2002 Nissan Frontier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Nissan Frontier: 4 recalls, 124 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #02V299000 · 2002 · 143,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, water May enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor.
Why it matters: This can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and any affected components will be replaced. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. Owner notification began December 10, 2003.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #02V298000 · 2002 · 5,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with a supercharger, under certain conditions, such as full throttle in low gear when the engine is not fully warmed up and at cold ambient temperature, the amount of intake air flow through the air flow meter May exceed the maximum preset diagnosis limit value.
Why it matters: This will cause the engine control system to go into the failsafe mode. Under this condition, the malfunction indicator lamp will illuminate and engine speed will not exceed 2400 rpm regardless of the throttle position, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module. Owner notification began January 15, 2003.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V230000 · 2004 · 586,196 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks equipped with six cylinder engines and sport utility vehicles equipped with four or six cylinder engines, the fuel pump terminal on the fuel-sending unit can develop a crack in the plastic molding. This can cause the terminal strip to corrode under some environmental conditions.
Why it matters: If corrosion occurs, the terminal strip could eventually break causing the fuel pump to stop operation. This will result in not being able to start the engine or cause the engine to stop running without warning, which can result in a crash.
The fix: In the following states, dealers will replace the fuel-sending unit. These states are connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, tennessee, vermont, virginia,…
Steering Vehicle recall #10V554000 · 2010 · 500,552 vehicles
What's wrong: Over time corrosion May form in the lower steering column joint and limit movement of the joint. The limited movement of this joint May create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, it May lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs.
Why it matters: The shaft May break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The steering column shaft and joint will be replaced with a shaft of a different design. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 13, 2010.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (13): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (2).
- Electrical (13): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), stalls / loses power (4), won't start (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (13): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Steering (13): the most common themes are steering problems (10).
The 2002 Nissan Frontier has 124 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 29 Frontier model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 116). Complaints peaked in 2003 (24 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 69,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (134 complaints, 3 recalls), 2003 (77 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Nissan Frontier.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Nissan Frontier, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Nissan Frontier problems?
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (13), electrical (13), brakes (hydraulic) (13).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Nissan Frontier repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.