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Nissan Frontier D40

2005–2021 · D40 · truck

Second-generation Frontier, sold for 17 model years with only minor updates. 4.0L VQ40DE V6 (~261hp) was the volume engine; a 2.5L QR25DE I4 was offered on base trims. 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, RWD or part-time 4WD with low range. King Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Pro-4X trim got Bilstein dampers, locking rear diff, and skid plates. Quietly outlived Toyota Tacoma generations, Ranger generations, and most of its competitors.

Watch out: Two well-documented issues: (1) the radiator can develop an internal failure that mixes coolant into the transmission cooler line, dumping coolant into the ATF. Nissan extended the warranty for this and it became known as the 'strawberry milkshake' failure. (2) Timing chain tensioner / chain guide wear on higher-mileage VQ40 motors. Check coolant condition and ATF color on any used D40 you're considering.

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 blades24" driver · 18" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • Differential fluidRear: GL-5 75W-90 (Genuine Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super-S, synthetic) (~1.69 qt) · Front: GL-5 80W-90 (Genuine Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super, conventional) (~0.9 qt) · T-case: Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (~2.11 qt)From owner's manualShop
  • 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
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • 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
  • 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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