After just 2000 miles of ownership (14k on truck) I was having difficulty shifting the 5 speed into 1st gear. The dealer couldn't replicate the problem. It became more and more persistent and escalated to other gears. Finally after 9 months, 12,000 more miles, and 5 visits, the dealer agreed to pull the transmission and found a piece of rubber binding in the clutch. The entire clutch assembly was replaced. After several more months the clutch was squealing on launch and was again replaced, after complaining to Nissan Consumer Affairs. So far it's still okay.
Universal joint was replaced under warranty.
Fender flare seal replaced twice and tailgate finisher replaced 3 times due vinyl delaminating from metal. Covered twice under warranty and once through Nissan Consumer Affairs.
At 40,500 miles the Malfunction Indicator Light has illuminated. The dealer replaced the evap canister vent valve for $200, but the next day the light came back. Now they say the fuel tank is rusted through causing the loss of fuel pressure! Note that just 100 miles before this the tank was removed to replace the fuel pump sending unit under recall. Also note this is a 2WD truck that has not been run hard or off road, and I keep it very clean year round. They tell me a new tank runs $580! I can't find an aftermarket tank for anything later than a 95 model. The parts stores say they've never heard of replacing a tank that new. It's currently under review with Nissan Consumer Affairs.
The truck looks great with its high "4WD" stance, even though it's only 2WD. Good "tough" looks all around.
The interior is very comfortable, although the base model lacks cruise control and other features found standard on many other vehicles in this class.
The engine revs high and is very smooth. High marks here!
Gas mileage averages about 19. Pretty poor for a 2WD, V6 with a 5 speed. I have friends with full size V8 4WD trucks that get 17.
The "reliability" of this truck is okay, as it has never left me stranded. However the "durability" is poor. Now that the warranty has expired it will cost me a fortune to keep it going! Of the 20 vehicles I have owned this has been the MOST disappointing. Way to go, Nissan! Or is it my service dealer??? I can't tell which is worse!
I too have a 1999 Nissan Frontier XE extended cab 2WD 5 speed manual transmission and I have had zero problems. The hoses and belts were replaced at around 100K miles. the clutch was also replaced at around 100K miles and the water pump went out at about 115K miles. it now has 141,000 miles on it and it is running fine. believe this or not my truck is getting 27 mpg on mostly highway driving. the sticker says 22 city and 26 highway, so I thought I may have miscalculated. so I calculated it again on a full tank of gas and the second time, I came up with 26.5 mpg. I have been running synthetic oil in it and don't know if that matters. but anyway, it's a good dependable truck imo.
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