Nissan Frontier (2005–2010): what actually fails

The documented failure patterns on used Nissan Frontiers — the mileage window where each shows up, and what the repair typically costs at an independent shop. This is the same data NoLemon's Brief checks against every VIN.

2005–2010 TYPICAL 80k–170k MI $3,000–$5,000

Transmission-radiator coolant intrusion ("SMOD")

Same cross-contaminating radiator design as the Pathfinder of this era. A truck with a documented radiator replacement or external cooler bypass has had its one big weakness fixed — that's the one to buy.

BEFORE YOU BUY
Ask for repair records covering this item. If it hasn't been addressed and the car is in or near the mileage window, price the $3,000–$5,000 repair into your offer — or make it the seller's problem.

Buying a used Frontier?

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Nissan Frontier (2005–2010): what actually fails

Transmission-radiator coolant intrusion ("SMOD")

Buying a used Frontier?

More known problems by model