Your biggest towing and hauling jobs call for the power of a rugged pickup truck. And when it comes to practical midsize pickup truck options, the Nissan Frontier is a popular choice. Available with multiple different cab and bed configurations, there’s likely to be a used Frontier that suits your needs.
Have there been any problems with the Nissan Frontier’s transmission?
In recent model years, no. However, earlier model years (including the 2005 and 2006 Frontier) have seen reports of such transmission issues as:
- Transmission failure due to coolant/radiator leak
- Transmission slipping and losing gears
Before you buy a pre-owned Nissan Frontier, take some time to become familiar with these common transmission complaints. We’ve covered them in detail below so you can get a better feel for what to watch out for.
More about the Nissan Frontier’s Transmission
The transmissions available on the Nissan Frontier will vary depending on which model year you’re looking at. In earlier models, such as the 2005 Frontier, you’ll find either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, more recent models (like the 2019 Frontier) are available with two different manual transmissions: a five-speed or a six-speed. On automatic models, a five-speed remains the default.
Common Nissan Frontier Transmission Problems
2005 Nissan Frontier: Transmission Failure Due to Coolant Leak
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11312072, 11256116, 11298337
One major transmission issue that seems to be a recurring problem beginning with the 2005 Frontier is that of radiator fluid leaking coolant into the transmission. If ignored, this can lead to total transmission failure.
There are multiple complaints about this issue on the NHTSA website, including one complaint from November of 2019.
The owner of a 2005 Frontier reports that the vehicle suffered a total loss of power due to transmission failure. Upon having the vehicle towed to a dealer, a coolant leak was discovered to be the cause.
These reports seem to be supported by multiple Vehicle History reviews as well. At least two reviewers, Haley S. and Kay L., report that they had to replace the transmissions on their trucks due to this issue.
Another reviewer, Mark H., recounts that his transmission was also damaged due to a bad radiator.
2006 Nissan Frontier: Transmission Slipping
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11302427, 11306428
There have also been reports of the transmission on the 2006 Nissan Frontier slipping and losing the ability to reverse. In one NHTSA complaint, the owner of a 2006 Frontier reports that the transmission began slipping until it eventually would not move for more than a few hundred feet at once.
Upon stopping and restarting the vehicle, this same owner claims that the tachometer would accelerate into the “red line area.” The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for service, but the owner does not mention what the findings or repairs were.
