2002 NISSAN FRONTIER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

152

Owner Complaints

13 Crashes 2 Fires

8

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

10

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER

The 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER has received a total of 152 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING:COLUMN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 10 technical service bulletins have been issued by Nissan North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Fuelpropulsion System (11 complaints), Vehicle Speed Control (11 complaints), and Electrical System (10 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER, potentially affecting up to 1,589,587 vehicles.

Recall 10V554000 — STEERING:COLUMN

| 500,552 vehicles affected

Defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 FRONTIER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001 THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 2004, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2004, XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001, THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2005. 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...

Consequence: THE SHAFT MAY BREAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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Recall 06E023000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 292,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

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Recall 04V230000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 586,196 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN,...

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Recall 02V299000 — SUSPENSION:REAR

| 143,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED...

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Recall 02V298000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

| 5,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD...

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Recall 06E064000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 4,029 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

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Owner Complaints for the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER

152 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 11
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 11 3 Crashes
Electrical System
Complaints: 10 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 10 1 Fire 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 10
Structurebody
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 4
Suspension
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 3
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Engine
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11631479 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
The main issue on the Nissan Frontier that I just bought a few months ago that I need to report that I think should be recalled item is the passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked and it makes ticking noises the exhaust is loud and I am definitely getting exhaust fumes drawn into the cab especially when I turn the heater on now that it's winter time and it's getting CO2 carbon and exhaust fumes inside cab which is very toxic also the rear window defogger does not work and the cruise control does not work at all so anyway you're asking for what date this first occurred well it was like that when I bought it and I bought it on approximately in July of the summer 2024 it was all these issues were already broke when I got it I looked online and I see that the exhaust manifold is a very common problem and it is also a health hazard and toxic and could cause injury or death to passengers so I believe it should be and maybe is recalled I see online where some dealerships a few years ago already started fixing the issue for free before it was even recalled so I did a recall check and it says that there's no unfixed recalls on my vehicle but that exhaust manifold needs to be recalled and warranted because it's happening on a majority of those that means it's a bad design and it is also health hazard safety hazard health risk of injury or death because of it
#11631479 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
The main issue on the Nissan Frontier that I just bought a few months ago that I need to report that I think should be recalled item is the passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked and it makes ticking noises the exhaust is loud and I am definitely getting exhaust fumes drawn into the cab especially when I turn the heater on now that it's winter time and it's getting CO2 carbon and exhaust fumes inside cab which is very toxic also the rear window defogger does not work and the cruise control does not work at all so anyway you're asking for what date this first occurred well it was like that when I bought it and I bought it on approximately in July of the summer 2024 it was all these issues were already broke when I got it I looked online and I see that the exhaust manifold is a very common problem and it is also a health hazard and toxic and could cause injury or death to passengers so I believe it should be and maybe is recalled I see online where some dealerships a few years ago already started fixing the issue for free before it was even recalled so I did a recall check and it says that there's no unfixed recalls on my vehicle but that exhaust manifold needs to be recalled and warranted because it's happening on a majority of those that means it's a bad design and it is also health hazard safety hazard health risk of injury or death because of it
The main issue on the Nissan Frontier that I just bought a few months ago that I need to report that I think should be recalled item is the passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked and it makes ticking noises the exhaust is loud and I am definitely getting exhaust fumes drawn into the cab especially when I turn the heater on now that it's winter time and it's getting CO2 carbon and exhaust fumes inside cab which is very toxic also the rear window defogger does not work and the cruise control does not work at all so anyway you're asking for what date this first occurred well it was like that when I bought it and I bought it on approximately in July of the summer 2024 it was all these issues were already broke when I got it I looked online and I see that the exhaust manifold is a very common problem and it is also a health hazard and toxic and could cause injury or death to passengers so I believe it should be and maybe is recalled I see online where some dealerships a few years ago already started fixing the issue for free before it was even recalled so I did a recall check and it says that there's no unfixed recalls on my vehicle but that exhaust manifold needs to be recalled and warranted because it's happening on a majority of those that means it's a bad design and it is also health hazard safety hazard health risk of injury or death because of it
#11466280 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove home safely. The contact performed an inspection and noticed that the fuel pump was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
#11446902 | STEERING | | N/A miles
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V554000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the U-joint replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in an active recall. The failure mileage was unavailable.

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Safety Rating for the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER

Nissan North America, Inc. has issued 10 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PU306 - 2001 Alt — EQUIPMENT

Expiration Notification - Window Regulator Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 2003, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2001 Model Year Altima and 2001-2002 Model Year Nissan Frontier and Xterra vehicles in specific states (Nevada, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Arizona, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, New Mexico, Georgia,...

02017B — INTERIOR LIGHTING

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1491. *TT

NTB02017A — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1491 SET. *TT

NTB02079 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT DIMLY LIT. *JG

NTB02003A — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION ON VG33 SUPERCHARGER MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0103 WITH LOW POWER.*JB

NTB02003A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

SUBJECT REGARDING VG33 SUPERCHARGER MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0103 WITH LOW POWER. *JG

NTB02020 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SUBJECT REGARDING KNOCKING NOISE ABOVE IDLE (800-1100 RPM). *YD

NTB02003 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT REGARDING VG33 SUPER CHARGER MALFUNCTIONINDICATOR LAMP

NTB02003 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

SUBJECT REGARDING VG33 SUPER CHARGER MALFUNCTIONINDICATOR LAMP

NTB01064 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INFORMATION REGARDING MIL ON WITH DTC.*JB

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 NISSAN FRONTIER

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the NISSAN FRONTIER

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Other NISSAN Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report