Nissan Titan problems
The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck manufactured in the United States for the North American market by Nissan. It was named after the Titans of Greek mythology.
First generation (A60; 2003)
Development of the Titan began in September 1999, with design work under Diane Allen. Giovanny Arroba's TA60 exterior was chosen in late 2000, with a final production freeze in July 2001. The design language of the future truck was previewed by the 2001 Alpha T concept shown at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, which had previously developed through November 2000.
Production began on September 21, 2003, and sales on December 1, 2003. The Titan used Nissan's new full-size F-Alpha platform. This new platform was shared with the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs, with all three manufactured in Canton, Mississippi, United States. The first generation Titan continued without a major redesign through 2015.
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Nissan Titan model years
Common Nissan Titan problems
The Nissan Titan, a full-size pickup truck, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are the five most common problems:
- Fuel pump failure: The Nissan Titan is known to have problems with its fuel pump due to clogged fuel filters. This issue can cause trouble starting the car and starve the engine of gasoline. In some cases, it can also damage the catalytic converter, leading to the engine shutting down. This problem is particularly common in the 2018 Titan model.
- Transmission problems: Transmission issues are common in the Nissan Titan, with the 2016 model being especially notorious. Drivers have reported hard shifting, abrupt stopping during drives, and no recalls made to correct the issue. The 2004 to 2006 models also have rear axle seal leakage due to lack of ventilation or overheating, which can damage the axle bearings, differential assembly, and transmission system if left unchecked.
- Rear-axle seal leakage: The seals on the Titan's rear axles leak easily, with the 2004 to 2006 models being particularly problematic. This issue is caused by a lack of ventilation or overheating and can lead to low transmission fluid, which can damage the axle bearings, differential assembly, and transmission system. It is best to replace the entire differential assembly to fix the issue rather than replace only the problematic rear differential or component.
- Faulty interior accessories: The Titan has had many complaints from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about its interior accessories. The driver and passenger seats are known to shake or separate from the seat frame after only two years of usage. The dash lights can turn dim in daylight, making it hard to tell which warning is up. Some drivers have also reported a disappearing starter button, smoke wafting out of the engine compartment, loud sounds from the engine, and busted nail indicators that cause rod knock and other sounds coming from the engine. The 2008 model is particularly notorious for such engine problems.
- Drivetrain problems: The worst problem category for the Nissan Titan is drivetrain problems. The 2018 model year is rated as the worst due to possible factors such as higher repair cost or more problems at lower mileage. The most-reported problem is with the 2005 Nissan Titan for rear axle failure, with an average cost to fix of $7,000 and an average mileage of 0 mi.
In summary, the Nissan Titan has had several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include fuel pump failure, transmission problems, rear-axle seal leakage, faulty interior accessories, and drivetrain problems. While the Titan has many redeemable features, potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly in certain model years.
What years did the Titans avoid?
Quick Answer: Avoid 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2016, and 2018 Nissan Titans. Nissan's first foray into full-size pickup trucks didn't go off without a hitch; in fact, it took them a few years to get things rolling.
Is the Nissan Titan a reliable truck?
When it comes to reliability, the Nissan Titan is leading the way compared to the Ram 1500. In fact, in 2022, J.D. Power awarded the 2022 Nissan Titan a "Great" Quality and a Reliability score of 85 out of 100.
Do Nissan Titans have transmission problems?
As surprising as it may sound, a design flaw in the radiator is actually the root cause of many Nissan Titan transmission failures. You see, the Nissan RE5R05A transmission pumps ATF forward to the radiator, where a special chamber allows it to release the heat that it's absorbed from all of the moving parts.
How many miles will a Nissan Titan last?
