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 purchased my 2008 Frontier used with 32,000 miles on it (one owner). The truck is great, although the turning radius could be better. I also wish that fog lights were included as standard equipment on the Frontier. Overall, I've had good experiences with both Toyota's and Nissan's reliable trucks. However, this time, the price was the deciding factor. I really love this Frontier - the way it rides and looks!
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I recently sold my 2008 Nissan Frontier LE 4WD CC 6ft bed after owning it for 10 years. As someone who has owned Toyotas before, I can confidently say that the Nissan was just as reliable and performed just as well. The 4.0 liter V-6 engine provided excellent power and decent fuel economy, and the low-end torque was fantastic. The transmission was smooth and dependable, and the 4wd system, especially with the active electronic limited slip system, worked flawlessly. The Frontier handled snow, mud, and off-road trails with ease, thanks to its modest size and weight. The design of the Frontier was well-thought-out, with the Utili-Trak system and moveable tie-down cleats being particularly useful. Despite being a 10-year-old truck, the Frontier had plenty of great comfort and convenience features. Although I had to sell it to get a full-size crew cab truck for my growing family, I would still highly recommend the Nissan Frontier to anyone in the market for a reliable and capable truck.
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I love this truck! It's a 4.0L V6 4x4 Frontier from '08 and I think it's a great size. I bought it 'new' from someone who had only owned it briefly, and have put 28k miles on it in just the last year and a half. It drives like a car, but can handle tough jobs like a truck. I've taken it off-road and it's always reliable, handles well, and climbs obstacles with ease. On the road, it's quiet, accelerates quickly, and has perfect steering. The turn radius is great and 4WD doesn't compromise it at all.
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I bought the truck brand new with only 400 miles on it. Currently, it has only 19,435 miles which is still considered low. The gas mileage is great and I absolutely love everything about it. As a Nissan tech at the dealership where I purchased it, I was treated exceptionally well. I upgraded the exhaust to an IMPO side exit exhaust and added a K&N air filter which significantly improved its performance. I drive 40 miles round trip on the interstate every day to work and it handles great on the highway. Overall, this truck is a pleasure to drive and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
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Your vehicle has been amazing! I'm so glad to hear that you haven't had any issues with it and that it's been so reliable. It sounds like it's held up really well, even with all the tough conditions you face in Canada. I'm impressed that it still looks and feels like new, and it's great to hear that it doesn't have any squeaks or rattles. It's clear that you've taken good care of it. The mileage is also really good for this type of vehicle - 22-24 mpg in four wheel drive on snow and ice covered roads is pretty impressive! Thanks for sharing your experience with me.
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?
Craig Parker 2025-09-12
The water pump was replaced three times due to engine vibration causing the bearings to wear out.
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.