7.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$590
Average Mileage:
70,800 miles
Total Complaints:
15 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace sending unit (5 reports)
  2. not sure (4 reports)
  3. dealer replacement (3 reports)
  4. replace (2 reports)
  5. replace the fuel gauge sending unit (1 reports)
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problem #15

Apr 012016

Frontier LX 4

  • Manual transmission
  • 81,000 miles

Here is another complaint concerning the fuel sensor for my 2005 Nissan Frontier. My service engine light went on, and was checked by my mechanic. The problem was identified. The fuel indicator hovers at the halfway mark and then drops to E with the warning light on. The mileage on this vehicle is low for it's age, and I don't feel that I should be experiencing the number of issues that are now cropping up. There have been a number of recalls over the years which also meant lost days from work while repairs were done. I understand this repair is not covered for this model year. The replacement part can be had for about $60.00 at this time, but it's not any easy repair to do in the driveway and should be handled by a pro. I was told the job would take about two hours @ $80.00 per. The dealer wants about twice that! At this point I would have to think twice about ever buying another Nissan product. I probably won't consider another at all.

- Edward K., Babylon, US

problem #14

Aug 012008

Frontier SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,005 miles

Good job Nissan !!!! Are you going for the record on the biggest piece of sh*t that's ever been built? You're making the Edsel look like a dream car.

- Eugene R., Cedarpines Park, CA, US

problem #13

Feb 052015

Frontier SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,824 miles

I contacted Nissan Customer Service because there was an extended coverage for this known problem if the vehicle had less than 70,000 miles. My vehicle qualified for repair since the mileage was under the limit and told me to take it to a Nissan dealer for diagnosis. I did and it cost me $110.00 for the diagnostics then Nissan wanted it sent to them. They reviewed the diagnosis from the dealer, which was another $395.66 to repair, and they told me they would not help me and it was my problem to get repaired. Then the customer service rep said thank you for contacting Nissan, have a nice day and disconnected the phone conversation.

I am retired and on a fixed income and do not have the money to make the repair. I doubt that I will ever buy a new car but if I do, it will NOT be a Nisan product of any kind.

- Alden J., Bolivar, MO, US

problem #12

Feb 102014

Frontier LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,500 miles

the fuel sending unit causes the fuel gauge to inaccurate

It makes me angry that Nissan extends the warranty on vehicles instead of recalling them and just fixing the problems that they know are manufacturing defects. I think it is their hope that no problems will occur, like the fuel sensor failing, until after the extended warranty (not the original warranty) is up and then the customer will be left holding the bag. This is the second issue I have had with my vehicle in which both were under an extended warranty but because that ran out I was left holding the bag or should I say "empty wallet". Considering I have purchased 2 of their vehicle and have been a loyal customer you would think that they would make it right but they don't care it's all bottom line (or the almighty dollar) to them.

I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN!!!

- scontois, Winchendon, MA, US

problem #11

Jul 062013

Frontier Crew V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

When I start my 2005 Nissan Frontier and allow it to run for a few minutes before driving it, the low fuel light comes on, trip odometer zeros out, fuel gauge points to empty, and the service engine light comes on even though the fuel gauge was initially showing ¼ tank or more of gas. I cautiously hurry to the local gas station to fill-up my vehicle and always pray that my vehicle won’t shut down on the way. After the vehicle is filled up, all gauges appear to be operational again except the service engine light. The vehicle has to be driven at least 50 miles or more before the service engine light goes out. After more than 6 month of doing this, I decided to do research on the internet. I found out that this is an ongoing issue with the 2005 model vehicle. With all the complaints I have read on the internet, I also think that this is a safety issue with the vehicle and that Nissan should implement a recall.

- Floyd J., Jacksonville, NC, US

problem #10

Nov 232013

Frontier Nismo V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Check engine light goes on and gas gauge reads empty at all times.

- mojoringo, West Allis, WI, US

problem #9

Mar 312011

Frontier SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

My Fuel Sending Unit has been bad for several years now. I currently track my mileage to determine my fuel level. This helps keep an accurate track of my MPG but can be a pain when the tank gets low. Its a crap shoot on how far you can actually go. I've run out of gas only twice, but mostly due to pushing the limit. This issue is most likely caused by the fact that every time I pump gas the air flow creates too much pressure causing gas to spew out of the top. Thanks Nissan Engineering for wasting precious gasoline with your ignorance.

