Check a VIN

2002 Nissan Frontier engine problems

13 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 42,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
13
of this car's complaints
10%
typical mileage
42,000
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: gasoline
    4
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    1
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    1
  • Engine
    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 engine problems in other years

1998200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Nissan Frontier engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 8

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2002 Nissan Frontier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 18, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · IA

The main issue on the Nissan Frontier that I just bought a few months ago that I need to report that I think should be recalled item is the passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked and it makes ticking noises the exhaust is loud and I am definitely getting exhaust fumes drawn into the cab especially when I turn the heater on now that it's winter time and it's getting CO2 carbon and exhaust fumes inside cab which is very toxic also the rear window defogger does not work and the cruise control does not work at all so anyway you're asking for what date this first occurred well it was like that when I bought it and I bought it on approximately in July of the summer 2024 it was all these issues were already broke when I got it I looked online and I see that the exhaust manifold is a very common problem and it is also a health hazard and toxic and could cause injury or death to passengers so I believe it should be and maybe is recalled I see online where some dealerships a few years ago already started fixing the issue for free before it was even recalled so I did a recall check and it says that there's no unfixed recalls on my vehicle but that exhaust manifold needs to be recalled and warranted because it's happening on a majority of those that means it's a bad design and it is also health hazard safety hazard health risk of injury or death because of it

Filed Apr 4, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 192,000 miles · VA

Was coming to a stop at a traffic light in s.c., when all of a sudden the motor started to race. I immediately turned the motor off. Turned it back on, and had no more problems. This was very frightening. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 7, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan frontier. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine warning indicator continuously illuminated until the engine was turned off. On a separate occasion the vehicle jerked violently with a reduction in the engine power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the knock sensor, mass air flow sensor and four oxygen sensors were replaced. The failure continued to occur after the repair was performed. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic for the second time and the wiring harness was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the problem and they informed the contact that the wiring harness connectors exhibited corrosion as a result of not being weatherproof during production. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 04/10/12*lj the consumer stated he spent close to $2000 repairing the vehicle. The check engine light continued to illuminate, after replacing the o2 sensors four times. Also, the wiring harness had to be replaced because when the vehicle was manufactured it was not weather proof which caused corrosion in the wires, which sent incorrect signals to the vehicle's computer. The consumer no longer owns the vehicle. Updated 05/31/12

Filed Sep 16, 2011 · Engine · 15,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the exhaust manifold was fractured and sending co2 through the vents while driving 25 MPH and above. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer replaced the passenger side exhaust manifold. After the repairs, the driver side exhaust manifold fractured and the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer. The dealer advised that it was common for the manifold to fracture in the particular year, make and model. The contact did not replace the driver side exhaust manifold. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jan 21, 2011 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NJ

Smelling exhaust fumes in my pickup cab. I had a new exhaust system installed and check by a mechanic. It was ok. He said I have a cracked exhaust manifold. I checked on the www and a lot of people are talking about this same problem. My truck is a nissan frontier year 2002.

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Engine · FL

My vehicle is a 2002 nissan pathfinder. It only has about 55,000 miles. For a long time, I've heard kinda abnormal noise. Come to find out that the exhaust pipes on the left and right catalytic converters are cracked right down the middle. One side costs over $450 from dealer. I feel this is a defect and many pathfinder owners are reporting this problem. Dealer does not want to warranty.

Filed Oct 30, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 28,730 miles · TX

2002 nissan frontier. Electrical component; alternator/generator/regulator. Experiencing exact same problem as described in the federal safety agency campaign id #05v319000. 1) normal operation leading to failure. 2) consequence; battery and brake warning lamps come on and battery begins to discharge. Engine goes into fail safe mode, engine will stop and could result in crash. 3) dealer will not correct the problem without payment because the frontier does not have this particular recall and the dealer states the vehicle has exceeded the 3yr warranty limit even though the vehicle was purchased new 26 months ago.

Filed Jan 5, 2004 · Engine · TN

While driving the vehicle at an undetermined speed the vehicle stalled, causing the consumer to pull off the road. The consumer took the vehicle to a mechanic. Please add any additional information.

Filed Aug 17, 2003 · Engine · 42,000 miles · TN · crash

General grabber aw 225-70-15 stock on 2002 nissan frontier have belt separation in the sidewalls. I have filed a complaint with general tire (#55041). Have also contacted nissan to have a specialist check it out. Complaint number [req:195685] with jane national direct marketing e-mail address: nnaconsumeraffairs [[email protected]].

Filed Feb 16, 2003 · Engine · 200 miles · FL

Engine rattle during cold starts. Severity and duration change from day to day. Some days more pronounced and lasts as long a 10-12 sec, others not to noticable and lasts3-5- secs.

Questions about the 2002 Nissan Frontier engine

Does the 2002 Nissan Frontier have engine problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Nissan Frontier, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2002 Nissan Frontier engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 42,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Nissan Frontier engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Nissan Frontier have bad engine?

The Nissan Frontier model years with the most engine complaints are 2005 (186 complaints), 2006 (155 complaints) and 2007 (133 complaints).

Other 2002 Nissan Frontier problems

Fuel system 25Brakes 15Acceleration 13Electrical 13Steering 13Body 11Suspension 9Lights 7Transmission 7Airbags 5Tires 5Seat belts 2Visibility 2Driver assistance 1Wheels 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2002 Nissan Frontier?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history