VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2022-2023 FRONTIER AND 2023 TITAN/TITAN XD; AUTOMATIC PARK FUNCTION INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign, on certain specific model year 2022- 2023 Frontier and 2023 Titan/Titan XD vehicles, to configure the Automatic Park function. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number PC982 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communication and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign. DEALER RESPONSIBILITY Dealers are to repair vehicles falling within range of this campaign that enter the service department. This include
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Nissan Frontier powertrain problems
severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 24 powertrain complaints filed for the 2022 Nissan Frontier, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Nissan Frontier we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 24.
Powertrain accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
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.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on an APPLIED VEHICLE is found to be leaking grease, AND There is no abnormal noise or obvious CV Joint risk due to water intrusion and/or complete grease loss, check for REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) availability. ï· If there is a REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) available for the vehicle being repaired, do NOT replace the axle. Install a new boot kit following the procedure in the ESM. o Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > FRONT AXLE > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BOOT o If the complete axle (drive shaft) is replaced when only a new boot is required, the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MIL ON WITH GEAR RATIO DTCS STORED IN THE TCM SERVICE INFORMATION If one or more of the following DTCs is stored in the TCM as current or past, please check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History to confirm if campaign R22B1 or R22A9 has been applied. ï· P0731 â 1GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P0732 â 2GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P0733 â 3GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P0734 â 4GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P0735 â 5GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P0729 â 6GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P076F â 7GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P07D9 â 8GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P07F6 â 9GR INCORRECT RATIO ï· P0893 â MULTIPLE GEARS ENGAGED 1. Has campaign R22B1 or R22A9 and the drive cycle (after performing the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION FROM FRONT OR REAR PROPELLER SHAFT SERVICE INFORMATION If you confirm abnormal noise and/or vibration is coming from the front or rear propeller shaft of an APPLIED VEHICLE, inspect the propeller shaft journals (U-Joints) for binding and/or abnormal noise before replacing the propeller shaft. If binding and/or abnormal noise is confirmed from the propeller shaft U-Joints, replace the propeller shaft U-Joints. Refer to the ESM for the propeller shaft U-Joint replacement procedure. NOTE: Replacement of the propeller shaft due to noise and/or vibration caused by the propeller shaft U-Joints may result in warranty charge back.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 Frontier powertrain complaints center on three major areas: unintended motion while parked, transmission failures, and electronic control breakdowns.
Unintended acceleration strikes early. Multiple owners report the vehicle rolling or accelerating forward while in Park at very low mileage (195 to 2,550 miles). One owner's vehicle crashed into two parked cars. Despite Nissan Campaign 22V457000 (parking pawl recall), one owner reported the truck rolled forward even after completing the recall repairs in April 2023. Owners also report the vehicle rolling backward despite Park engagement.
Transmission failures are severe and expensive. One owner's transmission failed at 1,300 miles with multiple solenoids gone; another hit 75,140 miles and paid nearly $12,000 after Nissan's initial $1,600 shift-selector repair failed within half a mile. A third owner reported the transmission loses gear selection, won't respond to shifter input, and requires a vehicle restart to recover control. The transmission control module crashes, flooding the dash with warning lights, trapping the vehicle in Park with no manual override.
Electronic control system failures create dangerous situations. Owners report all warning lights flashing, check-engine lights on continuously, brake ABS locking without cause, and the vehicle refusing to shut off for 10 minutes. One truck got stuck in a thunderstorm unable to restart and unable to be towed due to electronic transmission lock.
Dealers have struggled: parts for recalls remain unavailable months after notification, diagnostics often come back inconclusive, and repair attempts (transmission fluid replacement, shift-selector swaps) haven't resolved underlying issues.
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration while in Park
Vehicle accelerated forward while parked, causing multi-vehicle collision. Driver reported pressing brakes without effect and feeling pushed. Unknown yellow light illuminated. Occurs shortly after purchase.
When: 2,000 miles; 2,550 miles; 195 miles; ~100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle moved forward while in Park; brakes ineffective; driver felt pushed; yellow warning light (unspecified); rollaway on parked vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V457000 (Power Train); repair parts not available for some owners
Transmission parking pawl failure
Vehicle rolled backward despite being in Park. One owner had parking pawl recall repairs completed (April 2023) but vehicle still malfunctioned and rolled forward on its own. Separate owner had vehicle roll backward when placed in Park.
When: Post-recall (April 2023); 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle rolled backward or forward while in Park; parking pawl malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Parking pawl recall performed April 11, 2023 did not resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V457000 (Power Train) - parking pawl recall
Transmission control module (TCM) and transmission failures
TCM failures reported with transmission not responding, loss of gear selection, and complete transmission breakdown. Some owners experienced catastrophic transmission failure early in ownership (1,300 miles, 75,140 miles). Multiple solenoid failures also documented.
