How common are transmission problems in the 2010 Nissan Frontier?

NHTSA lists 15 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2010 Frontier, which is 25% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2010 Nissan Frontier?

NHTSA data shows no related recalls listed for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2010 Frontier.

At what mileage do 2010 Frontier transmission problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 54,319 miles.

What kind of transmission failures do 2010 Frontier owners report?

Owners describe repeated u-joint failures, transfer case problems, transmission slipping at low speeds, and coolant mixing into the transmission fluid causing shifting trouble.

Did any 2010 Frontier transmission complaints involve a crash?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and no fires or injuries linked to complaints in this area for the 2010 Frontier.

2010 Nissan Frontier Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 15 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2010 Nissan Frontier, 25% of all complaints for the year. The median failure mileage is 54,319 miles, and there are no related recalls in NHTSA data for this area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 15; 25% of 59
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 54,319 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Some owners report rear u-joint failures that recur multiple times on the same truck, accompanied by rear axle fluid leaks and a misaligned driveshaft.
Owners describe transfer case and transfer case motor failures developing alongside the u-joint issues.
Several complaints describe transmission slipping or hesitation at stop signs and red lights, where the truck fails to move when the driver applies the gas.
Owners report a rumble-strip-like vibration felt around 40 mph that traces back to radiator coolant mixing with transmission fluid, sometimes described as a pink, creamy residue on the radiator cap.
One owner reported a manual transmission clutch failure at low vehicle age, preceded by an intermittent burning smell when backing up.
A separate complaint describes rear axle seals leaking gear oil onto the rear brakes, which the owner said was a known issue.

When 2010 Nissan Frontier transmission complaints were filed

First complaint May 6, 2011, latest Oct 12, 2022.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2011 to Oct 2022; peak May 2011 (1).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2010 Nissan Frontier

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Frontier model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2005262 (49%)
2006220 (36%)
2007222 (43%)
200854 (40%)
20098 (22%)
201015 (25%)
20119 (14%)
201220 (26%)
20136 (13%)
20146 (14%)
20155 (15%)
20163 (7%)
20176 (16%)
20182 (8%)
20197 (25%)
202012 (52%)
20215 (26%)
202224 (22%)
202313 (20%)
20246 (27%)
20252 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2010 Nissan Frontier?: NHTSA lists 15 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2010 Frontier, which is 25% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2010 Nissan Frontier?: NHTSA data shows no related recalls listed for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2010 Frontier.
At what mileage do 2010 Frontier transmission problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 54,319 miles.
What kind of transmission failures do 2010 Frontier owners report?: Owners describe repeated u-joint failures, transfer case problems, transmission slipping at low speeds, and coolant mixing into the transmission fluid causing shifting trouble.
Did any 2010 Frontier transmission complaints involve a crash?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and no fires or injuries linked to complaints in this area for the 2010 Frontier.