What is the Best Year for the Nissan Frontier?
Nissan vehicles are known to be reliable and tough. While the brand has lost some strength in the US, some of its vehicles are still extremely popular. There’s one category that stands above others.
The reality is that Nissan trucks are beloved by many, especially the Nissan Frontier. So, what is the best year for the Nissan Frontier?
What is the Best Year for the Nissan Frontier?
The best year for the Nissan Frontier is 2014. Nissan Frontiers built after 2011 and before 2004 are highly reliable and loved by their owners. The 2014 Nissan Frontier has a high-reliability rating and has a variety of modern features not included in previous models.
Although the Nissan Frontier is loved by many and is highly reliable, sometimes repairs are needed.
More information about commonly needed repairs is included below.
Best Years for the Nissan Frontier
The best years for the Nissan Frontier are 2003-2004 and 2011-2019.
Currently, little information is known about the 2020 and 2021 Nissan Frontiers.
People are discovering whether or not they are as reliable as they were reported to be and what issues are popping up and need to be repaired.
The reliability and safety ratings are still being determined.
However, the 2019 Nissan Frontier received an above-average J.D. Power reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
2013 is known as one of the best years for the Nissan Frontier, although the 2014 model has slightly updated features that many people enjoy using.
Those who drive the 2017 Nissan Frontier are also impressed by it.
If you are looking for a great midsize truck, consider purchasing a Nissan Frontier.
The Nissan Frontier has not changed much since 2005, but improvements to the engine and interior have been made.
The Nissan Frontier used to be considered a truck with few interior features that made it worth the price.
Nowadays, that is not the case.
If you purchase a Nissan Frontier made after 2011 or before 2005, you will be happy with the features and reliability.
The 2014 Nissan Frontier costs around $11,500.
This is more affordable than newer models but maintains many modern features.
Not convinced by the price? Considering the 2022 Nissan Frontier starts at $44,000, the 2014 sale price is a steal.
What are the Worst Years for the Nissan Frontier?
The worst years for the Nissan Frontier are 2005 to 2007.
Nissan Frontiers made between 2005 and 2007 have reported many issues involving the various fluid leaks that harm the transmission and engine.
Nissan Frontiers made between 2007 and 2011 have various issues that vary in severity.
However, after 2011 all problems seemed to have been resolved.
Now, Nissan Frontiers are known as reliable midsize trucks that need few repairs.
However, you may want to avoid 2018 Nissan Frontiers because it only received a 2 out of 5-star reliability rating.
Not only is the 2018 Nissan Frontier unreliable, but it’s expensive too.
This model year has an average price range of $19,700 to $22,000.
That’s quite a bit of money to shell out for a vehicle that isn’t likely to last very long.
Are Nissan Frontiers Reliable?
Nissan Frontiers are reliable.
Over the years this midsize truck has received a variety of reliability scores, but most Nissan Frontiers made between 2008 and 2015 received a 4 out of 5-star reliability rating.
The 2013 and 2014 Nissan Frontier received a perfect 5 out of 5-star reliability rating, which is one reason why they are considered the two best years for the Nissan Frontier.
Nissan Frontiers are extremely reliable.
Only Toyota vehicles have a higher reliability rating.
However, avoid older models as the reliability ratings are low for them.
Older Nissan Frontiers often have a high amount of mileage on them and often have mechanical issues that need repairing before you can safely drive them.
Common Nissan Frontier Issues
Like many other trucks of a similar size, sometimes Nissan Frontiers break and need to be repaired.
Some of the most common issues seen in Nissan Frontiers are as follows:
- Coolant leak
- Radiator crack
- Faulty radiator
- Transmission failure
- Sunroof rattling
- Sunroof exploding
- Destroyed transmission caused by a coolant leak
- Inaccurate fuel gauge
- EVAP clog
- Spilled gas
According to Car Complaints, the most common issues seen in Nissan Frontiers involve the transmission and engine, especially in models made from 2005 to 2010.
If you have a Nissan Frontier made between 2005 and 2010, watch out for fluid leaks and a faulty transmission.
Luckily, Nissan improved the Frontier in 2008, which seemed to reduce the risk of transmission fluid leaks.
However, there were still many flaws in the 2009 and 2010 Nissan Frontier resolved in 2011.
One of the reasons why the transmission often failed in 2005 through 2008 is the severity and frequency of coolant leaks.
The coolant would leak directly onto the transmission, causing it to fail.
Over time, the gears become damaged, and the system fails.
It costs thousands of dollars to replace a transmission and coolant leak.
Luckily, the issue seems to be resolved.
If you don’t want the sunroof to shatter, you can choose a trim package that doesn’t have a sunroof.
However, if your Nissan Frontier has a sunroof, keep the cover closed while it is not open.
If the sunroof shatters, the cover will catch the glass.
If your Nissan Frontier’s sunroof shatters, be careful getting out of the truck so no passengers get cut on the glass.
If your Nissan Frontier develops any of the previously mentioned issues or seems to need repairs, take it to a qualified car repair shop that you trust.
You can avoid needing repairs on your Nissan Frontier by making sure proper maintenance is done regularly.
Change the oil every four months and fix broken mechanics quickly after you notice the problem.
2013 and 2014 are the best years for the Nissan
However, if you purchase a Nissan Frontier manufactured after 2011, you will be happy with the reliability, performance, and features included in the interior of the truck.
The best of the Nissan Frontier is not extremely large, but it is large enough that you will be able to transport large items that don’t fit in a different type of vehicle.
You can purchase accessories for your Nissan Frontier when you purchase the truck or from an online retailer afterward.