Model year guide

2002 Nissan Frontier

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Nissan Frontier is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 42 on record.

2002 Nissan Frontier — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Nissan Frontier at a glance

Safety recalls8
Owner complaints139
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$4,321

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Nissan Frontier recalls 8

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Steering:column NHTSA Campaign #10V554000 · 11/11/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 FRONTIER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001 THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 2004, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2004, XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 9, 2001, THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2005. OVER TIME CORROSION MAY FORM IN THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN JOINT AND LIMIT MOVEMENT OF THE JOINT. THE LIMITED MOVEMENT OF THIS JOINT MAY CREATE EXCESSIVE LOAD ON THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. …

Fix: THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND JOINT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHAFT OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #06E023000 · 13/03/2006

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."

Fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E064000 · 17/07/2006

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.

Fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

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.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #04V230000 · 24/05/2004

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.

Fix: IN THE FOLLOWING STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT. THESE STATES ARE CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, …

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #02V299000 · 12/11/2002

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE FOR WATER INTRUSION AND ANY AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. THE ABS SENSOR WILL BE RESEALED TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND…

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #02V298000 · 12/11/2002

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGER, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FULL THROTTLE IN LOW GEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT FULLY WARMED UP AND AT COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, THE AMOUNT OF INTAKE AIR FLOW THROUGH THE AIR FLOW METER MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PRESET DIAGNOSIS LIMIT VALUE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Nissan Frontier common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2002 Nissan Frontier MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway18 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,205

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2002 Nissan Frontier worth?

Low
$2,100
Typical price
$4,321
High
$6,200

From 42 comparable 2002 Nissan Frontier listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Nissan Frontier costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,025
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,450
Total$23,475
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($4,321) with the same model 4 model-years older ($2,350), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Nissan Frontier trims & engines on record

Trims
SE-V6 · XE · Standard · SVE-V6 · XE-V6 Dessert Runner · SC-V6
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl 155 hp

2002 Nissan Frontier vehicles on record

2002 Nissan Frontier XE1N6DD26S22C309686 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED26Y92C300170 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED27T92C372764 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED27T92C352627 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier Standard1N6DD26S72C375862 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29Y82C338243 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED27T12C348832 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29X02C351432 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29X22C344627 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier Standard1N6DD26S92C332494 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29Y72C321403 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SVE-V61N6MD29Y82C314035 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29X52C364256 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29X72C373475 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29Y62C352383 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29X82C356927 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29X92C351803 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29Y72C352974 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier XE-V6 Dessert Runner1N6ED26TX2C334848 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29X72C383004 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED27T82C388728 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED29X02C340740 2002 Nissan Frontier 2002 Nissan Frontier XE-V6 Dessert Runner1N6ED26T12C309305 2002 Nissan Frontier SE-V61N6ED27T52C349272

Other Nissan Frontier model years

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1998

2002 Nissan Frontier — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Nissan Frontier have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls for the 2002 Nissan Frontier. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Nissan Frontier?

Based on 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, electrical system, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Nissan Frontier get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Nissan Frontier at about 16 mpg combined (15 city / 18 highway).

How much is a 2002 Nissan Frontier worth?

Comparable 2002 Nissan Frontier listings run roughly $2,100–$6,200, typically around $4,321 (from 42 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.