Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Nissan Frontier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2/25/05 I purchased a used Nissan froniter sc '01. One week later the "service engine" light appeared. A Nissan technician diagnosed the problem as the oxygen sensors not providing feedback due to condensation in the wire harnesses. The tech. Told me that there was a bulletin he found stating that the wire harnesses in that year Frontier were found to be faulty and replaced with updated harnesses, which I would have to buy along with four sensors, to fix my problem. The cost in parts was $965 and labor is estimated at $880. Nissan will not even pay for partial parts even though they admit it is faulty product. I have contacted them to complain with the appropriate department and now they will not return my calls.
This vehicle was involved in a mva where it hit the broadside of a minivan (t-boned) that ran a red light through an intersection. The truck was going in excess of 20mph at the time, when I contacted the Mini-van no airbag was deployed. I suffered hits to my head, whiplash related damages, damage to my shoulder and right leg. The impact caused significant front end damage to the truck, the engine and body were damaged to the point where I was not able to drive the truck and engine was inoperative. No airbag deployment.
I bought the 2001 Frontier brand new with only 10 or 20 miles on it. Since then I've had it in the shop 8 times for the A/C (thats right 8 times). Each time the service people assure me it's fixed this time. The A/C blows hotter than the heater does and thats ridiculous. When I go there the service manager ( pat burke ) treats me like a criminal instead of a customer. As of today the truck was fixed once and for all, according to them, but I've heard that 7 times before. Very concerned and tired!!! Nv.
Several web sites I have read indicate a recurring problem with engine/exhaust accumulation of water via the leakage in water lines and/or faulty manufacturing heads/engine system. My vehicle accumulated water in one of the piston (4-5), and perhaps warped the alum heads or maybe blown gasket. If repaired will this problem persist, and what recourse do I have with either manufacture or used car dealer (bought in san antonio, texas).
Dt*: the contact stated on four separate occasions the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership after each of the first three incidents. On every visit to the dealership the gas cap was replaced. When the light illuminated the fourth time two months ago the dealer was contacted and suggested diagnostic testing. There were no warning signals indicating a problem except for the check engine light.
While driving at state speed limit, consumer was involved in a situation with an aggressive driver. Consumer sped up to 95 MPH without warning and engine began to stall, causing consumer to lose control of vehicle. Was able to control vehicle after slowing down. Dealer was notified, and mechanic stated there was a speed limit installed in engine without notifying consumer.
While driving, felt a "shudder" .. Check engine light came on, gear shift indicator went off. Once the key was turned off, vehicle would not start. Towed home. Started checking fuses. Check fluids, realized transmission fluid was in radiator and radiator fluid was in transmission. Vehicle will no longer drive in drive, only in reverse. Known issue with Nissan.
I bought a 2001 Nissan Frontier 27,000 miles on it soon afterwards service engine soon light came on, dealer replaced catalytic converter, since then light constantly comes on now have 128,000 miles on truck this has been an ongoing problem from the get go. The catalytic convertor was changed around 50,000 miles would there be any warranty on the new unit?
While doing some personal maintenance on the vehicle the consumer noticed that there was oil leaking from the oil pan. Vehicle was taken to three dealers to fix the problem, but the problem still persists. One dealer replaced the rear main seal for the power train. The seal has been replaced three times and is leaking again.
Exhaust manifold has cracked due to manifold is made of one type of metal, and engine block is another type. These two metals heat/cool at different rates causing undue stress on manifold. As a result the manifold has cracked, allowing toxic fumes to enter vehicle passenger compartment.
Engine complaints in other Frontier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Nissan Frontier, 19% of the model year's 134 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Nissan Frontier engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 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 2001 Nissan Frontier engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.