Most common 2010 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of the 59 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 →
2010 Nissan Frontier recalls (4)
Air bags › Frontal
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)
Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected GPS units can overheat.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on September 16, 2010.
Child seat › Tether › Connector/clip
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 Nissan frontier king cab vehicles manufactured from June 10, 2010 through June 26, 2010. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: The seat gusset containing the tether anchorage will be replaced with a new one free of charge. The safety recall began on August 30, 2010. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 titan, armada, qx56, frontier, xterra, and pathfinder vehicles manufactured from November 19, 2009 through March 3, 2010. The lower control link assembly has two cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment points to the chassis.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on May 20, 2010. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2010 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 2010 Nissan Frontier owners say
Air bags
On October 29, 2016 my airbag light came on and stayed on. Took it to Jenkins Nissan of Leesburg FL. They charged me $95.00 to check the problem, then said it would be $800.00 to replace the module but if that didn't work the next thing they could try would be $1,000.00, but they could not guarantee that it would fix the problem. Then my tire pressure light came on and stayed on about 3 years ago...same scenario with Jenkins Nissan... you pay us, but no guarantee that they can fix it. Then my horn stopped working about a year ago. Same scenario with Jenkins Nissan. I took my truck to another mechanic, everything is fixed for one price. The problem with everything was evidently connected. These issues in my opinion are safety hazards and should be recalled.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact scheduled an appointment where the vehicle was inspected but the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Transmission & drivetrain
Radiator failure leaking into tranny, causing a sound coming from transmission as if driving over a rumble strips when accelerating between 40-60mph, as well as sudden jerking when changing gears. SMOD residue (creamy pink fluid) present on radiator cap. This is a known issue that I was never made aware of during nor after purchase. Obviously this was not addressed prior to the sale by the Nissan Dealership. No warning signs were present prior to the issue appearing. Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer yet as I am only now learning of this problem, however I have made arrangements. The issue is confirmed by third parties. Vehicle is available for further inspection upon request. The issue first appeared about 2 weeks ago but symptoms were milder and progressively became more noticeable. …
At 130,000 miles we started to notice transmission issues such as slipping and at 40 MPH, a vibration like you was running on the rubble strips on the highway. Took to the garage and they said it was due to bad tires. Paid over $500 for new tires, problem still occurred. Was told since no engine code, they had no clue what was going on. The slipping got so bad, clearing a intersection or pulling out into moving traffic became dangerous. Frustrated with dealer bs and other garage bs. I youtubed it. Saw a defective radiator video. Checked my antifreeze and transmission oil to find them both milky. My truck is 9 years old and the radiator failed. The safety of my family was at stake when the transmission failed to work as we waited for antifreeze to power our transmission and watched our engines overheat as it was now cooled with oil. …
Electrical system
On October 29, 2016 my airbag light came on and stayed on. Took it to Jenkins Nissan of Leesburg FL. They charged me $95.00 to check the problem, then said it would be $800.00 to replace the module but if that didn't work the next thing they could try would be $1,000.00, but they could not guarantee that it would fix the problem. Then my tire pressure light came on and stayed on about 3 years ago...same scenario with Jenkins Nissan... you pay us, but no guarantee that they can fix it. Then my horn stopped working about a year ago. Same scenario with Jenkins Nissan. I took my truck to another mechanic, everything is fixed for one price. The problem with everything was evidently connected. These issues in my opinion are safety hazards and should be recalled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Frontier. While attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition would not turn over and the gauges on the instrument panel vibrated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was taken to an auto part store where they diagnosed that the vehicle could have an electrical corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
2010 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 | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Nissan Frontier a good car?
Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Frontier rates average: 32% fewer complaints than 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 2010 Nissan Frontier?
The air bags — 19 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal › sensor/control module. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (15) and electrical system (9).
How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Frontier have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2010 Nissan Frontier, the most recent from February 10, 2023 (frontal). 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 2010 Nissan Frontier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 41,000 miles; 56% 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.