1998 Nissan Frontier
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Frontier › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Nissan Frontier. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1998 Nissan Frontier. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Vehicle description: light duty passenger trucks equipped with automatic transmissions. a securing pin inside the automatic transmission control device assembly can come loose allowing the shift lever to be inadvertently moved out of the park position with the key in the ignition.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in a crash if the parking brake IS not engaged.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the automatic transmission control device assembly and replace it if necessary.
Vehicle description: light duty passenger trucks equipped with bucket seats. in certain frontal crashes, the front seat belt can slip between the seat bottom finisher and the seat back plastic recliner handle where it can be cut by the sharp edge of the metal portion of the recliner lever.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the seat belt IS completely severed, it can increase the risk of serious injury to an occupant in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the plastic handle on the end of the seat back reclining lever fwith a different shape handle which will prevent the seat belt from slipping between the handle and the seat.
Owner complaints
129 complaints12 involved a crash11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 1995 Nissan Frontier XE. The contact stated upon opening the hood to check the engine oil level at the fuel station, the radiator blew out and propelled a hot anti-freeze that burned his upper body. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a friend. The…
The contact owns a 1995 Nissan Frontier XE. The contact stated upon opening the hood to check the engine oil level at the fuel station, the radiator blew out and propelled a hot anti-freeze that burned his upper body. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a friend. The contact received medical assistance and was informed that he had sustained second and third-degree burns on the stomach and waist area. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
- Seat belts
driver's side seat belt receptacle failed in fall of 2021. Nissan initially said they would replace it, but in May of 2022 reported that the part is "unavailable."
- Air bags
I was involved in a frontal crash where a vehicle pulled out in front of me. Both vehicles were a total loss resuting personal injury to me. The air bag did not deploy. I was traveling 55 mph on a major highway at tiime of a accident. I had to have brain surgery as a result. I had other injuries…
I was involved in a frontal crash where a vehicle pulled out in front of me. Both vehicles were a total loss resuting personal injury to me. The air bag did not deploy. I was traveling 55 mph on a major highway at tiime of a accident. I had to have brain surgery as a result. I had other injuries also. The air bags could havd lessening if not have prevented the injury. I will have to confirm the dxact date but the date I put IS close to best of my memory. I can confirm exact date but will have to research it.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the engine constantly lost power. The dealer (campbell nissan of edmonds, 24325 WA-99, edmonds, wa 98026, (425) 774-2174) was notified of the failure, but was unable to provide a permanent remedy to repair the vehicle. The contact…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the engine constantly lost power. The dealer (campbell nissan of edmonds, 24325 WA-99, edmonds, wa 98026, (425) 774-2174) was notified of the failure, but was unable to provide a permanent remedy to repair the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to two different independent mechanics who diagnosed that the engine assembly needed to be replaced. The first independent mechanic rebuilt the engine, but the failure continued. The contact had to go across four lanes of traffic to an exit ramp as the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the second independent mechanic who stated that the engine assembly needed to be replaced again. The manufacturer was notified. The manufacturer issued eight tsbs for the engine, but no recalls for the engine concerning this year, make, and model. The vin and failure mileage were not available. *tr
- Electrical system
Driving down road instrument panel, odometer, speedometer work intermentely. battery IS being overcharged. have replaced 2 batteries and 1 alternator and now it dosent charge at all. truck lost power in the middle of intersection. This has happend more than once and had to push it to side of road and get it towed.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the headliner disintegrated and rubber foam debris, which produced a foul odor, filled the interior of the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the headliner separated from the vehicle and foam pieces emitted into the vehicle. The contact inhaled abnormal fumes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin and failure mileage were unknown.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive position from the park position, the gear shift became inoperable and the check engine warning light illuminated constantly. The contact also stated that the gear shift began to function after…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive position from the park position, the gear shift became inoperable and the check engine warning light illuminated constantly. The contact also stated that the gear shift began to function after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission sensors failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,323.
