Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 18% | 0 miles |
| 2024 | 2 | 9% | 0 miles |
| 2023 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% | 25,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 9% | 35,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 15% | 8,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 5% | 60,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 4% | 30,000 miles |
| 2012 | 7 | 9% | 54,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 9% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% | 2,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% | 1,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% | 35,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% | 61,000 miles |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% | 72,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 3% | 45,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% | 115,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 12% | 105,000 miles |
| 2002 | 11 | 9% | 64,000 miles |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% | 120,000 miles |
| 2000 | 7 | 4% | 134,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% | 150,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Some mechanism in the door is bad. I get locked out of the vehicle when the truck is unlocked. On multiple occasions this door and truck will try to lock itself with the keys still inside (the warning alarm will go off). To get back into the truck I have to lock the door and unlock it even though the door was unlocked to begin with. If the situation were to arise where this door is stuck closed with the keys inside the vehicle, it can cause many issues for the owner/operator (This happened to me once, but the other side was not jammed fortunately). I have brought this vehicle back to the dealership many times and they have not fixed the problem.
The frame of my truck was improperly welded at the factory and after 16k miles the welds broke. Nissan's fix it to rebuild the truck on a new frame. I'm currently still driving it with a broken frame because they did not provide a loaner and don't have time to fix it even though they know there are broken welds and the steering column makes a popping sound and the right front is also making sounds. Nissan refused to replace the truck or extend the warranty. They have also given me no paperwork even though it's been at the dealership for the issue already.
A flexible sealant is utilized to fill seams in the roof channel prior to primer, paint, and clear coat applications. Defects in the sealant protrude from the flat surface creating a weak a point in the painted surface. Cracks form around the defect and allows water intrusion below the sealant in direct contact with bare metal. Rust accumulates below the defect and begins protruding from the surface furthering paint cracking. Prolonged rusting will weaken the structural integrity and could pose a safety concern if left unattended. The described defects may not be easily visible on dark colored vehicles.
Door does not always open when unlocking. Door opens partially, but does not unlatch. I have to enter the truck from the passenger side & use the inside handle to open it. Issue us intermittent, and has happened approximately 15 to 20 times over the past year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Nissan Frontier. While attempting to purchase a cab for the vehicle, the cab would not fit due to the incorrect size of the truck bed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the vehicle modification would have to be done at an independent shop. When the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, the frame was repaired. The contact refused to take back possession of the vehicle because of the frame modification to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 1,200.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the spot welds between the outer body panel and the inner bed on the passsenger side of the vehicle failed. The vehicle was taken to lia Nissan of colonie (2233 central ave, schenectady, ny 12304, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that there was an overload failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that it was not covered under warranty. He failure mileage was approximately 35,035.
I purchased a brand new Nissan Frontier 2015 at the sterling mccall Nissan dealership. I noticed that the whole bottom trunk door of the vehicle is rough and the paint is falling off. I contacted themby e-mailing three employees of the dealership explaining my concern for the trucks defects but not one has replied.
Vehicle shipped from factory with defective bolt on trailer hitch (receiver type). Bolt is part of system to attach the hitch to the truck frame. Discovered after several thousand miles of trailer towing. Dealership has now installed a new bolt, records of repair are on file at dealership.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Frontier years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (17), 2002 (11), 2003 (9), 2006 (8) and 2000 (7) model years. Body complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Nissan Frontier body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Nissan Frontier model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Nissan Frontier body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (69 mentions), followed by the body › tailgate › hinge and attachments (8).
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.