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2010 Nissan Frontier

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2010 Frontier.

Body TRUCK

The 2010 Nissan Frontier is a truck that uses 4.9 quarts of 5W-30 API engine oil. Its reliability record counts 59 owner complaints and six recalls, with air bags standing out as the top complaint area. Set against the Frontier's 1998–2025 complaint history—where the 2000 model peaked at 210 complaints and the 2025 model bottomed at seven—the 2010 model sits on the lower-complaint side of that range, making it a comparatively calm model year for researchers tracking long-term trends.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F · 575 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F · 575 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP235-75R15OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	1520865F0E alt 152089E01A
Engine air filter	165467S000 alt 16546EA000
Spark plug	22401ZE01B alt 22401CK81B
Battery	24410JA10A
Front wiper blades	288909CA0A alt 288909CA0B
Serpentine belt	11720EA001 alt 11720EA20A
Thermostat	21200EA000 alt 21049ED00A
Cabin air filter	27277VR00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	205.9 in
Overall width	72.8 in
Overall height	70.1 in
Wheelbase	125.6 in
Curb weight	4343 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.8 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Frontier of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.2–7.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.20 sec — 2012 PRO-4X V6 King Cab (6.1 ft. Bed)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2012	PRO-4X V6 King Cab (6.1 ft. Bed) 4.0L V6	7.20 sec	15.70 sec	261 hp	4x4
2005	LE V6 Crew Cab (4.9 ft. Bed) 4.0L V6	7.60 sec	16.10 sec	265 hp	4x4
2005	NISMO Off-Road V6 King Cab (6.1 ft. Bed) 4.0L V6	7.60 sec	15.80 sec	265 hp	4x4
2005	NISMO Off-Road V6 King Cab (6.1 ft. Bed) 4.0L V6	7.60 sec	16.00 sec	265 hp	4x4
2017	PRO-4X V6 Crew Cab (4'11.5" Bed) 4.0L V6	7.30 sec	15.80 sec	261 hp	4x4
2020	PRO-4X V6 Crew Cab (4'11.5" Bed) 3.8L V6	7.30 sec	15.60 sec	310 hp	4x4
2020	PRO-4X V6 Crew Cab (4'11.5" Bed) 3.8L V6	7.50 sec	15.80 sec	310 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 22.0-29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	3.4 Pints
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.9 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.4 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid	75W-85 · GL-4

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts	65 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	31 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0-29.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	8 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)	53.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket	165.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle	77.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket	77.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	26.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	26.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	101 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	MT: 625, AT: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	625 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Ignition Timing	15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance	5 degrees

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.43-1.65 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	100
Oil Capacity	6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	24F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	575 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	24F

Service checks

Pressure Test	23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-17 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	177-182 °F
Pressure Test	20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-17 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	177-182 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	51.0 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	24 ft-lbs / 20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	76 ft-lbs / 136 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0028 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.102 in / 0.709 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.102 in / 0.709 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	1.024 in / 0.63 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

1.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.0

1.4 ft. lbs

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

1.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.6

1.4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90

22 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

14 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

31 ft. lbs., step 2: 60

31 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., step 2: 84-90

33 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	37 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
2	60 degrees	60 degrees
3	completely loosen bolts in reverse order
4	29 ft. lbs.	29 ft. lbs
5	75 degrees	75 degrees
6	75 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.23 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.	75 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	loosen all bolts in reverse order.
3	29 ft. lbs.	29 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees	90 degrees
5	90 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two point, 11 mm and 48 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two point exceed the limit of 0.11 mm, replace bolts.	90 degrees

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

bolts 1, 6 M8 x 38mm, bolts 2, 3 M8 x 35mm, 4, 5 nut

14 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 1-10

29 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 17-24

16 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
At 30,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 30,000 mi	Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The federal record shows a steady decline in complaints from a peak of 210 in 2000 to 66 in 2004, while recalls remained in the single‑digit range and investigations were rare. After a gap in the data, complaints for 2011 onward are low, ranging from 33 to 78, with recalls generally 0‑3 except for a spike of six recalls in 2022. Because 2010 falls between these two periods, the trend suggests its complaint level would likely be nearer the lower end of the 2000‑2004 range or comparable to the early 2010s figures, though the exact number is not specified. The absence of a 2010 entry means any assessment must acknowledge this data gap. Overall, given the decreasing complaint trajectory before and after the missing year, the 2010 Nissan Frontier can be considered a reasonable used‑truck option, but buyers should verify the vehicle’s specific service history.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

107

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

3 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’21 ’22 ’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 59 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags17

Power Train11

Electrical System6

Engine2

Service Brakes2

Structure2

Wheels,Service Brakes1

Engine & Engine Cooling1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 107 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB23-081C	2024-07-08	Air Bags	VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR…
NTB13-107G	2024-05-20	Electrical System	VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D	2024-05-20	Electrical System	CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Frontier. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 24F battery Vehicles taking 4.9 qt Engine oil filter 1520865F0E Engine air filter 165467S000 Spark plug 22401ZE01B Battery 24410JA10A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2010 Frontier take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2010 Frontier have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.