Most common 2005 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of the 532 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 →
2005 Nissan Frontier recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, Infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on December 6, 2010. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Air bags › Frontal
Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front czs with a redesigned sensor. The recall began on January 26, 2009. Owners in the other states will receive extended warranty coverage for the sensor to 10 years.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
On certain king cab trucks, in a severe side impact crash, there is a possibility that deformation of the vehicle's body could cause the fuel filler cap tether to be stretched to the point of unscrewing the fuel filler cap.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel cap tether pin assembly with a modified one free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2006. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Nissan Frontier:
Transmission Failures
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject.
What 2005 Nissan Frontier owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 262 →
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle came to a complete stop and then hesitated to accelerate. Additionally, a burning odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission and radiator failure. The transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,700.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. There was no warning light before or after the failure. The vehicle was towed by an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and found that coolant had leaked into the transmission and caused the transmission to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Engine & cooling all 186 →
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact then stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway. The contact then stated that the check engine warning light intermittently flashed upon start-up then remained illuminated. The contact stated that he allowed the engine time to cool down then restarted the vehicle; however, after the vehicle was restarted, he depressed the accelerator pedal to regain speed but two to three minutes later the vehicle stalled again. The contact stated that occasionally, after the vehicle stalled, the vehicle was jumpstarted, but the negative side of the battery sparked from the cable. …
Vehicle has severe electrical issue with position sensors on camshaft and crankshaft. Vehicle engine stalls suddenly. This is a very dangerous condition as vehicle will loose braking and steering control at high speeds or in a incline, hill on or off road. Nissan has faulty wiring on these sensors that control the engine power, a know problem that has never been recalled. Over 100 people have suffered injuries or loss of life due to this issue. Nissan dealerships are aware of problem and several forums online including newspaper articles outline the issue.
Fuel & propulsion system all 160 →
As I was driving down the freeway @ 70mph in the fast lane on interstate 80 in the san francisco's bay area, my truck suddenly turned off. I had to fight to get from the fast lane, to get over 4 lanes to the shoulder. I had just filled up my truck in berkeley at a chevron, I put $60.00 in. So I knew I had fuel. I ended up having my truck towed home. The following day I went to auto zone and hooked up the diagnostic reader. It said that I needed a new fuel pump. Upon further read each I found out that this is a typical issue for the Nissan Frontier. It has been so much an issue Nissan recalled 2004 & 2006 models but did not include the 2005 model even though its the same faulty part! I have not been able to have the fuel pump sensor replaced due to cost and I am a single mother. …
#1recently I noticed that my fuel gauge has been unreliable. It will show the actual fuel amount, then it will show that there is no fuel in the tank just a few moments later. Sometimes this issue lasts for a week where it shows the fuel tank to be empty while it is full. Also there is a check engine light that accompanies. #2 I live in alaska and require the defroster vent to work in the winter. This winter starting in December I noticed that air will not blow out of the defroster vent below the windshield. I have tried numerous selections on the dial/controls without resolve. It also makes a "bubbling and clicking sound" that to me sounds mechanical in the dashboard, when the vent is trying to change from the floor vent, to the head vents, and then up to the windshield vent.
2005 Nissan Frontier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Nissan Frontier a good car?
Based on 532 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Frontier rates avoid: 6.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Frontier at the same age. It is one of the Frontier years we suggest avoiding. 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 2005 Nissan Frontier?
The transmission & drivetrain — 262 complaints, 49% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (186) and fuel & propulsion system (160).
How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Frontier have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2005 Nissan Frontier, the most recent from October 28, 2010 (engine and engine cooling). 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 2005 Nissan Frontier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 15% 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.