The contact owns a 1995 Nissan Frontier XE. The contact stated upon opening the hood to check the engine oil level at the fuel station, the radiator blew out and propelled a hot anti-freeze that burned his upper body. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a friend. The contact received medical assistance and was informed that he had sustained second and third-degree burns on the stomach and waist area. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
The worst 1998 Nissan Frontier problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical23
- Tires23
- Suspension19
- Airbags12
- Engine11
- Transmission9
- Seat belts8
- Fuel system7
- Brakes5
- Seats4
- Acceleration3
- Body3
- Lights3
- Steering3
- Visibility2
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Nissan Frontier
Recalls 2
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty passenger trucks equipped with automatic transmissions. A securing pin inside the automatic transmission control device assembly can come loose allowing the shift lever to be inadvertently moved out of the park position with the key in the ignition.
- Risk
- This could result in a crash if the parking brake is not engaged.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the automatic transmission control device assembly and replace it if necessary.
Recall number 98V064000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: webbing
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty passenger trucks equipped with bucket seats. In certain frontal crashes, the front seat belt can slip between the seat bottom finisher and the seat back plastic recliner handle where it can be cut by the sharp edge of the metal portion of the recliner lever.
- Risk
- If the seat belt is completely severed, it can increase the risk of serious injury to an occupant in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the plastic handle on the end of the seat back reclining lever fwith a different shape handle which will prevent the seat belt from slipping between the handle and the seat.
Recall number 98V065000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Nissan Frontier 65
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Diagnosis of vehicle pull (DRIFT) and/or steering wheel off-center
- 12 volt battery testing for in-service vehicles service information
- Silicone-based lubricant or grease CAN damage electrical components service information
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Intelligent key replacement or swapping between vehicles
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Wheel bearing collision damage
- Strut and shock absorber replacement guidelines
- Voluntary service campaign 1998 frontier poor or no a/c cooling due to a/c low hose cracking
1998 Nissan Frontier fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17-20 | 22-24 | 19-22 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 19 | 17 |
What 1998 Nissan Frontier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
driver's side seat belt receptacle failed in fall of 2021. Nissan initially said they would replace it, but in May of 2022 reported that the part is "unavailable."
I was involved in a frontal crash where a vehicle pulled out in front of me. Both vehicles were a total loss resuting personal injury to me. The air bag did not deploy. I was traveling 55 MPH on a major highway at tiime of a accident. I had to have brain surgery as a result. I had other injuries also. The air bags could havd lessening if not have prevented the injury. I will have to confirm the dxact date but the date I put is close to best of my memory. I can confirm exact date but will have to research it.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the engine constantly lost power. The dealer (campbell nissan of edmonds, 24325 wa-99, edmonds, wa 98026, (425) 774-2174) was notified of the failure, but was unable to provide a permanent remedy to repair the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to two different independent mechanics who diagnosed that the engine assembly needed to be replaced. The first independent mechanic rebuilt the engine, but the failure continued. The contact had to go across four lanes of traffic to an exit ramp as the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the second independent mechanic who stated that the engine assembly needed to be replaced again. The manufacturer was notified. The manufacturer issued eight tsbs for the engine, but no recalls for the engine concerning this year, make, and model. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.
Driving down road instrument panel, odometer, speedometer work intermentely. Battery is being overcharged. Have replaced 2 batteries and 1 alternator and now it dosent charge at all. Truck lost power in the middle of intersection. This has happend more than once and had to push it to side of road and get it towed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the headliner disintegrated and rubber foam debris, which produced a foul odor, filled the interior of the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the headliner separated from the vehicle and foam pieces emitted into the vehicle. The contact inhaled abnormal fumes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive position from the park position, the gear shift became inoperable and the check engine warning light illuminated constantly. The contact also stated that the gear shift began to function after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission sensors failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,323.
Firestone wilderness tires separated while driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. While driving at various speeds, the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the instrumental cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Ma 10/5 the consumer stated the gas gauge always read full, the odometer always read 99999.9 and the speedometer always read zero. Updated 03/03/16
Compare the 1998 Nissan Frontier
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Other model years
19981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 1998 Nissan Frontier
Is the 1998 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Owners have filed 129 complaints about the 1998 Nissan Frontier, 2.0 times a typical Frontier model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Nissan Frontier?
Electrical system, with 23 complaints, typically around 110,000 miles. Next is tires (23).
How many recalls does the 1998 Nissan Frontier have?
2 recalls, covering power train and seat belts.
What year does the Nissan Frontier have the most electrical problems?
The Nissan Frontier model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (38 complaints), 2006 (31 complaints) and 2022 (31 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Nissan Frontier get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Nissan Frontier range from 17 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17-20 city and 22-24 highway.
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