When: 1,300 miles; 75,140 miles; 180,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission will not engage gears; check engine light illuminated; automatic transmission error message; all dash lights flashing; transmission slipping; vehicle unable to be turned off for ~10 minutes; transmission hunting for gear at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: Automatic transmission error
Repairs/costs cited: Shift selector replacement $1,600 (ineffective); transmission replacement quoted $9,214.03; torque converter replacement needed (not completed due to cost); multiple solenoid failures; fluid replacement did not resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan offered 60% cost-sharing for transmission replacement; recalls 22V671000 and 22V457000 (Power Train) - parts not available for extended periods
Transmission gear engagement and shifting failures
Transmission loses gear selection, fails to engage, or shifts unexpectedly. Vehicle becomes stuck and unresponsive to shifter input. Requires vehicle restart to regain control.
When: At stop and go traffic; highway descent; various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: transmission will not go into gear; check engine light and all dash lights flashing; automatic transmission fault message; transmission shifts out of gear while driving; hard downshift at traffic light; transmission hunting for gears
Codes mentioned: Automatic transmission fault, Automatic transmission error
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid replacement attempted without success; dealer unable to reproduce or diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB NTB 22-082a (Service Information for Brake Switch Adjustments for DTC C1142 and/or C1116 Stored); VIN not included in TSB for some vehicles; dealer unable to diagnose
Engine/throttle control issues and surge/lag
Vehicle experiences significant acceleration lag and wild surges when cruise control engaged, particularly on inclines or while cornering. Appears to be electronic throttle or transmission programming issue outside operator control.
When: Early ownership; 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: significant lag during acceleration; uncontrolled surging with cruise control engaged; surge on inclines and while cornering; collision warning sign comes on randomly causing rev and lag; vehicle gets stuck waiting for left turn, then screeches and jolts
Repairs/costs cited: No dealer inspection yet
Transmission vibration and noise during deceleration
Transmission or rear-end vibrates or howls when vehicle decelerates. Quiet during acceleration and constant speed. Occurs early in vehicle ownership.
When: ~180,000 miles (post-repair); 10 months old
Symptoms owners cite: transmission vibration when RPMs decrease; howling noise during deceleration; vibration increases as vehicle decelerates
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid replacement completed without resolving vibration; dealer advised clutch repair needed
Electronic control system failure and limp mode
Complete or near-complete loss of vehicle control with multiple warning lights illuminating. Vehicle cannot be restarted or turned off normally for extended periods. Appears to be computer/TCM catastrophic failure.
When: Stop-and-go traffic; various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: all dash lights flashing; check engine light flashing; warning lights for ABS, emissions, brake, and other systems; vehicle will not start; vehicle cannot be turned off for ~10 minutes; electronic transmission locked in park with no manual override
Codes mentioned: Automatic transmission error, C1142 and/or C1116 (brake switch related)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose after 2+ weeks; vehicle stranded in thunderstorm without towing capability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaints filed with Nissan Consumer Affairs
Brake system failure and ABS malfunction
Hard downshift at traffic light with no warning. ABS brakes locked up intermittently despite no objects in path. Related to larger electronic control system issues.
When: Early ownership; ~100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: hard downshift at traffic light; rear tires slipping in inclement weather; ABS brakes locking up without cause; intermittent ABS warning lights
Codes mentioned: C1142 and/or C1116
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB NTB 22-082a referenced
Rear axle seal failure
Left rear axle seal leaking onto brakes and rotors, causing state inspection failure. Unusual for low-mileage vehicle.
When: 27,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: axle fluid leaking on brakes and rotors; state inspection failure
Repairs/costs cited: $1,600 repair cost
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle vibrated. The contact stated that the vibration increased as the contact decelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission parking pawl and the transmission control module had failed. The vehicle was…
This issue has occurred once and vehicle has 8k miles. I was sitting in stop and go rush hour traffic. While driving, all the lights on dash came on and it flashed 2 different messages about the system failure. I pulled off into a gas station parking lot and turned the truck off. I waiting approx 2 minutes and started the engine. The system ran thru all of the checks and the flashing system…
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V671000 (Power Train) and 22V457000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a…
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had…
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving approximately 38-40 MPH and approaching a red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle experienced a hard downshift. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop in inclement weather, the rear tires were slipping. The contact was able to continue…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 Nissan Frontier?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2022 Nissan Frontier?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 24 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 61,000 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Nissan/Frontier.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.