NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 205 owner complaints for the 2000 Nissan Frontier. Most complaints involve tires (31) and power train (26). The EPA rates it 15–21 mpg combined.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Frontier model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 131 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 205 |
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 139 |
| 2003 | 77 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2006 | 617 |
| 2007 | 520 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 64 |
| 2012 | 80 |
| 2013 | 48 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 68 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 11 |
“WENT TO MY LOCAL GARAGE TO GET MY TIRES BALANCED. MECHANIC REPORTED THAT 1 OF THE 4 TIRES (ALL BOUGHT TOGETHER) WAS BEGINNING TO COME APART INTERNALLY / BELT SEPARATION. THE TIRES WERE INSTALLED DURING OCTOBER OF 2019. THEY HAVE LESS THAN 8000 MILES ON THE TIRES. VENDOR IS REIMBURSING ME FOR THE ONE TIRE THAT WAS FOUND TO HAVE THE DEFECT. THANKFULLY THIS WAS CAUGHT EARLY, BUT AM VERY CONCERNED AS THE OTHER 3 TIRES HAVE THE SAME DOT NUMBER.”
“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…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL BOARD LOCATED BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND CAUSED THE HEADLIGHT TO FAIL BEYOND REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE REPAIR BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT SUPPLY PARTS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS OVER TEN YEARS. THE CONTACT TRADED THE VEHICLE IN FOR A NEWER VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Frontier 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Frontier 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Frontier V6 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Frontier V6 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Frontier V6 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Frontier V6 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 205 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (31), power train (26), electrical system (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Nissan Frontier at 15–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).