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2000 Nissan Frontier transmission problems

26 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 124,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
26
of this car's complaints
14%
typical mileage
124,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Driveline: driveshaft
    9
  • Automatic transmission
    5
  • Manual transmission
    3
  • Driveline: differential unit
    1
  • Driveline: center support bearing
    1
  • Axle assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Frontier transmission problems in other years

1998200020052010201520202026

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 2, 2000 · 76,652 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect. " these vehicles could have a shift cable lock plate that is too brittle and can break. The gear shift lever and the "prndl" indicator may move, but the transmission will not shift out of the park position. Over a period of time, the transmission could shift out of the park position, but the gear indicated on the display may differ from the gear engaged in the transmission.
Risk
If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift cable lock plate.

Recall number 00V288000 · Recall details

What 2000 Nissan Frontier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · OK

From my Internet search using Google Gemini, (and Google AI has a disclaimer it can make errors), I have replaced my distributer on my 2000 Nissan Frontier three times now due to a stalling problem I have experienced on hot days. My 2000 Nissan Frontier is VIN [XXX] . Let's see how much Gemini info I can paste here: "The distributor on your KA24DE engine contains the camshaft position sensor, which is a critical component for engine timing. The distributor itself can fail for a number of reasons, including: Internal bearing failure: The bearing that the distributor shaft spins on can fail, causing the shaft to wobble or seize up. This disrupts the signal from the camshaft position sensor. Failed or failing camshaft position sensor: The sensor itself can fail due to age, heat, or internal electrical issues. Ignition coil failure: The ignition coil is often integrated into the distributor housing on this engine. As it heats up, it can fail and lose spark, causing the engine to stall. The reason this issue is often related to hot weather or a hot engine is that the heat can cause the internal components of the distributor to expand and fail, and it can also cause the ignition coil to break down more easily. Symptoms of Distributor Failure The symptoms for a failing distributor on the 2.4L are very similar to those of the V6 engine: Stalling, especially when hot: This is the most common symptom. The engine may run perfectly when cold, but after it has been running for a while and the engine compartment is hot, it may stall and refuse to restart until it cools down. Engine runs poorly: You may experience a rough idle, misfires, or a loss of power. Hard start or no start: A failing distributor can cause the engine to crank but not start, as it is unable to produce a spark." Nissan no longer provides a replacement distributor and I suspect aftermarket are rebuilds. ***Stalling in traffic I believe is a definite safety issue*** Please let me know. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

Filed Oct 15, 2018 · Transmission · 253,640 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan frontier. While the vehicle was in park, the contact attempted to reverse and the gear stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the shifter failed. The dealer (autostar nissan of boone, 135 innovation dr, boone, nc 28607, (828)-264-7726) was contacted to have the vehicle diagnosed again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 253,640.

Filed May 23, 2012 · Transmission · 114,358 miles · FL · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park. The contact exited the vehicle and the vehicle rolled backward until crashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop to have the body damages repaired. The failure was not diagnosed. The contact then notified the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v288000 (power train:automatic transmission). The failure mileage was 114,358.

Filed Nov 9, 2011 · Transmission · 124,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan frontier. The contact stated that there was a gear leak from under the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised him that they would have to take the rear end apart in order to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2010 · Transmission · 152,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the gear shift selector does not work properly, similar to the federal safety agency campaign id number: 00v288000 (power train: automatic transmission). Both the dealer and manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The current and failure mileages were approximately 152,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2010 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · MO · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan frontier. The contact that after pulling into his driveway at speeds of 5 MPH the contact put the vehicle into park an exited the vehicle with the engine still running. The contact returned to the vehicle and while trying to re-enter, was knocked over by the drivers side door. The vehicle then proceeded to roll over the contacts foot, up his leg and crushed the right side of his ribs. The vehicle did not stop and proceed to roll down a small incline and crashed into a nearby tree. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was rushed to the hospital. The contact stated she was in the process of seeking assistance from the manufacturer. The vehicle was put into storage and the VIN was not available. The current and failure mileages were 62,000. Updated 05/19/10. *lj updated 07/30/10.*lj updated 09/23/10

Filed Apr 4, 2006 · Transmission · CA

Possible transmission defect in nissan truck certified mail. *ts the cause of the transmission failure was that two internal bushings had managed to move, cutting off the supply of transmission fluid into the transmission which caused it to overheat, seize and fracture the gears in the planetary system.

Filed Mar 29, 2006 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · TX · crash

Dt*: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions, the gear shift indicator went into reverse and the vehicle crashed into a concrete pole. The vehicle sustained damage to the passenger side quarter panel and the bumper. The vehicle was then driven to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic recommended replacing the gear shift indicator to correct the problem. The police were not contacted. The consumer believed the problem he experienced was related to the recall. Updated 04/11/06.

Filed Sep 9, 2005 · Transmission · TX

1996 sentra gxe developed problems with the fuel system, and transmission.***no answer required***. *mr the consumer no longer owns the sentra. He now has a 2000 nissan frontier in which he experienced lingering slipping, a jerking feeling coming from the transmission, rear differential or some part in the drive train. When the transmission is trying to shift from 1st to 2nd gear, it sounded as if it were having difficulty releasing from 1st to 2nd gear. The consumer was told metal parts/pieces were found in the bottom of the transmission pan. The technician had diagnosed the problem to be a defective drive shaft center support bearing, however the consumer continued to experience problems.

Filed Jan 3, 2005 · Transmission · 110,079 miles · CA

No specific events LED to failure. At approximately 109,500 the transmission begain jumping out of first gear without warning. I had t be extremely aware of this when pulling ino traffic. At 110,079 miles, the first gear failed completely when I was pulling out of my driveway. The complete failure occured on dec. 31, 2004. The sudden jumping out of gear started about a month before that. At the very least, nissan should advise all owners of 5 speed manual transmission on nissan crew cab 4wd units with a v-6 engine that when the gear box jumps from first to neutral position, that first gear failure is imminate.

Questions about the 2000 Nissan Frontier transmission

Does the 2000 Nissan Frontier have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the transmission of the 2000 Nissan Frontier, 14% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2000 Nissan Frontier transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 124,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2000 Nissan Frontier transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V288000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Frontier have bad transmission?

The Nissan Frontier model years with the most transmission complaints are 2005 (262 complaints), 2007 (222 complaints) and 2006 (220 complaints).

Other 2000 Nissan Frontier problems

Tires 30Fuel system 28Suspension 22Brakes 19Electrical 14Airbags 12Acceleration 11Engine 11Visibility 11Body 7Lights 7Seat belts 4Seats 2Steering 2Locks 1Wheels 1

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