- Mark P., Charleston, SC, US

problem #8

Sep 012012

Frontier Nismo 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

I've almost had enough of Nissan! I've owned 3 Nissan pickups (all 4x4s) all brand new off the showroom . Everyone of these trucks have had there own problems caused by faulty parts from Nissan! But the truck I have now has been the biggest joke of them all! I went to re-register my truck 8 months ago only to find Oregon has new emissions laws. So I go get tested...FAILED said it was Nissans Cam Alignment Sensors went bad! Ok, after $500 I took it back to be tested...FAILED ! Found it to be a faulty Fuel Sensor! Nissan will not sell you the sensor alone..OH NO in fact, you must buy the whole Fuel Pump ($350) that price is just the pump and not the labor!!!! THEN.. after another $600 later..I see oil all over my rims in back! Come to find out, My seals and axle barrings are shot! ( I never use 4x4) After another $900 in parts and labor, I take it down to DEQ again ..FAILED...Still having a vibration and transmission problem, I replaced the U-Joints thinking this was the cause of it not passing ($150 parts and labor)....Still FAILED ! My question is this, Does there have to be several fatality's before Nissan steps up and fix's there parts that seem to be made by a 3 year old? At this stage, I will never buy a Nissan again, and I swear to my last breath I will gather enough folks to picket every Nissan dealer on the west coast, and Nissan will be nothing but a memory when the dust settles! Step up to the plate NISSAN and do what Toyota did before you are just a memory of a car company that FAILED!

- fabfourtune62, Medford, ORE, US

problem #7

May 092009

Frontier Nismo 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Nissan know about this problem for years and did nothing about it.

- James V., Titusville, FL, US

problem #6

Nov 012011

Frontier SE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Check engine lite came on while driving, carried to Autozone to have code checked, came back as the Fuel level sensor which is in the fuel tank. I will most likely drive as is, while trying to trade for Toyota.

- kevinms, Meridian, MS, US

problem #5

May 252011

Frontier LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

I am upset that 2006 to 2009 models are covered for the fuel sending unit but the 2005 model is not. I am waiting to either the state inspection is due or there will be an actual recall for our year. I just set my trip meter every time i fill up. Let us hope for a recall soon.

- joseph b, Warwick, RI, US

problem #4

Sep 272008

Frontier Nismo 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

My 2005 Nissan Frontiers gas gauge stopped working. Took to the dealership. Sorry you are past the 3 year 36K warranty. This failure is not covered by the power train warranty. If it were the fuel pump it would be covered. The fuel sending unit is attached to the fuel pump. Well after doing the job myself. Nissan finally owned up to the problem and is covering the costs of replacement. They won't issue a recall like Toyota would but, at least I saved my receipt and submitted it for reimbursement. Wish I could have tacked on the $400 the dealership wanted for the labor. Nissan is just playing their legal card as this failure is not life threatening. Next vehicle is going to be Toyota. Will never buy another Nissan.

- Wayne K., Waipahu, HI, US

problem #3

Jul 062010

Frontier 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Fuel sending unit went bad. Filled tank, gauge shows empty, and check engine light came on. After filling tank and driving 60 or so miles the gauge will begin to work. Dealer said repair would be about $500 which includes $90 to diagnose. Not sure why they have to diagnose a known issue.

- Steve B., Tallahassee, FL, US

problem #2

Jul 022010

Frontier LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

After fill up, fuel gauge went insane (shows empty when full) and the 'Check Engine' light came on. Dealer informed me that this is common and that there was a recall but my year/VIN was not included. I notified Nissan Customer Care and established a 'File Number' which was forwarded to the Region 34 Districts 10 & 14 rep. I have not heard anything since and even though I have called frequently, I have received NO reply (dealer seems to have been ignored also). Following some internet research I have discovered that this is a common problem in '05-'09 Nissans of different models. Todate, Nissan does not appear willing to acknowledge an obviously defective design and replace the units. Estimated personal cost will be approximately $300 - $500.

- mtipton, Warner Robins, GA, US

problem #1

Jun 152009

Frontier Crew Cab V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

Fuel sending unit went out on a fairly new vehicle, couldn't tell if I had gas or not. after checking on the "net" looks like this is a pretty common problem.

- Richard E., Folsom, CA, US