2018 Nissan Frontier
2018 Nissan Frontier
The 2018 Nissan Frontier is a mid-size pickup truck that offers a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission, a 3.7-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, and a 4.0-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier is known for its rugged construction and off-road capabilities, but it has also been plagued by several issues.
Engine
2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine — Timing Chain Tensioner Failure — Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner may fail, causing the timing chain to skip and resulting in engine damage. Symptoms include a rattling noise coming from the engine, a loss of power, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The timing chain tensioner and timing chain must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+ — Recalls: None Found — — Valve Cover Gasket Leak — Description/Symptoms: The valve cover gasket may leak, causing oil to leak from the engine. Symptoms include a burning oil smell, an oil leak under the vehicle, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The valve cover gasket must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 — Recalls: None Found
3.7-liter V6 Engine — Intake Manifold Gasket Failure — Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket may fail, causing a vacuum leak and resulting in a loss of power, rough idling, and an illuminated check engine light. Symptoms include a hissing noise coming from the engine, a loss of power, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The intake manifold gasket must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700 — Recalls: None Found
— Valve Cover Gasket Leak — Description/Symptoms: The valve cover gasket may leak, causing oil to leak from the engine. Symptoms include a burning oil smell, an oil leak under the vehicle, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The valve cover gasket must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 — Recalls: None Found
- 4.0-liter V6 Engine — Intake Manifold Gasket Failure — Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket may fail, causing a vacuum leak and resulting in a loss of power, rough idling, and an illuminated check engine light. Symptoms include a hissing noise coming from the engine, a loss of power, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The intake manifold gasket must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700 — Recalls: 13V326000, 14V522000
— Valve Cover Gasket Leak — Description/Symptoms: The valve cover gasket may leak, causing oil to leak from the engine. Symptoms include a burning oil smell, an oil leak under the vehicle, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The valve cover gasket must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 — Recalls: 14V317000
Transmission
5-Speed Manual Transmission — Clutch Failure — Description/Symptoms: The clutch may fail, causing the transmission to slip or become inoperable. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, a grinding noise when shifting gears, and a loss of power. — Solution: The clutch must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500 — Recalls: None Found
7-Speed Automatic Transmission — Transmission Fluid Leak — Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid may leak, causing the transmission to overheat and fail. Symptoms include a burning smell coming from the transmission, a loss of power, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The transmission fluid leak must be repaired. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 — Recalls: 17V946000
Suspension
- Rear Leaf Springs — Sagging or Breaking — Description/Symptoms: The rear leaf springs may sag or break, causing the vehicle to sit lower in the rear and impairing handling and stability. Symptoms include a rough ride, a loss of control when cornering, and an uneven tire wear. — Solution: The rear leaf springs must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 — Recalls: 15V434000
Electrical
- Battery Drain — Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain quickly, causing the vehicle to be difficult to start or not start at all. Symptoms include a weak or dead battery, a slow crank, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The battery and/or alternator may need to be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 — Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Tailgate Latch Failure — Description/Symptoms: The tailgate latch may fail, causing the tailgate to open unexpectedly. Symptoms include a loose or rattling tailgate, a loud noise when the tailgate is opened, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The tailgate latch must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 — Recalls: None Found
Interior
Dashboard Cracking — Description/Symptoms: The dashboard may crack, causing a cosmetic defect. Symptoms include a cracked or warped dashboard, a rattling noise from the dashboard, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The dashboard must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 — Recalls: None Found
Power Window Failure — Description/Symptoms: The power windows may fail, causing the windows to become inoperable. Symptoms include a slow or non-functioning power window, a loud noise when the window is operated, and an illuminated check engine light. — Solution: The power window motor or switch must be replaced. — Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 — Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2018 Nissan Frontier is a mid-size pickup truck with a variety of engine and transmission options. It has a rugged construction and off-road capabilities, but it has also been plagued by several issues, including engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical problems. The severity of the issues can vary, but some can be costly to repair. Overall, the 2018 Nissan Frontier is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.