2004 Nissan Frontier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Nissan Frontier: 1 recall, 66 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #10V554000 · 2010 · 500,552 vehicles
What's wrong: Over time corrosion May form in the lower steering column joint and limit movement of the joint. The limited movement of this joint May create excessive load on the lower steering column shaft. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, it May lead to cracking of the shaft during low speed maneuvers that require large steering inputs.
Why it matters: The shaft May break which could result in loss of steering control during these low speed maneuvers increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The steering column shaft and joint will be replaced with a shaft of a different design. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 13, 2010.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which 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.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E046000 · 2007 · 3,500 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain hopkins aftermarket trailer brake control connection harnesses sold for use on certain models of Nissan vehicles which are listed above. The internal part numbers within hopkins are: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, and 1290376035. A wire May have been placed in an incorrect position in the electrical connector housing. This results…
Why it matters: This harness would result in power from the trailer brake controller going to the towing vehicle dash light circuit rather than the trailer brakes. This result would be the lack of trailer braking when the towing vehicle brakes were applied. It would also result in the towing vehicles dash lights…
The fix: Hopkins will notify owners and replace the original harness with a revised harness free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2007. Owners can contact hopkins at 800-835-0129.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (13): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), hard / delayed shifting (5), leaks (3).
- Body & structure (7): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (3), leaks (2).
- Fuel system (7): the most common themes are warning light on (3), leaks (3).
- Steering (7): the most common themes are steering problems (6), leaks (2).
The 2004 Nissan Frontier has 66 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 29 Frontier model years for complaints (well below the 116 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 61,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (77 complaints, 4 recalls), 2005 (532 complaints, 3 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 |
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 2004 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2004 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 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 2004 Nissan Frontier problems?
Owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (13), body & structure (7), fuel system (7).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 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.