CarBrief

NHTSA has 532 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Frontier, and the power train and engine groups have the most[1][2][3]. The truck also has 3 recalls, covering engine stalling, front air bag sensors and a fuel cap tether[4][5][6][7].

532owner complaints[1]
3recalls[4]
16–21MPG combined (EPA)[8]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 532 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 9 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 11 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

The groups with the most complaints:

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the biggest groups. In the power train sample, owners describe rusting or failing universal joints on the front driveshaft and leaking rear axle seals[2]. In the engine sample, owners describe coolant getting into the transmission fluid, and stalling blamed on an electronic module[3]. In the fuel system sample, owners describe a fuel gauge that reads wrong with a check engine light, which dealers traced to the fuel sending unit[9]. In the electrical sample, owners describe an erratic fuel gauge and a truck that quit running or would not start, and some name the IPDM module[10]. A sample this small cannot tell you how common any of these are.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year[4]. Newest first:

Ask for proof that any recall repair on a specific truck was done.

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the 2.5L 4-cylinder at 19 combined MPG with the automatic and 21 with the manual[15][8]. The 4.0L V6 is rated 16 combined with the automatic in both 2WD and 4WD[16][17]. With the manual, the V6 is rated 17 combined in both[18][19].

Engine, transmission, drive City / Hwy / Combined Annual fuel cost
2.5L, automatic, 2WD[15] 17 / 22 / 19 $3,550
2.5L, manual, 2WD[8] 19 / 23 / 21 $3,200
4.0L V6, automatic, 2WD[16] 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
4.0L V6, manual, 2WD[18] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
4.0L V6, automatic, 4WD[17] 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
4.0L V6, manual, 4WD[19] 15 / 19 / 17 $3,950

The fuel cost figures use the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not 2005 prices.

Engine and size

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks. Across the variants listed, length is 206 in, width is 73 in and wheelbase is 126 in[20][21][22][23][24]. Height is 70 in on four variants and 69 in on the King Cab S/Box 4x2 XE[20][24].

Variant Curb weight
King Cab S/Box 4x2 XE[24] 3,695 lb
King Cab S/Box 4x2 SE/LE[23] 4,158 lb
Crew Cab 4x2 SE/LE[20] 4,244 lb
King Cab 4x4 SE/LE/NISMO[22] 4,325 lb
Crew Cab 4x4 SE/LE/NISMO[21] 4,438 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

1998: 129 complaints, 2 recalls19981999: 78 complaints, 2 recalls2000: 189 complaints, 3 recalls2001: 134 complaints, 3 recalls20012002: 124 complaints, 4 recalls2003: 77 complaints, 4 recalls2004: 66 complaints, 1 recalls20042005: 532 complaints, 3 recalls53220052006: 617 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 520 complaints, 1 recalls20072008: 136 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 37 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 59 complaints, 4 recalls20102011: 64 complaints, 1 recalls2012: 80 complaints, 3 recalls2013: 48 complaints, 1 recalls20132014: 42 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 33 complaints, 0 recalls2016: 43 complaints, 1 recalls20162017: 38 complaints, 1 recalls2018: 25 complaints, 2 recalls2019: 28 complaints, 1 recalls20192020: 23 complaints, 2 recalls2021: 20 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 112 complaints, 6 recalls20222023: 66 complaints, 1 recalls2024: 22 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 9 complaints, 3 recalls20252026: 11 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Frontier model year. The 2005 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19981292
1999782
20001893
20011343
20021244
2003774
2004661
20055323
20066174
20075201
20081365
2009373
2010594
2011641
2012803
2013481
2014422
2015330
2016431
2017381
2018252
2019281
2020232
2021202
20221126
2023661
2024223
202593
2026111

NHTSA lists 532 complaints for 2005[4]. That is the second highest of any Frontier model year, behind 2006 with 617 and just ahead of 2007 with 520[4]. Every other year has 189 complaints or fewer[4]. These counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold.

Several other years list more recalls than 2005, including 4 for 2006 and 6 for 2022[4].

Should you buy a used 2005 Frontier?

The complaint count is high for this model, and the sample we read points to drivetrain, cooling and fuel gauge trouble[2][3][9]. Ask whether the recall repairs were done, especially the ECM relay and the air bag sensor[5][6]. Have a mechanic check the front universal joints, the rear axle seals and the radiator, since owners describe problems with those[2][3]. The V6 costs more to run than the 4-cylinder, by the EPA's estimates[15][16]. Our data does not cover safety ratings or towing, so look those up separately.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Frontier?
By complaint count, the power train leads with 262 complaints, then the engine with 186 and the gasoline fuel system with 119[2][3][9].
Does the 2005 Nissan Frontier have recalls?
Yes, 3: an ECM relay that could stall the engine, a front air bag crash sensor that could rust, and a fuel cap tether on certain King Cab trucks[5][6][7].
How many miles per gallon does a 2005 Frontier get?
The EPA rates it from 16 combined MPG for the V6 automatic to 21 combined for the 4-cylinder manual[15][8][16].
Is the 2005 Frontier the worst year for complaints?
No. It has 532 complaints, second to 2006 with 617[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 532 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Nissan Frontier (9 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 11 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 262 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 102,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 186 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 101,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Frontier model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 10V517, filed October 28, 2010: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 08V690, filed December 29, 2008: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 06V092, filed March 30, 2006: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap. NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. 119 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,932). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 38 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 25 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 18 complaints name the fuel system, other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 17 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 15 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,651). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. EPA rating for Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Frontier V6 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Frontier V6 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Frontier V6 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Frontier V6 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X2 SE/LE: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,244 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X4 SE/LE/NISMO: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,438 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER KING CAB 4X4 SE/LE/NISMO: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,325 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER KING CAB S/BOX 4X2 SE/LE: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,158 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER KING CAB S/BOX 4X2 XE: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,695 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.