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Nissan · Pickup Truck · 2005–2021

Nissan Frontier D40

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

engines.variants_same_ps

Frontier · Petrol· 261 PS
2005 2021
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Frontier 4WD · Petrol· 261 PS
2005 2021
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Nissan Frontier (Petrol, 261 PS) has the VQ40DE (4.0L) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The Nissan Frontier 4WD (Petrol, 261 PS) has the VQ40DE (4.0L) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rear leaf spring cracking and breakage

Factory leaf springs use weak steel and frequently crack or snap, sometimes at well under 60,000 miles. Trucks used for even light hauling or on rough roads are especially prone. Nissan never issued a recall despite the problem being widely reported since 2005. Replacement is straightforward — about 1-1.5 hours shop time per side.

Symptoms: Sagging rear end on one side, clunking noise over bumps, visible crack or complete break in leaf spring, truck sitting unevenly when parked on flat ground
from 80,000 km
Ad 55020-EB005 leaf spring Nissan Frontier55020-EB010 leaf spring Frontier rearRear leaf spring Nissan Frontier 2005-202169-285 leaf spring Frontier aftermarket
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,047 complaints · 2005–2021 · 6 recalls
Powertrain
480 ⚠ 5
Engine & Cooling
210 ⚠ 2
Fuel System
130 ⚠ 1
Suspension
65
Body & Paint
55

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (480 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (210 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (130 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Frontier D40 (2005–2021) — 7 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: VQ40DE (4.0L). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Electronics, Other.

Frontier (VQ40DE, 2005–2021) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide wear, Secondary timing chain stretch and guide wear, Radiator/transmission cooler cross-contamination (SMOD). Power: 261 PS.

What to watch out for with the Nissan Frontier? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Frontier D40 have? +
The Nissan Frontier D40 has 7 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Frontier D40? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the VQ40DE (4.0L). Problem engine: VQ40DE (4.0L) — stay away!
Which Nissan Frontier D40 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Nissan Frontier D40 — rated: "Decent". {description} The 4.0 V6 with a six-speed stick is the purist's midsize truck. Plenty of torque down low for trail work, and the manual sidesteps the SMOD radiator disaster entirely. Check the timing chains on pre-2011 models, expect the passenger exhaust manifold to crack eventually, and budget for leaf springs. Once those boxes are ticked, this truck will outlast its owner with basic maintenance.
Is the Nissan Frontier D40 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Nissan Frontier D40 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Frontier D40? +
The Nissan Frontier D40 is available with engine variants from 269 to 269 hp. Petrol: VQ40DE (4.0L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee