The 1998 Nissan Frontier has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 23,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEAT BELTS98V0650001998-03-2520,000 affected
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS. 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.
Consequence
IF THE SEAT BELT IS COMPLETELY SEVERED, IT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
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.
POWER TRAIN98V0640001998-03-253,000 affected
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. 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.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT ENGAGED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL DEVICE ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14
TIRES
13
2crashes4injuries
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
9
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
7
6crashes8injuries
SUSPENSION
7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
4
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR
4
AIR BAGS
3
1crashes1injuries
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
3
Total complaints146
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“The contact owns a 1995 nissan frontier xe. The contact stated upon opening the hood to check the engine oil level at the fuel station, the radiator blew out and propelled a hot anti-freeze that burned his upper body. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a friend. The…”
“Driver's side seat belt receptacle failed in fall of 2021. Nissan initially said they would replace it, but in may of 2022 reported that the part is "unavailable."”
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the engine constantly lost power. The dealer (campbell nissan of edmonds, 24325 wa-99, edmonds, wa 98026, [REDACTED]) was notified of the failure, but was unable to provide a permanent remedy to repair the vehicle. The contact…”
“Driving down road instrument panel, odometer, speedometer work intermentely. Battery is being overcharged. Have replaced 2 batteries and 1 alternator and now it dosent charge at all. Truck lost power in the middle of intersection. This has happend more than once and had to push it to side of road…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the headliner disintegrated and rubber foam debris, which produced a foul odor, filled the interior of the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 nissan frontier. The contact stated that the headliner separated from the vehicle and foam pieces emitted into the vehicle. The contact inhaled abnormal fumes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin and…”
“Firestone wilderness tires separated while driving.”
“1998 nissan frontier. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle plastic headlights issues. *smd the consumer stated the plastic headlights were not bright. *jb”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1998 Nissan Frontier as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.