2001 Nissan Frontier

Photo: Cutlass / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

2001 Nissan Frontier: common problems and reliability

One of the worst Frontier years.

One of the Nissan Frontier years to avoid. All Frontier years

145 owner complaints, most about fuel system. 7 recalls.

Should I buy a 2001 Frontier?

The 2001 Nissan Frontier has 145 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel system and gasoline.

Safety record for the 2001 model year

145
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
12
Crash reports
8
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2001 Nissan Frontier vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Frontier years only. How we score it

Is 2001 a good year for the Frontier?

Across the 29 Frontier model years we track, complaint volume runs from 25 (2018) to 1,234 (2006). With 145 complaints, the 2001 Frontier sits above the model's median of 74.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

fuel system
27
gasoline
25
engine and engine cooling
23
service brakes
17
hydraulic
17

Recalls affecting the 2001 Frontier

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 06E023000

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."

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E064000

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.

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 09E025000

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.

Show 3 more recalls

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 04V230000

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap

Campaign 02V300000

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK INLET SHUTTER VALVE DOES NOT MEET THE SEALING PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION.

suspension:rear

Campaign 02V299000

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR AXLE HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE SEALING OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is bifurcated by generation and is generally positive for well-maintained, post-2010 models.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Frontier. See the full Frontier owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Frontier listings typically run $13,127–$32,339.

Other Frontier model years

Compare every Frontier year side by side to see how 2001 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Frontier against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy