Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
What Owners Say
"Air bag sensor"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)
2013
Nissan Frontier
EPA MPG:
17 mpg
EPA MPG:
17 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
The 2013 Frontier is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2013 Nissan Frontier owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
What Owners Say
"SD card only worked about 50% of the time. Always prompting for a new one"
Anonymous A., OR (2013 Nissan Frontier SL 4.0-L V6)""When it is hot out, none of the radio controls work, cannot adjust the volume nor turn it off. We live in Florida. Its hot a lot. This has gone on for years. Of course, at the Nissan shop, because it sits been sitting in the shade, the problem does not manifest itself.""
Anonymous, FL (2013 Nissan Frontier S 4.0-L V6)Noises/Leaks
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
What Owners Say
"During rainstorms there is a leak that I can't find. The floor behind the drivers and passenger's seats gets wet. I've tries to find it myself and I've taken it to an automotive body shop to have it looked at but it still leaks during heavy rainstorms."
Anonymous, CT (2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)"Squeak noise when going over small bumps. Possibly stabilizer bar."
Anonymous A., FL (2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
What Owners Say
""plastic condenser couldn't be fixed, had to be replaced""
Anonymous, MA (2013 Nissan Frontier SL 4.0-L V6)Suspension/Steering
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
What Owners Say
"While replacing the front brakes I noticed that the front shocks were leaking and needed replacement."
Anonymous, CT (2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)Engine Electrical
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
What Owners Say
"starter motor failed and then failed again on 6 months"
Anonymous, MA (2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
What Owners Say
"The frame and suspension show excessive rusting. Much more than one would expect in a truck that has gone 60.000 miles"
Anonymous, MA (2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
What Owners Say
"The clutch was actually replaced 2 times. The 2nd time, garaged that towed had it 2 weeks. Coulded get it out, rusted and bolts hard to access, transmission was worked on replaced the first time clutch was replaced. Also couldn't get new clutch quickly this recently. I have owned vehicles with a manual transmission since I was 16 and am now 63. I know how to drive with them and new had these problems in a vehicle with low mileage. I had another Nissan years ago with over 350000 miles on it without those issues. Also truck very rusted and was supposed to have undercoating. I have lived in same area."
Anonymous, VA (2013 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X 4.0-L V6)Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
What Owners Say
"I have had the engine gasket replaced 4 times"
Anonymous, IL (2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)Brakes
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
What Owners Say
"one caliper froze"
Anonymous, MA (2013 Nissan Frontier SL 4.0-L V6)Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
What Owners Say
"Gas is ejected when filling."
Anonymous A., FL (2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)Body Hardware
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Fuel System/Emissions
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
Electrical Accessories
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
2013 Pickup Trucks Reliability
This Car
0
100
Nissan Frontier
vs. Similar Cars
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tacoma
Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability
information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for
about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential
trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes,
to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 12, 2014
The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire.
Summary:
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.
What should you do:
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the circuit breaker orientation is incorrect, dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14V052000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
13535
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
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"Needs replaced, light is on, job quoted at dealership a year ago at 5 grand, but I can continue to drive it so far.."
Anonymous, VA (2013 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X 4.0-L V6)