Nissan Frontier problems

Nissan Frontier years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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Nissan Frontier model years

Common Nissan Frontier problems

Based on complaints from owners of Nissan Frontier cars, several common problems have been reported:

Timing Chain Problems: Some Nissan Frontier models may develop problems with the timing chains, resulting in a loud noise coming from the timing chain area. This noise is caused by excess slack in the secondary timing chains and is commonly observed around the 150,000-mile mark. If owners notice a whining or buzzing noise, it is advisable to have the pickup checked out.

Rusty Distributor Shaft Bearing: Certain models of the Nissan Frontier are prone to rusty distributor shaft bearings. When this bearing rusts, it can seize, causing the engine to stall or fail to start. The typical fix for this issue involves replacing the distributor, with diagnostic costs averaging around $100. This problem can be critical as it affects the starting and running of the engine.

Transmission Problems: The Nissan Frontier has been associated with transmission issues, particularly in the 2005 model year. The most common problem reported is the radiator causing transmission failure. This issue has an average cost to fix of $3,700 and occurs around 103,000 miles. Other related problems include radiator cracks leaking fluid into the transmission and coolant leaking into and damaging the transmission in subsequent model years.

These problems highlight some of the key issues faced by Nissan Frontier owners, ranging from sensor malfunctions to critical engine and transmission issues. Addressing these concerns promptly and through proper maintenance can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

What problems does the Nissan Frontier have?

The Frontier can easily reach 100,000 to 200,000 on its odometer. The Nissan Frontier suffers from a few common problems, which include engine issues,defective airbags, and paint chipping.

Is the Nissan Frontier a reliable truck?

The auto repair database RepairPal gives the Nissan Frontier an overall 4 out of 5 for reliability, placing it at the top of the rankings for midsize pickups. However, there are several exceptions. Nissan Frontiers with automatic transmissions manufactured between 2005 and 2008 have a defective radiator design.

How many miles will a Nissan Frontier last?

200,000 miles

With proper care and routine maintenance, the latest generation of the Nissan Frontier has been built and designed to last over two decades, with many models able to last 200,000 miles and longer.

What are the cons of a Nissan Frontier?

Fuel economy of 18 mpg overall is not a standout among midsized pickup trucks. Handling is relatively responsive and secure, but the steering is too heavy at low speeds. Plus, the steering wheel lacks a telescope adjustment. The ride is stiff and choppy, though it's an improvement over the previous-generation Frontier.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan Frontier years

We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan Frontier cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Nissan Frontier model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Nissan Frontier model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan Frontier years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Nissan Frontier car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Nissan Frontier , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Air bags problems
Power train problems
Electrical system problems
Service brakes problems
Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Nissan Frontier vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Frontier model years

A total of 121 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Frontier model years

There were a total of 28 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Frontier model years

There were a total of 100 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Frontier model years

There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 1318 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan Frontier . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan Frontier vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Nissan Frontier 2018

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
VIN: 1N6AD0CW1JN
Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Paint peeling on front left finder and where both front finders connect to the cab. N/A The dealer was informed and photos sent. Just the photos sent N/A

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Nissan Frontier 2021

Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
VIN: 1N6ED0EB1MN
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Recall R22A1 has not been repaired by the dealership. Riverside Nissan in Rome, GA held the truck for twelve (12) weeks and was unable to repair the truck. They claim the part is not available. Another repair was subsequently requested at Town Center Nissan in Kennesaw, GA. They initially reported they could get the part within two weeks but now state the part is backordered and unavailable. Vehicle is undrivable without repair.

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Nissan Frontier 2022

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
VIN: 1N6ED1CL9NN
Components: SEATS
Summary: Sometimes when I'm driving down the road the seat reclines all the way back when I spoke to Nissan executive headquarters Maria there said they spoke with Grubbs Nissan and said yes this could happen the seat reclines all the way back and it obstructs The View while I'm driving down the road I need this to stop it's unsafe

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Nissan Frontier 2022

Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
VIN: 1N6ED1CL9NN
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver’s seat independently moved backward and slightly tilted. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that there was a failure of the feature to adjust the seat to assist while an occupant was exiting the vehicle had operated erroneously. The dealer informed the contact that there was no way to turn off the feature and to disconnect the electrical wiring harness attached to the seat to prevent the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure via email; however, the contact had not received a response. The failure mileage was 34,000.

