Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Nissan Titan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving on Interstate 20 at a 75 mph speed in traffic, the truck began a loud knocking noise and the engine shut down. After fighting the dead truck off the roadway from the highway speeds and avoiding traffic, I was able to get the truck safely stopped. Upon attempting to restart the engine, the starter caught on fire. I was able to get the fire extinguished with minimal damage. The truck was towed by a wrecker to my home. I replaced the starter and inspected the wiring harness for fire damages. The truck did restart after sitting for several days, and the knock which was heard on the roadway the day of the failure was excessive. After other checks and inspections, the crankshaft was found to be broken in half causing loud knocking. This is a catastrophic failure with a monetary replacement of approximately $20,000-$30,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while refueling, there was an engine run-on after the vehicle was turned off. The contact determined there was a vapor lock issue and that air was entering the fuel system. The vehicle was difficult to start. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon research, the contact determined that the failure was like TSB: NTB19-049. The contact used a scanner and determined the failure was related to the fuel pump module. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The contact called another local dealer, Victory Nissan Parts Center (307 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37211); who confirmed that parts were backordered for approximately 6 to 8 months. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and accelerating, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that there was an abnormal pop before the vehicle lost motive power and was pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured crankshaft, rod bearings, and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Earlier this year my 2018 Nissan Titan experienced catastrophic engine failure at only 56,376 miles. I then learned it was due to a manufacturing defect that is very common on 2017-2019 Nissan Titans and other Nissan models with the same engine. This issue is well known to Nissan as evidenced by Nissan Service Bulletin NTB19-057 which was first issued in July 2019. Most failures have occurred when the vehicles are so new that the manufacturer's warranty provides engine replacement. Mine, unfortunately, occurred three months after the powertrain warranty expired. I filed a complaint with Nissan Consumer Affairs and Nissan took no responsibility and provided no financial assistance. I was forced to pay for engine replacement at a cost of $8,755.03. …
My 2018 Nissan Titan has suffered two engine failures within two years, with fewer than 37,000 miles on the vehicle. Despite following all scheduled preventive maintenance, the engines failed catastrophically. One of these failures occurred with my family in the vehicle, placing their safety at serious risk. Details: The first engine failure happened at approximately [30,000], and the second at around [37,000], both requiring full engine replacements. These were not minor issues - they were sudden, complete losses of engine power. The second failure was especially dangerous, occurring while driving with my family onboard. Despite clear signs of a major defect or systemic issue, Nissan has refused to take responsibility, treating these catastrophic events as if they are routine, isolated failures. I followed all required maintenance schedules, and the vehicle was well cared for. …
While Driving in normal Driving conditions, The Auto at 30 mph will Rev the RPMS up to as much as 5000 rpm before the Transmission will catch and accelerate loosing the ability to accelerate on demand when needed such as merging on to a Highway of speeds of 55 mph or higher. This behavior happens almost every single time acceleration is demanded and is not due to a lack of ATF fluid in the transmission. As the vehcile has done this after The local Service center of nissan in my area had just done the 20k mile check up. This has been on going and constant behavior since I purchased This nissan Titan in 2021. Truck currently has 35k, and has had all service suggestions done. …
1. Turbo Actuator / Dealer is currently replacing the defective part. 2. When this part fails, you lose throttle control and acceleration capabilities. This part failed on me at highway speeds, and I had to drift over several lanes of high-speed traffic. I was unable to control the speed of my vehicle, with no ability to accelerate. 3. Not sure if they duplicated or are replacing the part solely by the check engine code of P00AH DTC (Check engine code). 4. It is a known issue with Nissan, and they have extended warranty coverage for 2016 and 2017 model year Titans with the diesel motor, but have refused to address it with the 2018 model, even with the same symptoms and DTC. 5.No, when the failure occurred, the check engine light came on, and the truck lost power. Occurred around September 25, 2025, mileage is 61,489. …
In November of 2022 we heard a knocking noise from the engine and then the low oil warning came on. Vehicle would then not start. When we towed it to the dealership they found noise from the bottom end and low oil pressure code P0524 and verified engine will not start and does make a bad knocking noise during short crank period. Determined the engine came apart internally and had large rod and main bearing material in oil pan loose metal ran through engine and engine will need to be replaced. We had all necessary warranty work done at the certified dealership and all oil changes were done as recommended, all documentation sent to dealership. Nissan would not cover the damage, we were 12,370 miles over warranty and still owed $24,000 on the vehicle. On April 4/17/2023 we paid $17,977 for a new engine on the truck. …
I was driving the truck down the interstate with the cruise set at 70-75 mph and without warning, the truck starts shaking violently and making very loud noises from the wngine and then the engine shuts off and power steering is lost while traveling at highway speeds in traffic. The failure was diagnosed as a crankshaft failure which snapped the crankshaft in the engine. The quote from Nissan to replace the engine out of warranty varies between 35k-42k which TOTALS this vehicle for an engine failure that they are at fault for. Nissan knowingly sold vehicles with faulty engines by putting the safety concerns and financial burden for the public to the wayside. This needs to be addressed soon before someone is seriously injured due to Nissan's negligence and recklessness for customer safety.
Component Turbocharger, power train Safety vehicle would not restart so was stranded on highway Unknown if others have had similar issues Components have not been examined at this time but are available Warnings, 1st check engine, 2nd power reduced, 3rd engine was dead Going uphill on the interstate, the check engine light came on. I then observed the turbo boost climbing to 30 PSI, dark smoke coming out of the exhaust, and white smoke. I was attempting to pull over while this happened. When I got to the shoulder of the road , the vehicle was disabled, and coolant was pouring out of the overflow onto the ground. The vehicle needed to be towed to Great Falls, where it is awaiting repair. Vehicle is still not running at this time
NHTSA investigations
Loss of motive power due to broken crankshaft with no ability to restart.
On November 15, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE23020 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2016 through 2019 Nissan Titan XD trucks equipped with 5.0L Cummins diesel engines. The complaints allege the condition was due to a failure of the engine crankshaft.
Engine complaints in other Titan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Nissan Titan?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Nissan Titan, 50% of the model year's 90 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Nissan Titan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2018 Nissan Titan, though it has 4 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 2018 Nissan Titan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 6,000 miles, and 75% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.