The Nissan Titan is an iconic full-size truck that scored 3.5 out of 5.0 on RepairPal’s reliability rating. It ranked 2nd out of 17 full-sized trucks.
On average, Titan owners have unscheduled repairs 0.3 times annually.
Some common complaints about the truck include fuel system problems, interior accessory issues, transmission troubles, uneven tire wear, and engine issues.
The Nissan Titan is an iconic full-size truck that boasts a cozy cabin, excellent handling, and advanced safety features. Its newer models come with a fuel-efficient V8 engine and great towing capacity, making it a great choice if you’re in the market for a light-duty pickup. If you have plans to sell your Titan after some time, it pays to know that it will depreciate by 28% after five years, according to CarEdge.com.
Are Nissan Titans Reliable?
The Nissan Titan enjoys above average scores across all major reliability ratings. RepairPal gives it a 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 2nd out of 17 full-size trucks. Edmunds rated its 2021 model a 7.1 out of 10 in overall reliability. Most Titan owners face unscheduled repairs around 0.3 times per year, which is the average for full-size trucks. With careful handling and regular maintenance, you can ensure your Nissan Titan will have a long service life.
Top Nissan Titan Problems
Despite its dependability, the Nissan Titan has its fair share of issues. Listed are the most commonly reported problems for different model years:
Fuel System Problems
Fuel system issues are among the most reported 2018 Nissan Titan issues. Image source: Nissan U.S. Newsroom.
Fuel system issues are among the most reported 2018 Nissan Titan issues. Many owners have complained about hearing whistling sounds from the filler neck when the fuel tank is being refilled. Others have also reported fuel pump failure due to clogged fuel filters.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also received complaints from 2018 Nissan Titan owners regarding fuel/propulsion system problems.
Interior Accessory Issues
Many 2017 Nissan Titan owners have reported that their truck’s dash lights turned dim during daylight hours, while some complained that the starter button on their dash had disappeared.
There have also been many NHTSA complaints from Titan owners regarding their pickup’s seats. Both the driver and passenger seats shake or separate from the seat frame after just two years of use.
Many 2017 Nissan Titan owners have reported that their truck’s dash lights turned dim during daylight hours, while some complained that the starter button on their dash had disappeared. Image source: Nissan U.S. Newsroom.
Transmission Problems
The 2016 Nissan Titan has quite a few transmission problems. Many owners have observed their trucks lurching and shifting hard, while others have complained that their transmission occasionally jerks while shifting. Some drivers have also reported that their trucks tend to stop abruptly while driving.
Finally, some Titan owners have also reported that their transmission cracked and damaged the drivetrain over time. As of this writing, there have been no recalls or known resolutions for these types of transmission issues.
Premature Shock Failure and Uneven Tire Wear
Premature shock failure is one of the most common issues reported by 2011 Nissan Titan drivers. This issue may persist in trucks which have logged under 100,000 miles. Most were able to fix the problem by replacing the faulty shocks.
Some Titan owners have also complained about uneven tire wear caused by misaligned racks. In one of the cases, the dealership shouldered the tire alignment the first time the problem was reported. A few weeks later, the tires were worn out again, but this time the issue was caused by a faulty camber bolt. Unfortunately for the truck owner, the dealership refused to replace the worn tires.
Engine Issues
Many 2008 Nissan Titan truck drivers have reported engine-related problems. One owner has reported hearing a loud sound from the engine after turning the key, which caused the truck to shake. Smoke also wafted out of the engine compartment due to an exploded plenum.
Many 2008 Nissan Titan truck drivers have reported engine-related problems. Image source: Wikimedia.
Some truck owners have also complained about a busted oil indicator. In most cases, their pickup started knocking due to the issue. Upon bringing their Titan to a dealership or an auto repair shop, most found that their truck’s oil had turned into a peanut butter-colored sludge, a problem that should have activated the oil indicator light.
Faulty Navigation Unit
Some Nissan Titan owners have reported that their failing navigation units intermittently display “disc error” on the screen. Two model years of the Titan are heavily affected by this problem, namely the 2004 and 2005 Nissan Titan.
Some truck owners shared that although their navigation unit works on most days, the navigator displays “disc error” whenever it’s hot or warm inside the cab. For others, the device showed that no maps were available.
Rear Axle Seal Leaks
Many owners of 2004-2006 Nissan Titans deal with a number of drivetrain problems. Most have reported issues like rear axle seal leaks due to overheating or lack of proper ventilation. Uncontrolled fluid loss can lead to significant damage to the rear differential assembly and axle bearings.
As for those who drive the 2005 Nissan Titan, problems with the rear axle are fairly common. In one case, the rear axle seal leaked and started developing problems in the rear differential a week after the owner had it replaced at the dealership. The owner had to replace the entire rear differential assembly to fix the issue.
If you’re in the market for a Nissan Titan, be prepared to embrace the good and the potential bad. As long as you know the issues that the specific model year you’re planning to get may develop, buying it should come with little risk. Knowing what to watch out for will also help you avoid costly repairs and conduct preventive maintenance to maximize the service life of your truck. Lastly, make sure the seller has cleared everything before taking it home.
Nissan Titan Years To Avoid
While the Nissan Titan line is generally reliable, there are a few model years that you might want to avoid.
2004 to 2006 Nissan Titan
It took a while for the iconic Nissan Titan line to find its bearings. The first three years in particular were rough. When the line first launched, the 2004 Nissan Titan suffered a range of drivetrain issues. Most common were front and rear differential issues, which were a huge problem in the work truck.
The 2005 Nissan Titan had six NHTSA recalls in total. The 2005 Titan’s powertrain control module, fuel gauge, and HVAC condenser were only some of the problems that triggered the recalls. Drivetrain issues also continued to be a problem.
Some 2006 Nissan Titans had a short-circuiting HVAC sensor that could cause engine compartment fires, which was understandably cause for concern. Differential and axle failures also plagued the 2006 Titan.
2008 Nissan Titan
Nissan managed to solve most of the Titan’s drivetrain issues by the time the 2008 Nissan Titan launched. Sadly, new problems with the suspension and transmission arose, and the NHTSA issued six recalls for the 2008 Titan.
2016 Nissan Titan
By the second generation, Nissan had significantly improved the Titan line. However, the 2016 Titan did have exhaust system issues linked to catalytic converter failure. Exhaust fumes ended up leaking into the cabin, which was a hazard for 2016 Nissan Titan drivers.
2018 Nissan Titan
The 2018 Nissan Titan had transmission problems that resulted in jerking and hard shifting while upshifting or downshifting. Some vehicles would also abruptly stop on the road and exhibit engine troubles. Some 2018 Titan diesel engines also suffered from premature turbo failure.
When the fuel pump or another part of your Nissan Titan’s fuel system fails, get a replacement immediately. You want to avoid aggravating the existing issue and creating additional costly problems with the fuel system. CarParts.com helps you get your truck back on the road by delivering a replacement Nissan Titan fuel pump to your home.
CarParts.com knows how important your time is, so we expedite the delivery of replacement parts like Nissan Titan fuel pumps. We operate distribution centers throughout the US, and the nearest one will process your order. Your new parts can reach your doorstep in as fast as two (2) business days if you live in the continental US and send your order before noon ET. Furthermore, our simple and secure online shopping process lets you order a replacement Nissan Titan fuel pump with several taps on your phone’s screen. If you have any questions about our products, contact one of our helpful customer service representatives.
Make CarParts.com your first and only stop for a new Nissan Titan fuel pump. Choose from our selection of quality Nissan Titan fuel pumps and order today.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
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