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Nissan Frontier 2022

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-13
Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
VIN: 1N6ED1EK8NN
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: We have had multiple occasions when the dashboard read as "System Fault"with multiple warning/indicator lights. 12/12/23, while backing out of a parking space at low speed. 9/12/2024 while at a Red Light, and lightly letting off the brake. 9/13/24 while driving 65 mph . An appt was requested at the dealership of purchase for 9/17/24. An email notification was also received from the truck stating that the ABS System may be malfunctioning. When the alert warning/indicator lights appear, the alert states on the dashboard "Warning" "System Fault" "See Owners Manual" . The system generated email states "Your vehicle's antilock braking system may require service". We only received one notification from the vehicle related to the 9/12/24 alert.On 9/19/24 the dealership could not replicate or find a code related to the ABS System Fault and we were encouraged to bring the vehicle back if it happened again so they could run the code.The dealership would take the vehicle for a longer drive on 9/20/24 to try to replicate the issue. At this point, we filed a complaint with the manufacturer, and have not heard directly from the dealership if they have been able to replicate the warning. The concern for safety is that since the vehicle alerting that the ABS system may be require attention, there may be other electrical issues with the vehicle, along with braking issue concern. There was one occasion on 1/21/2024 with a system error message stating "warning when Parked apply parking brake" the vehicle had just been turned on and put in reverse. There is a large safety concern as this vehicle has had other safety issues including a half latch (where the doors would not open from inside or outside, requiring exiting through alternate door, a parking pawl recall, and transmission issues that we've brought forward in our formal complaint to the manufacturer. Including "Tow" alarm notifications to strengthen the safety concern of electrical issues with this vehicle.

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Nissan Frontier 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
Date Complaint: 2024-09-17
VIN: 1N6AD0ER5FN
Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: Engine light came on, and vehicle accelerated, then lost acceleration while revolutions increased. Diagnosis indicates Bad TCM. I went to 3 shops, and all said that the TCM are going bad, especially Infinity. Nissan wants to charge $500 just to try to reset it. The Dealership is the only ones that can perform this task.

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Nissan Frontier 2016

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
VIN: 1N6AD0ERXGN
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE FUELING AT DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS THE TANK SPILLS/BELCHES GAS ALL OVER. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS RECALLED. THERE ARE ENDLESS COMPLAINTS ON [XXX] OF SIMILAR ISSUES OCCURRING TO OTHER FRONTIER OWNERS. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS QUOTED OVER $800 TO REPLACE ALL 5 COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM AS NISSAN HAS SUGGESTED IN A BULLETIN FOR MECHANICS. IF NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE ENOUGH TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL BULLETIN THEN THE ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR FREE BECAUSE GAS SPILLING/SPRAYING ALL OVER ME EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY VEHICLE IS OUT RIGHT DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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Nissan Frontier 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
VIN: 1N6AD0EV6FN
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: Air bag light began blinking. I brought it to a nissan dealer for service and that have replaced and charged me for multiple parts in excess of $2,000.00. They stated my car was ready and repaired. Upon picking up my car the light was still blinking. They stated it's additional parts and cost to finish repair but if I wanted the car for the weekend I can have it and return when the parts come in. They were going to give my car back to me with a defective air bag system which I feel is extremely unsafe. They also damaged my front bumper which they had to repair. I don't feel they changed out some parts they charged me for. The car has been with them for repair since 08/22/2024. Nissan is not standing behind their product or safety.

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Nissan Frontier 2022

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
VIN: 1N6ED1CL6NN
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Summary: my truck has been warning malfunction on cluster cause can't let me pedal push to go and can't let me on control cruise over 100 times. I went to Nissan dealership to check my truck. thy said need new engine. I felt they scammed me nine still fine and drive good. I told them to disgontic analysis my truck. still said ned replace new engine. 89,000 miles short time engine. when malfunction warning light will stop me go pedal or control cruise. I hav to turn off engine 10 mins then start to go working good until 1 hr again malfunction warning on cluster to prevent me go control cruise and pedal.

