VehicleVerdict

2001 Nissan Frontier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 155 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Frontier year — the 2001 model ranks #7 of 29 Frontier years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 14 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (34), engine (25), and brakes (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

155

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

14

Injuries

3

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Frontier years?

See all Frontier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Nissan Frontier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3422%
Engine2516%
Brakes1812%
Electrical System138%
Airbags117%
Suspension96%
Seat Belts85%
Transmission85%
Visibility & Wipers64%
Tires & Wheels53%
Steering53%
Body & Structure32%
Speed Control32%
Latches & Locks21%
Other21%
Seats11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Child Seat11%

Does the 2001 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E064000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 4,029 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

04V230000Fuel SystemMay 24, 2004 · 586,196 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

Consequence

IF CORROSION OCCURS, THE TERMINAL STRIP COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP OPERATION. THIS WILL RESULT IN NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

IN THE FOLLOWING STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT. THESE STATES ARE CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

02V299000SuspensionNovember 12, 2002 · 143,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR AXLE HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE SEALING OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN CORROSION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE WHEEL BEARING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE FOR WATER INTRUSION AND ANY AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. THE ABS SENSOR WILL BE RESEALED TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

02V300000Fuel SystemNovember 12, 2002 · 44,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE DOES NOT MEET THE SEALING PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION.

Consequence

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AND WHEN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE IS BEING SOLD, FUEL COULD SPILL FROM THE FILLER INLET AS THE TANK IS BEING FILLED. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DECEMBER 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

ON ABOVE APPROXIMATE DATE I STARTED TO SMELL FUEL COMING OUT FROM MY TRUCK EVERY TIME THE TANK WAS AT FULL CAPACITY. SINCE THEN ENGINE LIGHT WILL NEVER COME OFF. I TOOK FOR REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES. CHANGE OXYGEN SENSOR, GAS CAP, THERMOSTAT, CARBON CANISTER AND SOLENOID. I CONTACTED NISSAN BUT I WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 18, 2006

WHILE DRIVING AT STATE SPEED LIMIT, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A SITUATION WITH AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER. CONSUMER SPED UP TO 95 MPH WITHOUT WARNING AND ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE AFTER SLOWING DOWN. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND MECHANIC…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · crash

2001 NISSAN FRONTIER XE ABS FAILURE. WHEN STOPPING ON SEMI WET LEVEL SURFACE ABS ENGAGED FOLLOWED BY COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE. NO BRAKE WARNING LAMP OR ABS WARNING LAMP WAS ON. COULD REPEAT THIS FAILURE MODE IN NEARBY PARKING LOT. ABS LAMP CAME ON AFTER SECOND FAILURE. NOW BRAKES WORK IN NON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 28, 2009 · crash

LAST NIGHT OUR 2001 NISSAN FRONTIER CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE MARSHAL SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT STARTED UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AT AROUND 6:15 PM AND THIS FIRE WAS DISCOVERED AT AROUND 11:15 PM AND SEEMED THAT IT HAD STARTED AROUND 20 MINUTES BEFORE.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 29, 2007 · fire

MY TRUCK WAS HIT ON FRONT RIGHT SIDE AND SPUN MY TRUCK AROUND. MY WHOLE FRONT END FELL OFF, INCLUDING MY HEAD LIGHTS AND RADIATOR SUPPORT. BOTH RADIATORS WERE CRUSHED. THE FRONT TIRE WALL ALONG WITH THE RADIATORS WERE PUSHED INTO MY ENGINE. WITH ALL THIS DAMAGE, MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. BOTH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 17, 2007 · crash

2001 Nissan Frontier — common questions

Is the 2001 Nissan Frontier reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 155 complaints put the 2001 model at #7 of 29 Frontier years. It is one of the Frontier years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Frontier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (34 complaints), engine (25 complaints), brakes (18 complaints).

Does the 2001 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Nissan Frontier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Nissan Frontier under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Frontier years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Frontier years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2000, 2022, 2008, 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Frontier years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.