2009 Nissan Frontier problems
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Common 2009 Nissan Frontier problems
The 2009 Nissan Frontier has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include recalls related to the tires, equipment, latches/locks/linkages structure, and service brakes.
One of the recalls concerns the Tire Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems, which may not provide accurate warnings to the driver about underinflated tires, increasing the risk of tire failure and accidents.
Another recall is related to the mechanical accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift, which may not function properly, potentially causing injury or damage during use.
The 2009 Nissan Frontier has also had issues with the tailgate latch/locks/linkages structure, which may not function correctly, leading to the tailgate opening unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Additionally, there have been recalls related to the service brakes, including the hydraulic system, pedals, and linkages, which may have defects that can affect the brake performance and increase the risk of accidents.
Beyond recalls, the 2009 Nissan Frontier has experienced problems with the automatic transmission cooling unit and lines, which may leak and cause the transmission to fail, leading to a loss of power and increased risk of accidents.
Furthermore, the fuel system, gasoline, has had issues, with the 2009 Nissan Frontier experiencing leaks that can lead to fires and accidents.
Consumer Reports suggests that the 2009 Nissan Frontier is less reliable than the average new car, based on data from 2022 and 2023 models, as well as the Nissan brand scores.
The Nissan Frontier's second generation (2005-2019) has also been reported to have problems with sunroof rattles and explosions, coolant leaks that destroy transmissions, timing chain defects, and inaccurate odometers.
Specific issues reported by 2009 Nissan Frontier owners include a plain radio that is not very loud, a cargo lamp that cannot be turned off manually, a rattling heat shield on the passenger side, and a vehicle that is a little long in the tooth compared to newer vehicles.
Is 2009 Nissan Frontier a good truck?
Edmunds says
The 2009 Nissan Frontier is a top pick for a compact pickup, thanks to its brawny nature and innovative features.
How many miles will a 2009 Nissan Frontier last?
Nissan vehicles are generally known for their reliability and longevity. On average, a well-maintained Nissan can last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles. This means if you drive around 15,000 miles per year, which is the average for most drivers, you can expect your Nissan to last between 13 to 20 years.
What year was a bad year for a Nissan Frontier?
Nissan Frontiers with automatic transmissions manufactured between 2005 and 2008 have a defective radiator design. The fluid lines for the truck's transmission pass through the radiator. Any leaks or problems with the radiator can instantly destroy both the radiator and the transmission on these Frontier models.
What is the best year of the Nissan Frontier?
Most Reliable Years of the Nissan Frontier
- 2009.
- 2010.
- 2011.
- 2013.
- 2014.
- 2015.
2009 Nissan Frontier complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Nissan Frontier.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2009 Nissan Frontier recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2009 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: MARATHON SEAT COVERS, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
- Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
- 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: 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.
Negative 2009 Nissan Frontier car reviews
Positive 2009 Nissan Frontier car reviews
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Congratulations on your new truck! It's great to hear that you found the perfect fit with the PRO-4X. The off-road performance and comfort seem to be exactly what you were looking for. It's impressive that you drove for 5 hours and still felt comfortable in the 8-way adjustable (and heated) seats. The Rockford Fosgate sound system sounds amazing, and the Crew Cab provides ample room for your family. Enjoy your new ride!
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I've only owned this truck for a month but I am extremely satisfied. It's fun to drive, attractive, and roomy enough for 4 average size people. The fuel economy is 16 around town and 21 on the highway. After thorough research, I am glad I chose the Frontier over the Tacoma. Please find the pros and cons listed below.
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I bought this Frontier new in 2009 and it has been a reliable companion ever since. The MSRP was already competitive, but the dealer discounted it by $5,000, making it an even better deal. We initially purchased this truck to haul our camper and for my construction business. It has been a workhorse, requiring only normal wear and tear maintenance. The towing capability is impressive, and I didn't even need an equalizer hitch. The 4 L six engine has plenty of power, and the transmission is smooth and well-matched. I owned it for 9 years and put 62,000 miles on it. The only downside was the gas mileage, which was weak at around 16 in the local area and 19 on the highway. The turning radius was also a bit of a challenge, especially with the long wheelbase due to the crew cab with the longer (6ft) bed. However, after 9 winters in salty upstate NY, there was zero rust on the body, which is a testament to its durability. I recently traded it in for a new 2018 Frontier with the short bed, updated center dash, heated seats, and some other goodies that the prior model was lacking. The turning radius is much improved with the short bed. I got an excellent trade-in on my 2009 and $3,000 off MSRP to boot by shopping around at different Nissan dealerships. I went back to Nissan for the same reason I did in 2009 - you can't beat the value in this truck when compared to other midsize trucks on the market, especially the Tacoma. If you're considering a new one, I strongly suggest the SV model with the Value Package Option as the best buy overall with an MSRP of around $32,500. I hope this helps you make an informed decision!
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I'm really happy with my Frontier truck! I was open to considering any brand or type of truck, but ultimately chose the Frontier for several reasons. It has great build quality, with metal in all the right places and a good fit. The shifting is incredibly smooth, especially when going into and out of 4WD. The name brand tires are a nice touch, and the V6 engine provides plenty of power while still maintaining decent fuel economy. It's the perfect size for someone who doesn't live in their truck - not too big, not too small. The handling is confident and the overall driving experience is great. Plus, it's assembled in the USA! The only downside is that the King Cab doesn't have enough room for someone to sit in the back for extended periods of time, but that's not a big deal for me. The only minor issue I've noticed is that the oil filter is a bit difficult to access.
