2017 Nissan NP300 Frontier

The 2017 Nissan NP300 Frontier is a popular pickup truck known for its reliability and affordability. Engine options include a 2.5L inline-4 petrol engine producing around 166 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5L inline-4 diesel engine which produces about 161 horsepower and 297 lb-ft of torque and a 4.0L V6 petrol engine with approximately 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options are typically a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, or a 5-speed automatic, depending on the engine and region. Owners often praise the Frontier for its ruggedness and simple design, but some criticisms include outdated interior and fuel economy compared to newer trucks.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Diesel

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke from the exhaust, whistling noise from the turbo.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: DPF light illumination, reduced engine performance, frequent regeneration cycles.
  • Solution: Forced DPF regeneration, DPF cleaning or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+

2.5L Inline-4 Petrol

• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated (typically P0420 code), reduced fuel efficiency, sulfur smell from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

4.0L V6 Petrol

• Timing Chain Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on cold starts.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, stalling, abnormal noises.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of gauges, flickering lights, warning lights malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery light illumination, dimming headlights, difficulty starting the vehicle, battery drain.
  • Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Frame
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the vehicle’s frame, especially in areas exposed to road salt or moisture. Can lead to structural weakening.
  • Solution: Rust repair, frame coating, or in severe cases, frame replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $5000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning blowing warm air, reduced cooling capacity, unusual noises from the AC compressor.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of AC system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant leaks).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the truck sitting lower than usual, reduced load-carrying capacity, rough ride.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2017 Nissan NP300 Frontier is generally considered a reliable truck, but some common issues include turbocharger problems and DPF issues for the diesel engine, timing chain rattle for the V6, catalytic converter issues for the inline-4, electrical faults, frame rust, and leaf spring problems. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, with some repairs being relatively inexpensive while others, like frame repair or engine work, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle for these common problems before purchasing.