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Nissan Frontier 2019

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-15
Date Complaint: 2024-09-02
VIN: 1N6AD0EV3KN
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: Only have 17600 miles on vehicle and front caliber were sticking and squeaking. The garage replaced the pads and rebuilt the brakes as they were prematurely sticking and bad. Where not stopping good.

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Nissan Frontier 2022

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
Date Complaint: 2024-08-27
VIN: 1N6ED1EK0NN
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Summary: While driving multiple lights go off on the dash including ABS, traction control, and collision warning. The dash has a message that states system fault see owners manual. If you turn the truck off the system will reset and clear the faults. This does not stop the truck from faulting again in the future.

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Nissan Frontier 2021

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
VIN: 1N6ED0EB5MN
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which, upon pressing the Push to Start button the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000.

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Nissan Frontier 2021

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
VIN: 1N6ED0EA9MN
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. After several attempts, the contact was able to start the vehicle, after which the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that when the failure occurred, the exterior lights would not function properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake light switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.

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Nissan Frontier 2022

Date Of Incident: 2021-12-01
Date Complaint: 2024-08-18
VIN: 1N6ED1EJ7NN
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: In December 2021, I purchased a 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-X. The vehicle comes with built-in navigation that, according to their website, should receive map updates quarterly. Since purchasing the vehicle, brand new, there have been no updates to the navigation system nor maps. I have gone back and forth with Nissan support and the dealership only to be told there are no updates. The maps are severely out of date, making a feature that many people rely on useless. Therefore, we are not getting full value of what we are paying for. This is a complaint for numerous Nissan owners as I've found in message board forums. Nissan is not addressing the problem and will not return my messages or address my concern directly.

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Nissan Frontier 2016

Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
VIN: 1N6AD0EV2GN
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: The airbag warning light is blinking and has been for approximately 9 months. I live in Salida, CO which does not have a Nissan Dealership to take my vehicle into for servicing. I recently saw an article on Fox 31 News pertaining to the same airbag malfunction and would like to know what to do about my problem.

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Latest 5 recalls Nissan Frontier

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 97 recalls for different components of the Nissan Frontier.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Nissan Frontier 2023
Report Received Date: 2023-04-17
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Components: TIRES:BEAD
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Titan and Frontier vehicles. The tires may have a tear in the inner bead which can cause a rapid loss of tire pressure.
Consequence: A rapid loss of tire pressure while driving can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all four road tires, or inspect and replace the spare tire assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC973 and PC974.

Model: Nissan Frontier 2010
Report Received Date: 2023-02-10
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

Model: Nissan Frontier 2011
Report Received Date: 2023-02-10
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

Model: Nissan Frontier 2009
Report Received Date: 2023-02-10
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

Model: Nissan Frontier 2008
Report Received Date: 2023-02-10
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

Latest negative Nissan Frontier car reviews

Garrett Erdman 2025-02-18

Vehicle year: 2005

I bought this truck in 2006 and really liked it until the timing chain guides failed. I found out on the internet that this is a common problem and there is also a tech bulletin out on it. Unfortunately, Nissan would not cover the repair, so I had to pay $1400.00 to get it fixed. It's running well again now. Before you buy, make sure to check the internet for a wealth of reliability information.
Simeon Breitenberg 2025-02-17

Vehicle year: 1998

I bought my Frontier used in 1999 and have put 104,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, I've had a lot of issues with this truck, from the wires behind the radio mysteriously melting to problems with the brakes, clutch, tailgate latch, muffler, radiator, and more. It's been a frustrating experience, but I'm finally trading it in tomorrow. YIPPIE! Looking back, I probably should have done it sooner, but I kept hoping each problem would be the last. It's worth noting that I may have just gotten a lemon.
Tyshawn Wilkinson 2025-02-11

Vehicle year: 2000

Hey there! I actually own this vehicle just for my game pursuits. I've taken it on some of the most forbidding trails in the mountains of Mojave and some other rough trails in Southern CA, and even drove as far as Texas without any major issues (except for speed limitations, of course). Although, I have noticed some problems with braking - it seems to slip on dirt roads. I also had a hard time using low 4 wheel and got stuck twice in the soft desert sand. I noticed that not all four wheels were turning. Have you experienced anything similar?
Maynard Ullrich 2025-02-10