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You've covered just under 3,000 miles so far and it's great to hear that you've only experienced minor issues. I understand that you've noticed a timing chain slap while starting every once in a while, and that the driver's sun visor bounces while driving and in stowed position, falling slightly when against the windshield. Additionally, the speedometer reads 2 miles fast, and there's a strange hitch in the brakes only at a complete stop and just after acceleration, which feels like loose wheel lug nuts. Lastly, the finish on the chrome front bumper isn't that great, and the turning radius is too large. Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention, we'll do our best to address them and ensure that your driving experience is as smooth as possible.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Nissan Frontier problems:
I recently got a 2009 Nissan Frontier SE King Cab, I was wondering ...
Jul 29, 2018 ... I recently got a 2009 Nissan Frontier SE King Cab, I was wondering what some of the known common issues were with this truck and what fixes ...
2009 Nissan Frontier Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Top 2009 Nissan Frontier Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Fuel Level Sensor. 277 people have reported this · Noise From the Front of the Engine. 155 ...
Common problems with Frontiers | Nissan Frontier Forum
Apr 23, 2009 ... Attachments · 1. Engine knock in some trucks. Not just at start-up. · 2. Noise in dash, like a finger taping the dash somewhere. · 3. Squeaks, Dash
2009 Nissan Frontier | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
Another few common issues with this model is the head gasket blowing. Fortunately I have not had that happen but I am concerned as the vehicle le gets older of ...
What year Frontiers had the timing chain problems? | Nissan ...
Jan 10, 2017 ... Has anyone with any of these models had issues? Did they resolve the issue by these years? 2009 Nissan Frontier LE.
Other years of Nissan Frontier
Are you having problems with your 2009 Nissan Frontier?
Crawford Grady 2025-09-20
I purchased my 2009 Nissan Frontier XE King Cab RWD 4-cyl, 5-speed manual as a used vehicle in May 2020 to replace my old Tacoma that was unfortunately totaled in an accident. I was looking for a basic and affordable work truck, and while I couldn't find a Toyota at a reasonable price, I came across this Nissan with 165K miles on it. By October 2020, the truck had 173K miles and unfortunately, the check engine light came on and it started running rough. After reading the trouble code 'P0303' for #3 cylinder misfire, I ordered a new set of Hitachi ignition coils and NGK platinum spark plugs (both OEM spec) along with a set of Beck-Arnley intake manifold gaskets. The intake gaskets were needed because the intake manifold must be removed first to access the coils and plugs - not the best design. After completing the repair, which fixed the issue, I reconnected the battery and found that I had no low beam headlights. After checking the bulbs, relay, and fuses, which were all okay, I took it to the dealer for diagnosis. The body control module (BCM) was not sending a signal to the relay box for the low beam headlights. The dealer quoted me $1540.69 to replace the BCM, which I declined. I am now looking into getting the BCM repaired by an aftermarket company. These are issues that I never had to deal with when I owned my Toyota. It's no wonder why a Tacoma is 30% higher on the used car market, as they don't have nearly as many nitpicking issues to deal with.
Madisen Leuschke 2025-08-07
This is my second Nissan Frontier! I owned and drove my 2001 for 8 years, and I must say it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned - I still own it! I've had the new Frontier for 2 months now, and while I love it, I do have a couple of minor complaints. The driver's seat and center console could be a bit more comfortable, but overall I'm very happy with my purchase.
Chauncey Breitenberg 2025-08-02
I recently purchased a truck that unfortunately did not meet my expectations. While many reviews have praised this vehicle, my personal experience has been less than satisfactory. The front suspension has proven to be quite problematic, causing the truck to veer from side to side on pavement and even more so when encountering potholes. Additionally, the steering has been difficult to manage on dirt roads, requiring constant adjustments to keep the vehicle on track. As someone who has owned trucks for 40 years, I can confidently say that this has been my least favorite. I am currently looking to sell it, but I remain hopeful that others may have a better experience with this model.
Adriel Mitchell 2025-06-16
Hey there! We wanted to let you know that some Nissan owners have reported issues with their cars after 40,000 miles. We recommend doing some research before making a purchase to ensure you're getting the best quality for your money. Thanks for considering this information!
Kaden McDermott 2024-03-06
I have been a Toyota Tacoma driver for 14 years, but recently switched to the Frontier. So far, it seems okay, although the ride is a bit rough and I am hearing some noises already, even though I only bought it on 7/31. However, the stereo is very nice and with the volume up, I can't hear the noises. The 4-cylinder automatic doesn't do too well with cruise on, but I do like the roominess of the cab and love the access doors. It's bigger than my 1995 Tacoma, so I'm getting used to the tighter turning radius. Unfortunately, I had to use cash for clunker and couldn't get a Toyota. If I had to do it over again, I might have taken my chances on waiting to get a Tacoma, which was my first choice. I'm just not sure if the Frontier is going to last me 14 years like my last truck did. Please note that I'm not sure if I chose the right style for this review. It's a 4-cylinder king cab with a power package and full bed.