- Wheels
Firestone wilderness tires separated while driving.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. While driving at various speeds, the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the instrumental cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. While driving at various speeds, the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the instrumental cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Ma 10/5 the consumer stated the gas gauge always read full, the odometer always read 99999.9 and the speedometer always read zero. Updated 03/03/16*jb
- Electrical system
The dashboard gives erroneous readings, this includes the odometer, the speedometer, fuel gauge , heat gauge. This may cause an over heating of vehicle, erroneous speeds, running out of fuel, erroneous odometer. Nissan will not pay for diagnosis stating the dealer IS in complete charge of pricing…
The dashboard gives erroneous readings, this includes the odometer, the speedometer, fuel gauge , heat gauge. This may cause an over heating of vehicle, erroneous speeds, running out of fuel, erroneous odometer. Nissan will not pay for diagnosis stating the dealer IS in complete charge of pricing for diagnosis of 100.00 with no guarantee of reimbursement. The maker of vehicle should be held responsible not the dealer after all nissan made the vehicle. While checking online it appears to be a prevalent issue with nissan frontiers trucks. Various calls have been on deaf ears. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. While driving approximately 40 mph, the speedometer and tachometer fluctuated. In addition, after the vehicle exceeded the mileage reading 999,999, the fuel gauge became inoperative and the rpm reading fluctuated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was unavailable.
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster failed. Speedometer and gas gauge malfunctioning. inaccurate readings. no replacement part or repair available. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
1998 nissan frontier. consumer writes in regards to vehicle plastic headlights issues. *smd the consumer stated the plastic headlights were not bright. *Jb
- Electrical system
All gauges are non-responsive. There IS no way to indicate how fast you're going, if you have fuel, what the rpm IS, what the mileage IS on the vehicle, or if the vehicle IS too hot or too cold. There are hundreds of complaints in customer review websites that I have read after my vehicle's problem…
All gauges are non-responsive. There IS no way to indicate how fast you're going, if you have fuel, what the rpm IS, what the mileage IS on the vehicle, or if the vehicle IS too hot or too cold. There are hundreds of complaints in customer review websites that I have read after my vehicle's problem started. I believe this IS a safety issue and that nissan should be responsible for what appears to be faulty components in the instrument gauge cluster. This problem also prevents owners to register/pass inspection/drive their vehicle with state inspection laws. *tr
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster started to fail, first the speedometer, then gas and heat gauges, now everything IS pegged and speedo reads 9999999. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier pickup, equipped with cooper discoverer ht tires, size lt235/70/r15. The contact stated that the tread exhibited a bulge and was causing tread separation. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the tires were found in very bad conditions. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier pickup, equipped with cooper discoverer ht tires, size lt235/70/r15. The contact stated that the tread exhibited a bulge and was causing tread separation. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the tires were found in very bad conditions. The mechanic advised the contact that the tires were not safe to drive on. The current and failure vehicle mileage was 115,000. The current and failure mileage of the tires was 11,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed and the contact was unable to readany of the gauges. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnosis that located the failure at the instrument panel circuit board. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 127,000 and the current mileage was 128,000.
- Electrical system
98 nissan frontier instrument clusters are defective. There are several complaints on line and no parts available. Mine started first by the speedometer being off. This cost me two speeding tickets and two speeding warnings before I realized what the problem was. Then the speedometer quit working…
98 nissan frontier instrument clusters are defective. There are several complaints on line and no parts available. Mine started first by the speedometer being off. This cost me two speeding tickets and two speeding warnings before I realized what the problem was. Then the speedometer quit working all together then the fuel gauge now everything fuel,temp,speedometer, odometer and tachometer all of them quit working. This seems to be a common problem with this vehicle and should have been recalled a long time ago. The problem IS nissan can't even fix this problem because the parts are not available and the company that manufactured the instrument clusters went out of business. When this problem first started I didn't even know I had an issue because it was just the speed off by about 10 miles per hour it said I was going slower then I was actually going. This IS a safety issue and should have been investigated and recalled along time ago. What about people driving through school zones with children? *tr
- Power train
I have a 98 frontier which has twice in the last six months inexplicably reved the engine, on it's own, to almost 6000 rpms in conjunction with this IS an increase in speed. The first time it happened I had just left a garage from having a tune-up & oil change. The next was on a very narrow country…
I have a 98 frontier which has twice in the last six months inexplicably reved the engine, on it's own, to almost 6000 rpms in conjunction with this IS an increase in speed. The first time it happened I had just left a garage from having a tune-up & oil change. The next was on a very narrow country road. It didn't matter what gear it was in , I have a 5 speed, or reverse. It IS very frightening when this happens & the mechanic can find no reason for it. I worry about it happening in the winter on icy roads. This IS an accident waiting to happen. *Tr