How long do Nissan Titans last? Typically, a Nissan Titan can last around 200,000 miles - though some can make it as far as 400,000 miles. Many things can go wrong with the Titan, but it will serve you well if you provide the effort it needs to sustain itself.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan Titan years
We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan Titan cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Nissan Titan model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Nissan Titan model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan Titan years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Nissan Titan car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Nissan Titan , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Nissan Titan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Titan model years
A total of 93 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 Titan model years
There were a total of 45 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 Titan model years
There were a total of 66 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 Titan model years
There were a total of 8 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 3007 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan Titan . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan Titan vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Nissan Titan 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 1N6AA1C4XJN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that upon starting their vehicle all of a sudden the Traction Control, ABS, Check Engine, Parking Sensor Error, Four Wheel Drive Error, and Ebrake light had illuminated on the vehicles dashboard. The contact was to continue drive their vehicle with all of the warning lights illuminated however he noticed that when putting the vehicle into reverse the vehicles exterior cameras will only partially work, on certain occasion only the front, driver and passenger side cameras will work, while the backup camera would be out of service, and on other occasions only the backup camera would work, and the front, driver and passenger exterior cameras would be out of service. The contact stated that the functionality of these cameras and whether they would work was random. The contact also stated that on certain occasions upon attempting to turn their vehicle off, the engine would continue to run, while the rest of the vehicles components remained off. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Nissan Titan 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 1N6AA1E59JN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Oil doesn’t get to the 7th cylinder causing unrepairable damage. It’s a known issue by Nissan
Nissan Titan 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 1N6BA1F34JN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Traveling 65mph down the highway, engine started shaking extremely bad and smoke pouring from the exhaust.
Nissan Titan 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 1N6BA1F4XJN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Vehicle was well maintained and only drive it around 10,000 miles per year or less. Had no issues or warning signs, my truck just bogged down while going 65mph on the highway. By the time I pulled over and cut it off I checked all fluids and tried to turn it over again, all you hear is a heavy knocking sound like the engine was struggling. Took it to a mechanic shop and found out it had a broken crankshaft, it has under 50,000 miles!
Nissan Titan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-29
- VIN: 1N6BA1F45HN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The bearing left go in the block causing crankshaft problems
Nissan Titan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 1N6BA1F4XHN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that the turbo stand, the liftgate latch, and the bolt had failed and were previously repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system and the EGR cooler were leaking. The dealer determined that the DEF tank and the EGR cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer for over 6 months. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Nissan Titan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 1N6BA1C46HN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine locked up driving down the road. Broke crank driving 65 miles a hour.
Nissan Titan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-02
- VIN: 1N6BA1F40HN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: My turbo actuator went out in 2022, paid $2,000 to get it fixed. A year later in 2023 it went out again and ruined both the low and high turbos, had to get them replaced again this time under warranty but Nissan of Dearborn in Dearborn, Michigan had my truck for 87 days before I got it back. They tried to tell me I needed a whole new engine block. I’m scared because if this happens again who is going to be held liable for it, me? Not to mention the damage it’s most likely caused on the engine block and crankshaft. The last thing I want is for that to break as I’m going down the highway.
Nissan Titan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-31
- VIN: 1N6BA1F35HN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Unknown
Nissan Titan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 1N6BA1RP7HN
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I have owned this vehicle since day one... this was meticulously maintained and serviced regularly. While sitting at an idle, with no prior warning, the vehicle just stopped running. After having diagnosed by a reputable diesel mechanic near me, it was determined that the CP4 fuel pump, known to be faulty in these and other trucks as well had failed. After extensive examination, it resulting in a catastrophic failure of the fuel system, ultimately requiring a $14, 000+ repair. (Unrealistic cost due to the current value of the truck being around $10k - $14k. Metal chards had been distributed all throughout the entire fuel system. This failure is unfortunately very common and Nissan or Cummins should be held accountable for this issue.
Nissan Titan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-27
- VIN: 1N6BA1F40HN
- Components: ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Pulled up to a stop light my truck turned off had got towed back and turner the truck on and the engine had rod nock and is over heating and not running smooth
Nissan Titan 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 1N6AA07D39N
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Titan. The contact stated while attempting to cold start the vehicle, the Master warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Engine Control Module (ECM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Nissan Titan 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 1N6AA07B76N
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Unknown
Nissan Titan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-25
- VIN: 1N6BA1F47HN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Loss of Motive Power due to broken crankshaft with no ability to restart.
