SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission Control Modules (TCMs). Blank TCMs come without software and must be programmed (not reprogrammed) and then configured after they are installed. When ordering a replacement A/T or control valve, use the Nissan electronic parts information systems to obtain the correct software program part number See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Nissan Frontier powertrain problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 6 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Nissan Frontier, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it?s not. Use this service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IF YOU CONFIRM: ALL of the following conditions apply: - The customer describes the TPMS warning lamp flashes intermittently - One or both of the following TPMS DTCs are stored as "past" : * C1710: [ NO-DATA]-RR * C1711: [ NO-DATA]-RL - The vehicle?s audio unit is non-NAVI equipped (no MAP button) but has a color monitor - This issue does not apply to vehicles with monochrome monitor audio units - This issue does not apply to vehicles with NAVI equipped audio units - The transmitter(s) (TPMS sensor or sensor) related to the stored DTC(s) responds/tests as a good part with the hand held service tool Signal Tech II - No electronic devices are plugged into any power ports such as: cell phone ch
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the driver is resting their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating. Advise the customer not to rest their foot on the brake while accelerating. * Use CONSULT-III plus in Engine Data Monitor to check operation of the brake lamp circuit signal. Monitor the brake switch during the incident; it should be "OFF". Please see this bulletn for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Traveling at approximately 55 miles per hour on a hill coasting on the down slope, the transmission disengages. When approaching the base of the hill, I stepped on the accelerator to resume speed and the transmission was not engaged causing the motor to speed up, but the vehicle continued to slow down. The gear shift on the automatic transmission was firmly engaged at the time. This has happened…
At 32000 on the freeway hadn't shifted in miles clutch begins to smoke, transmission slips power loss, with five miles lost any gear in transmission forward or reverse and no clutch. If it wasn't night and I was in heavy traffic would not have been good. Unknown for sure either weak defective clutch throw out bearing or bad hydraulic clutch system.5t
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 Nissan Frontier?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 35,125 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.