1998 Nissan Frontier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Nissan Frontier: 2 recalls, 129 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V064000 · 1998 · 3,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could result in a crash if the parking brake is not engaged.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the automatic transmission control device assembly and replace it if necessary.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #98V065000 · 1998 · 20,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the seat belt is completely severed, it can increase the risk of serious injury to an occupant in a crash.
The fix: 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.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Tires (23): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (22).
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (2).
- Suspension (19): the most common themes are noise or vibration (9), steering problems (2).
- Airbags (12): the most common themes are fails to deploy (5).
The 1998 Nissan Frontier has 129 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 29 Frontier model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 116). Complaints peaked in 1999 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 110,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (78 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Nissan Frontier.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Nissan Frontier, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Nissan Frontier problems?
Owners have filed 129 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (23), electrical (23), suspension (19).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Nissan Frontier repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.