2005 Nissan Frontier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Nissan Frontier: 3 recalls, 532 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #06V092000 · 2006 · 42,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain king cab trucks, in a severe side impact crash, there is a possibility that deformation of the vehicle's body could cause the fuel filler cap tether to be stretched to the point of unscrewing the fuel filler cap.
Why it matters: This May result in a fuel spill which in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel cap tether pin assembly with a modified one free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2006.
Airbags Vehicle recall #08V690000 · 2008 · 242,720 vehicles
What's wrong: In those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, a mixture of snow/water and salt can enter into the front crash zone sensor (czs) housing. If this occurs, the czs May internally rust resulting in a signal interruption. If this happens, the red air bag warning light will illuminate to alert the vehicle operator.
Why it matters: This issue could result in the non-deployment of the driver and passenger front air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front czs with a redesigned sensor. The recall began on January 26, 2009. Owners in the other states will receive extended warranty coverage for the sensor to 10 years. These owners will be notified of the warranty extension by mail and will receive a sticker to place in…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #10V517000 · 2010 · 747,480 vehicles
What's wrong: The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay May allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.
Why it matters: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on December 6, 2010.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
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.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E046000 · 2007 · 3,500 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain hopkins aftermarket trailer brake control connection harnesses sold for use on certain models of Nissan vehicles which are listed above. The internal part numbers within hopkins are: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, and 1290376035. A wire May have been placed in an incorrect position in the electrical connector housing. This results…
Why it matters: This harness would result in power from the trailer brake controller going to the towing vehicle dash light circuit rather than the trailer brakes. This result would be the lack of trailer braking when the towing vehicle brakes were applied. It would also result in the towing vehicles dash lights…
The fix: Hopkins will notify owners and replace the original harness with a revised harness free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2007. Owners can contact hopkins at 800-835-0129.
Suspension Equipment recall #10E019000 · 2010 · 1,873 vehicles
What's wrong: 54501zq00a, 54500zq00a, 551a1zq00a, 551a0zq00a , 54501ea00a, 54500ea00a, 551a1ea500, 551a0ea500, 54501zr00a, and 54500zr00a, sold between November 25, 2009 and May 14, 2010 as replacement parts for model year 2004 through 2010 titan, armada, and qx56, and model years 2005 through 2010 frontier, xterra, and pathfinder vehicles. The lower control link assembly has two cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment…
Why it matters: If the collar weld separates, the vehicle handling will deteriorate, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected lower link free of charge. The safety recall began on July 12, 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (262): the most common themes are leaks (91), hard / delayed shifting (77), noise or vibration (40).
- Fuel system (119): the most common themes are warning light on (33), stalls / loses power (8).
- Engine & cooling (106): the most common themes are leaks (40), noise or vibration (19).
- Engine (80): the most common themes are leaks (22), stalls / loses power (18).
The 2005 Nissan Frontier has 532 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 29 Frontier model years for complaints (4.6× the average Frontier year). Complaints peaked in 2013 (90 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 90,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (66 complaints, 1 recalls), 2006 (617 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-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 2005 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.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2005 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Nissan Frontier, plus 3 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 2005 Nissan Frontier problems?
Owners have filed 532 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (262), fuel system (119), engine & cooling (106).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 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.