPH the contact put the vehicle into park an exited the vehicle with the engine still running. The contact returned to the vehicle and while trying to re-enter, was knocked over by the drivers side door. The vehicle then proceeded to roll over the contacts foot, up his leg and crushed the right side of his ribs. The vehicle did not stop and proceed to roll down a small incline and crashed into a nearby tree. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was rushed to the hospital. The contact stated she was in the process of seeking assistance from the manufacturer. The vehicle was put into storage and the VIN was not available. The current and failure mileages were 62,000. Updated 05/19/10. Updated 07/30/10. Updated 09/23/10
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Nissan Frontier. While the vehicle was in park, the contact attempted to reverse and the gear stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the shifter failed. The dealer (autostar Nissan of boone, 135 innovation dr, boone, nc 28607, [phone]) was contacted to have the vehicle diagnosed again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls. The contact was advised to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 253,640.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park. The contact exited the vehicle and the vehicle rolled backward until crashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop to have the body damages repaired. The failure was not diagnosed. The contact then notified the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 00V288000 (power train:automatic transmission). The failure mileage was 114,358.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions, the gear shift indicator went into reverse and the vehicle crashed into a concrete pole. The vehicle sustained damage to the passenger side quarter panel and the bumper. The vehicle was then driven to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic recommended replacing the gear shift indicator to correct the problem. The police were not contacted. The consumer believed the problem he experienced was related to the recall. Updated 04/11/06.
No specific events LED to failure. At approximately 109,500 the transmission begain jumping out of first gear without warning. I had t be extremely aware of this when pulling ino traffic. At 110,079 miles, the first gear failed completely when I was pulling out of my driveway. The complete failure occured on dec. 31, 2004. The sudden jumping out of gear started about a month before that. At the very least, Nissan should advise all owners of 5 speed manual transmission on Nissan crew cab 4wd units with a v-6 engine that when the gear box jumps from first to neutral position, that first gear failure is imminate.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that there was a gear leak from under the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised him that they would have to take the rear end apart in order to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the gear shift selector does not work properly, similar to NHTSA campaign id number: 00V288000 (power train: automatic transmission). Both the dealer and manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The current and failure mileages were approximately 152,000.
Main transmission rod (standard) had to be replaced at 130,000 miles and main throw out bearings had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. Both repairs were costly for a truck that was bought brand new and isnt even paid for yet. Nissan's have a reputation for lasting forever, but I guess we got a bad one
Complete transmission failure - all bearings failed, gears discolored, countershaft damaged - entire transmission worn out. Warranty company will not uphold warranty, nor will Nissan uphold lease warranty.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift cable lock plate.
Transmission complaints in other Frontier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Nissan Frontier, 14% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › driveshaft (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Nissan Frontier transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-288 (automatic transmission, Oct 2, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Nissan Frontier transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 124,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.