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster. Does not work. No gauges work at all. Do not know what my speed IS, fuel level, rpm, heat gauge, nothing at all. started by just going out once in a while then in june 2007 completely quit working. Had to buy a gps so I know how fast I am going. Odometer reads 999999. Dealer says their IS no replacement part and it IS a known issue but can not get parts. *Tr
- Electrical system
Alternator failed on my 98 pickup. when changing I found that the original alternator was remanufactured . I bought this truck new and alternator was never changed. Complained to manufacturer - they responded " information not available" and they are "not in a position to move forward". *tr
- Electrical system
Vehicle has 98,000 miles on frontier truck speedometer works intermittently or sometimes does not work at all. Inaccurate speed determined by radar speed limit device its off by at least 20 miles per hour recall this vehicle.! A search of nhtsa database indicates many identical problems with this model recall this vehicle so that other owners can get this fixed safety problem and cant pass state smog inspection. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
1998 nissan frontier- fuel pump failed-towed to dealer in mid winter. Dealer claims the tank and sending unit must be replaced due to rust/corrosion for over $1100.00. Ok'd repair but cannot be done because no fuel tanks available. Dealer has truck, to tow it to a private repair shop would be an added expense with no guarantee of repair. Dealer will only use new nissan tank that they can't get. I have no truck. *Tr
- Electrical system
TL - the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier pickup truck. a check engine light came on and the vehicle was taken to the nissan dealer. the dealer diagnosed that the speedometer assembly had to be replaced. the dealer has been unable to get the part for the repair and does not know when it will be available. the current and failure mileage was 118,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243708DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
- 1023906012 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect Test with DCA and Replace results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000 CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/ DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/ DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/
- 10235710INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235707VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192677SERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool. * Most any foreign material on the surface of the Windshield can be cleaned off by using #0000 super fine steel wool. >The #0000 grade super fine steel wool can be found in most hardware stores. Please see this bulletin for further details.
- 10192513SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. Nissan STRONGLY RECOMMENDS AGAINST making any change to seat trim materials from the factory equipped condition. This specifically applies to replacing the seat trim with non-factory materials; adding leather/cloth seat covers, seat pads, or seat storage pouches, etc. around or over the seat back and the passenger seat cushion. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192305SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192233Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Nissan's standards. Nissan Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Nissan most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletinfor further detail.
- 10192217If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too much thickness variation of the brake rotors (see NTB00-033). See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192216SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific incident. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192192As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to this Bulletin for further details.
- 10192145SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10188377STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10181005VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 1998 FRONTIER POOR OR NO A/C COOLING DUE TO A/C LOW HOSE CRACKING Service Campaign ID # P8163 is no longer active. Repair orders opened after this bulletins published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P8163. Discard all previous versions of NTB98-064.
- 10109211BALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY PROCEDURE SERVICE INFORMATION When working on the front suspension, use the updated service information in this bulletin along with the Electronic Service Manual (ESM). The updated information in this bulletin is a correction and a supplement to the ESM.
- 10051767Nissan: lock/unlock request button on outside handle does not respond.
- 10032506Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the appropriate section of the electronic service manuals (esm; when installing the new valve, do not add any lube to its o ring; for frontier (D40 series) only, install the protector listed in parts information. Includes 2005-09 frontier. Updated 12/8/10.
- 10031305Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. Updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030165Nissan: the 12 volt battery IS an important part of the vehicle electrical system and IS required to stay connected when the engine IS running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components follow the instructions/cautions. No model years listed.
- 10025522Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by unintentional activation of the srs on all nissan models with the srs systems. Updated 2/21/14.
- 10017473Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 10015983Mil with dtc p0400, p0402, rough idle, drivability incidents, difficulty setting egr SRT.
- 100158571998-2000 frontier & xterra with KA24 engine; mil with dtc p0400, p0402, rough idle, drivability incidents, difficulty passing i/m test for no x update
- 10012843Auto-dimming electrochromic (ec) mirror diagnosis.
- 10009184Torsion bar spring caution.
- 10003515Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 635795Subject regarding manual transfer case diagnosis.
- 632164Subject regarding revised throttle position sensor (tps) adjustment procedure.
- 631971Information on nissan revised tps adjustment procdure. *Slc
- 631766Information regarding essential tool: throttle position sensor test connector. *Slc
- 631760Subject regarding revised maintenance procedures. *Slc
- 631339Subject regarding manual transfer case noises.
- 630810Concerns with manual transfer case noises.
- 629210Seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
Every Nissan Frontier model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.