2004 Nissan Frontier

The 2004 Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck known for its reliability and off-road capability. It was offered with two engine options: a 2.4L inline-four cylinder engine producing 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.3L V6 engine producing 180 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the Frontier’s simplicity, ruggedness, and affordability. Common dislikes include its dated interior and relatively low fuel economy compared to newer trucks.

Engine

2.4L Inline-Four Cylinder

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, engine misfires, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replacement of timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.3L V6

• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, misfires, difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replacement of the distributor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine performance, decreased fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the knock sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Rear Main Seal)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets and/or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets: $150 - $400+; Rear Main Seal: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, slipping between gears, hard shifts, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear.
  • Solution: Fluid flush and filter replacement (may provide temporary relief). Full transmission rebuild or replacement if the problem persists.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush: $150- $300; Rebuild/Replacement: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Lower Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from front suspension, excessive tire wear, loose steering. Can be a safety hazard if it fails completely.
  • Solution: Replacement of lower ball joints (recommended to replace both sides).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Idler Arm Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering on the road, difficulty keeping the vehicle straight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the idler arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front of the vehicle when driving over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$250
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent failure of gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge), flickering lights, complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Repair: $200 - $400+; Replacement: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Only one or a few fan speeds working in the HVAC system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop in areas such as the wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame.
  • Solution: Removal of the rust with a wire brush, body filler, and then repainting the body panel. For extreme cases, the whole panel may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard material, especially in sun-exposed areas.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Cover: $50 - $200+; Replacement: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Nissan Frontier, while generally reliable, has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly distributor failure in the V6 and timing chain issues in the inline-four, can be costly. Suspension components like ball joints and idler arms are prone to wear and can impact safety. Electrical gremlins such as instrument cluster problems and blower motor resistor failures are also relatively common. Rust is also a concern, especially in regions with harsh winters. Overall, while these issues can range in severity and cost, careful inspection and preventative maintenance can help mitigate potential problems.