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Nissan Frontier D22

1998–2004 · D22 · truck

First-generation US Frontier, sold 1998-2004. Replaced the Nissan Hardbody (D21) compact pickup. Built in Smyrna, TN on the D22 platform shared with the Xterra. 2.4L KA24DE I4 (around 143 hp) as the base, 3.3L VG33E V6 (around 170 hp) optional, and a supercharged VG33ER (around 210 hp) added on later S/C trims. 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Regular, King Cab, and Crew Cab body styles. RWD or part-time 4WD with low range. Replaced by the larger D40 Frontier for 2005.

Watch out: VG33E timing belt service is the largest scheduled cost on V6 trucks because it's an interference engine. Frame rust is the dominant long-term survivability issue on cars from salt-belt states, especially around the rear leaf spring perches. Owner reports of supercharger snout bearing wear on S/C-equipped trucks are well-documented at high mileage. KA24DE cars are notably durable but slow. Pre-purchase: inspect frame and rear leaf perches, verify timing belt service with receipts on V6 trucks, listen for supercharger whine on S/C, and check 4WD engagement (hubs and transfer case actuator) under load.

What your Frontier takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Wiper blades19" driver · 19" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • Oil filterParts in catalogShop
  • BatteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire sizeNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Spark plugsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
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  • CoolantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire pressureNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wheel fitmentNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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