Vehicle year: 2006

The xe model with a 4-cylinder engine and transmission may not be the best combination. The power and torque below 2500 rpm is not impressive, and the gas mileage is only 21 mpg due to the 10% ethanol in Hawaii's fuel. However, if you use straight gas, you can get about 23 mpg, which is about 10% better. The truck is quite heavy, so the 4-cylinder engine has to work hard, which affects the mileage. The gear ratios are not ideal, and you have to wind it out or it bogs down badly when you upshift. A six-speed transmission would be more appropriate. The truck drives well, has good brakes, a basic interior, great reliability, and is a good value for the money. My friends who have the same truck but with a 6-cylinder engine love the power they have, but the mileage is only 18 mpg.
Garrison Hammes 2025-02-08

Vehicle year: 2022

The truck is really enjoyable to drive, with plenty of power. It rides well, although the steering can be a bit stiff and the transmission shifts kind of weird. But don't worry, we can deal with all that. Unfortunately, it did start having some system faults after just 3 weeks of owning it. Now the truck has been in the shop for 6 weeks waiting for parts, but we're doing everything we can to get it back to you as soon as possible!

Latest positive Nissan Frontier car reviews

Boyd Ebert 2025-02-22

Vehicle year: 2016

This is my seventh Nissan Frontier and I absolutely love them! They are the hardest working little trucks you can buy. Although they are good-looking, they are also rugged and hard-working. I work in construction and use mine for hauling drywall, tools, and trailers every day. With a half-ton payload and 6000 pounds hauling capability, I regularly carry large loads up and down the hills of West Virginia! I have been pleased with every truck I have owned from Nissan, clear back when they were still Datsun trucks. I normally put 25 to 35,000 miles a year on these trucks and they require very little maintenance and hold up well to my abuse! I use mine as a tool - and I love my new hammer! Two years and 51,000 miles later and I am still very, very happy with my Frontier. It has a couple of scratches and a dent or two as it is a work truck, but it is reliable and dependable every day. I haul my 20 ft trailer with a compact end loader backhoe on it with ease regularly. Not just on flatland but here in the mountains of WVa! That speaks volumes. I absolutely love my Frontier!
Norbert Nienow 2025-02-20

Vehicle year: 2012

It's great to hear that you've had thirty years of experience owning trucks! As a professional salesman, you've driven Fords, Chevy's, and even the pitiful Dodge, but you prefer Toyota's. However, you can't beat the value of the Frontier, which was 5k cheaper than the comparably equipped Toyota Tacoma. Although the tires that come with the Frontier are not the best, you found that Michelin ATX tires made a huge difference. It's wonderful to hear that you were able to navigate through the recent Ice storm in North Texas without any issues!
Tate Lynch 2025-02-20

Vehicle year: 2010

Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that I had the truck for one day, but unfortunately experienced some severe vibration with the rear tires. When I brought it back to the dealership, the service manager explained that this was a known issue with some trucks and suggested that I come back in 1000 to 1500 miles if the problem persisted. However, when I returned the next day, they were able to resolve the issue by changing both rear tires after the computer indicated that they were out of specs. Thank you for your help!
Ernesto Braun 2025-02-20

Vehicle year: 2001

You've owned 3 of these trucks, starting with a 1970 Datsun PL521 (your first truck), and a 95 Nissan Hardbody XE. This 2001 base model XE 4 cylinder 5 speed is as good and reliable as the prior trucks. You bought it in June 2008 and it had only 85K on it. It now has 116K, and is barely broken in. When you first got it, you repainted it the original Silver and installed a new set of Firestone A/T tires. You've only performed basic maintenance, a tune up and a newer battery. You've driven this truck on one long trip to MO to bring back a bass boat from your Dad's place. It towed pretty well, even in the Western VA mountains (3rd gear up hills). I highly recommend this truck!
Kristoffer Parker 2025-02-19

Vehicle year: 1999

Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my truck. I moved to the countryside two years ago and needed a reliable vehicle to drive on the 3-mile gravel road that leads to my home. I ended up purchasing a Toyota Tacoma with 100k miles on it, and I'm happy to report that it's been a great investment. I've put 40k miles on it since then, and it's still running smoothly without any issues. Plus, I'm getting an impressive 28 mpg on my daily commute to work. Overall, I'm really pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend the Toyota Tacoma to anyone in the market for a reliable truck. Thanks for listening!