Nissan Titan 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: 1N6BA1F49JN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: In November of 2022 we heard a knocking noise from the engine and then the low oil warning came on. Vehicle would then not start. When we towed it to the dealership they found noise from the bottom end and low oil pressure code P0524 and verified engine will not start and does make a bad knocking noise during short crank period. Determined the engine came apart internally and had large rod and main bearing material in oil pan loose metal ran through engine and engine will need to be replaced. We had all necessary warranty work done at the certified dealership and all oil changes were done as recommended, all documentation sent to dealership. Nissan would not cover the damage, we were 12,370 miles over warranty and still owed $24,000 on the vehicle. On April 4/17/2023 we paid $17,977 for a new engine on the truck. Upon our research this is a "known" issue with this engine and the crank shaft failing.
Latest 5 recalls Nissan Titan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 77 recalls for different components of the Nissan Titan.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Nissan Titan 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-05
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 and 2024 Titan vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) may be missing a spacer, which can allow the fastener to loosen and result in an unsecured ACU.
- Consequence: An unsecured ACU can prevent or delay air bags from deploying as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ACU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD120.
- Model: Nissan Titan 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-05
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 and 2024 Titan vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) may be missing a spacer, which can allow the fastener to loosen and result in an unsecured ACU.
- Consequence: An unsecured ACU can prevent or delay air bags from deploying as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ACU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD120.
- Model: Nissan Titan 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-27
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.
- Model: Nissan Titan 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 Titan 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.
Latest negative Nissan Titan car reviews
Latest positive Nissan Titan car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2008
I was searching for a truck that could handle heavy loads like a full-size truck, but without feeling like an oversized, clunky vehicle. So far, I've hauled almost 2000 lbs of lumber and the truck handled it with ease. It's also a joy to drive and customize. I'm planning on adding an air intake kit soon. While it does consume more fuel when driven aggressively, it's not too bad if you don't race at every light.
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Vehicle year: 2010
Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 2010 Titan. This is actually my second Titan, my first one was back in 2004 and I absolutely loved it both in town and on the highway. I ended up trading it for a new Frontier in 2007, which I also loved so much that I kept it and traded in my commuter car instead. However, last month I decided to make the 2010 Titan my daily driver and I have to say, it's been great! While the gas mileage is just okay, as expected for a full-sized truck with a V-8 engine, it's still comfortable, handles like a dream, sounds great, and has lots of cool features. I did compare it to other full-sized trucks on the market, but Nissan is still the best for the money. Overall, I'm loving my Titan and I'm so glad I made the switch!
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Vehicle year: 2021
After conducting some thorough research, I decided to go with the Titan. In my opinion, it has great build quality, a comfortable and quiet cabin, impressive safety features, an awesome V8 engine, and a solid warranty. I don't understand the negative reviews that rank the Titan below Ram, Ford, and GM. The only downside seems to be the lack of power train options, but if you're looking for a reliable V8, the Titan is a great choice! It's definitely more unique than the big 3, and since styling is subjective, it's important to make your own decision rather than rely on reviews. The Titan is comfortable, quiet, and performs exceptionally well! I highly recommend taking a test drive and experiencing it for yourself!
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Vehicle year: 2020
I recently purchased a Nissan Titan over the Ram and Chevy as I was in the market for a new truck. After conducting extensive research on the best value for similar price points, I found that the Titan consistently had high consumer reviews and fewer maintenance issues. As someone who does their own maintenance, I appreciated the simplicity of the V8 engine that didn't require high octane fuel. In terms of ride quality, the Titan drives more like a car and is a significant upgrade from my previous truck. The steering is responsive and makes u-turns a breeze. The cabin is quiet and the engine sounds tough when climbing RPMs. The 9-speed drivetrain applies power appropriately and has great acceleration. The interior and tech features are impressive, especially the 9” screen with clear definition and easy-to-use Nissan connect software. The cloth seats are of high quality and very comfortable. Overall, the interior doesn't feel cheap like the Chevy I sat in and is actually quite nice.I definitely agree that this truck is better than the Chevy and slightly better than the Ford. It offers plenty of space in both the front and back for a crew cab, as well as all the necessary outlets and comfort features. Personally, I love the interior and have no complaints. Overall, I think this truck is excellent and deserves more recognition. The price is unbeatable for all the amenities you get, and the 100k warranty is a great bonus. I highly recommend this truck!
