2008 Nissan Frontier problems
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Common 2008 Nissan Frontier problems
The Nissan Frontier, known for its no-frills and hardworking nature, has had its fair share of issues over the years, particularly with the 2008 model. One of the most common problems reported by owners is related to the powertrain, with 54 complaints regarding radiator failure and overheating. This issue has led to total transmission rebuilds in some cases, with the problem occurring under 150,000 miles.
Another problem that has affected a number of 2008 Nissan Frontier owners is the fuel gauge reading incorrectly. Some drivers have reported running out of gas in the middle of a trip because their gauge showed a quarter tank while they had much less fuel in the tank. This issue was addressed in a 2010 recall, which targeted trucks that could run out of gas due to the possibility of the tank shells deforming.
The 2008 Nissan Frontier has also been recalled six times, which is within the median range for a truck of this age. However, it is still a significant number of recalls for a single model year.
In terms of reliability, the 2008 Nissan Frontier has been found to be less reliable than the average new car, based on data from 2022 and 2023 models, as well as the Nissan brand scores. This is a concerning finding, as reliability is an important factor for many car buyers.
The 2008 Nissan Frontier has also been known to have issues with the check engine light due to a faulty fuel level sensor. This problem has been reported by a significant number of owners, making it one of the most common issues with the 2008 Frontier.
In addition to these specific issues, the 2008 Nissan Frontier has also been criticized for its cheap-feeling interior trim and the lack of a regular cab option. These issues may not be as critical as some of the other problems mentioned, but they can still impact the overall driving experience and the value of the vehicle.
In conclusion, the 2008 Nissan Frontier has had a number of issues that have affected its reliability and overall quality. From powertrain problems to faulty fuel gauges and recalls, there have been several areas of concern for owners of this model year. While the Frontier is known for its hardworking nature, these issues may give potential buyers pause and lead them to consider other options in the compact pickup truck market.
Is Nissan Frontier 2008 a good truck?
If you need a truck that hauls, tows and loves to get dirty, but don't want to deal with the mass of a full-size pickup, the 2008 Nissan Frontier will impress you with its capability, utility and refined ride.
How many miles will a 2008 Nissan Frontier last?
How Long Will the 2008 Nissan Frontier Last? Frontier drivers have reported mileage as high as 300,000 on the original transmission. Realistically you have to expect a little wear and tear has already been sustained when you buy a used truck, so expect a lifespan of around 250,000 miles before the first major repair.
Is there any recalls on a 2008 Nissan Frontier?
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. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.
What year Nissan Frontiers had transmission problems?
Transmission Problems
Car Problem Zoo reported that 2005-2008 model years have the most complaints. Similarly, Car Complaints identified Nissan Frontier transmission problems as the number one type of issue with the truck. The radiators in the 2005-2008 Frontier tended to rupture before the truck reached 10,000 miles.
2008 Nissan Frontier complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Nissan Frontier.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2008 Nissan Frontier recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2008 Nissan Frontier.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
- Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 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 POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
- Consequence: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
- Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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 THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.' THE TIRE PLACARD LISTS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
- Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE SELECTION TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.
- Remedy: NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Negative 2008 Nissan Frontier car reviews
Positive 2008 Nissan Frontier car reviews
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I'm so glad I purchased this truck! I've had a Nissan 4X4 pickup since 1984 and it's still running strong, so I knew I could trust this '08 vehicle to be reliable and sturdy. It's perfect for both highway and off-road work, with a smooth shifting V-6 engine that provides plenty of power. Even on mountainous terrain and in winter weather, the handling is excellent. The interior is comfortable and accessible, even for passengers over 6ft tall. While the rear jump seats aren't designed for long trips, they're great for stowing items that need protection from the weather. Plus, I'm getting 21 mpg on the highway! And let's not forget the utilitrack system, which is a huge plus. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase.
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Congratulations on your new truck! It's great to hear that you found the perfect one for you. After considering a Toyota Tacoma, you decided to shop around and test drive a Nissan Frontier. It sounds like you were impressed with the smoothness of the ride and powertrain, which blew the Tacoma away. Plus, you were able to get a larger truck for less money and more power, which is fantastic. The dealership also sounds like they were very friendly and even threw in a few extra accessories. Overall, it sounds like you made a great choice and are really enjoying your new truck!
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Only had the truck a little over a month, but I am very pleased. The power is exceptional, as is the ride and handling. Very little road noise. The truck handles 4 adults in comfort. Glad you chose this over the larger trucks.
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Just passed 5000 miles and still impressed! I compared it with Tacoma and Tundra (we also have a 4Runner that we love) and was stunned by the apparent quality of the truck and great ride. It actually reminds me of a BMW that we used to have - so smooth and solid. The economy is just okay, about 17 around town and 20 highway, but it's very fun to drive. The interior may feel cheaper than Toyotas, but it's more flexible, and the exterior is much more attractive. It just works for me!
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After 11 months and 32K miles, the transmission had to be replaced due to bad synchronizers. Other than that, some of the plastic components feel a bit tacky and the A/C fan is getting louder. Additionally, the windows tend to rattle. On the bright side, there is plenty of room for a field serviceman to store tools and whatever else they may need for 4-5 day trips. The gas mileage is reasonable, achieving 23mpg on the highway if you don't exceed 70mph. I have tried all grades of fuel, and found that the best results come from using 89 octane. While the turning radius could be better, overall this is a great vehicle for those who need ample storage space and decent fuel efficiency.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Nissan Frontier problems:
Transmission issues due to coolant fluid leak on 2008 frontier ...
Jun 18, 2019 ... However, the factory-installed, Calsonic-made radiators used in Nissan Pathfinders and V6 Frontiers/Xterras from 2005-2010 (and even a few ...
2008 Nissan Frontier Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 2008 Nissan Frontier Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Fuel Level Sensor · Noise From the Front of the Engine · No Start, Engine Stalls · Check ...
2008 Nissan Frontier : r/nissanfrontier
Feb 8, 2022 ... Cam position sensor twice, crank shaft position sensor, and now O2 sensor problems caused by leaking head gasket shorting out the sensor. About ...
2008 Nissan Frontier: Q&A on Battery, Starting Issues
May 5, 2017 ... See if it can activate the ECM relay and check cam/crank sensor signal. The issue you are experiencing points towards a faulty cam/crank sensor ...
2008 4.0 v6 reliability? : r/nissanfrontier
Jul 12, 2023 ... The 4.0 is a tried and true workhorse that will treat you well as long as you treat it well (change the oil). The entire rest of the truck would ...
Other years of Nissan Frontier
Are you having problems with your 2008 Nissan Frontier?
Jeromy Heaney 2025-01-04
Any truck would be an improvement! It sounds like you've had a really tough time with your current one. From doors that wouldn't shut properly to multiple replacements of important parts, it's no wonder you're feeling frustrated. It's important to have a reliable vehicle that you can count on, and I hope you find one that meets your needs soon.