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Vehicle year: 2023
I really appreciate your interest in my review! I would like to share my experience with my Titan. I believe that having a variety of engine, axle, and transmission choices is not necessary for everyone. When purchasing a truck, you typically choose the one that suits your needs best and stick with it. The warranty for my Titan is bumper to bumper for 100k, which I think is great. Of course, everyone's experience may differ, so it's always best to try things out for yourself. I have owned other trucks in the past, but I really enjoy my Pro4x. It does everything I need it to do and is very comfortable. Thank you for taking the time to read my review!
Are you having problems with your Nissan Titan?
Derek Stiedemann 2025-05-26
Vehicle year: 2023
I recently upgraded to a 2021 Nissan Titan after having a reliable 2004 model. While it handles nicely, I have encountered a few issues. Firstly, the transmission has been problematic, with hard shifts and downshifting that feels like braking. Secondly, the windshield was not installed correctly, causing a distracting noise at higher speeds. Lastly, during a service visit, loose bolts were discovered in the rear suspension. Unfortunately, the service team was unable to diagnose the transmission issue or the windshield noise, but they are working on it. Additionally, the AC unit is quite loud and makes a clunking sound when it cycles on and off. Overall, I am not very satisfied with my purchase. I will be taking it back to the service team tomorrow morning.
Tod Schneider 2025-05-21
Vehicle year: 2017
I hope you're doing well! I was really excited to purchase the new 2017 model with high expectations. After driving it for two weeks and evaluating it, I must say that Nissan did an exceptional job of adding many more features. The 7-speed transmission was a big hit, especially compared to the older Titan's 5-speed, which shifted on hills with high rev. The power was also better when pulling the RV. So many new features were added, which was a big plus. However, the biggest drawback was the handling. The steering wheel was very stiff, and due to the added size of the truck, it took much more space to turn and handle. In all, I loved the feel of the smaller, older Titan, but I also like the more luxurious and powerful new Titan. If I were in the market for a new Titan, I would really take the time to get the feel of the steering and the new larger size to see if it is worth the upgrade. I would have preferred it to be a little larger than the older Titan with all the new features. I hope they improve on the size and handling in the future...
Jo Little 2025-05-17
Vehicle year: 2005
I purchased the 2005 Nissan Titan because of its impressive towing ability. The 5-speed transmission did an excellent job of towing my 4,800 lbs boat. However, at 75,000 miles, the rear differential developed a noise and required a total replacement. Despite changing the fluid every 20,000 to 24,000 miles, which exceeds the maintenance requirement, the rear end appeared to be undersized. The dealer has replaced 2 or 3 others, all around 60,000 miles. I talked with the dealer and Nissan, who said it was out of warranty, but they were still empathetic to my situation. Although I had a tough experience, I still appreciate the features of the truck.
Elias Weimann 2025-05-04
Vehicle year: 2005
Although I found the Nissan truck to be very comfortable, I was disappointed with the issues I experienced. Unfortunately, the four-wheel drive snapped just after the warranty expired, and the brakes were not up to my expectations. Additionally, the truck shimmied, and the tailpipe and hitch rusted, which was unexpected. The paint also chipped easily. While I appreciated the interior comfort and style, the overall reliability of the truck was not up to par. As a result, I have decided to purchase a different brand of truck for my next vehicle.
Hipolito Gerhold 2025-05-03
Vehicle year: 2021
I recently purchased my second Nissan Titan, a 2021 Pro4X 4WD. The interior is comfortable and quiet, with heated and ventilated seats that make for a car-like ride over most road surfaces. The Fender audio system produces clear midrange and treble. Although the AC struggles on extra hot days and the fuel tank size limits distance, the strong V8 engine provides a throaty growl. The steering can be heavy at lower speeds, and the power seat has limited adjustability for seat height. The 360 camera resolution is not very high, and the rear doors do not open as wide as the front doors. The updated 9-speed auto transmission can be frustratingly abrupt at low speeds, and the bass from the Fender system is not clear and easily overpowers the speakers in the doors, creating popping sounds. Unfortunately, the plastic Pro4X trim on the tailgate has faded while sitting in the sun, despite being only two years old.