How should I handle My Truck Problem w/Nissan?

[len19070]

I need some advise.

I bought a New 2006 Nissan Fronteer stick shift.

I've been driving stick shifts since I was 14. Had an older Nissan with a stick and never had a Problem. And I only tow a 1000lb trailer every now and then....way below the tow capacity of the truck which is 3600 or 4000 (can't remember which)

Trouble is the truck needed a new clutch at 25,000 miles. The Nissan dealer said it wasn't covered. Put a new clutch in.

Now at 45,000 miles it needs another clutch.

2 clutches in 45,000 miles?????? This works out to be about $650 a year for clutches.

This is not right.

I'm getting nowhere with the Nissan dealer and as far as the Lemon Law goes you have to take it in 3 times for the same problem. This will only be the second and the third may not be for another 2 years.

Any suggestions? I know its not me and the way I drive, I'm the only driver.

Thanks in advance.

Happy Trails

Len

[emiller]

A clutch won't be warrantied because of peoples driving styles. Did you take it to the Nissan dealer for the clutch or a tranny shop? Check the Nissan forum.
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/2005-2 ... oblem.html
Len did the pedal just go to the floor or did the actual clutch disc go out. I would ask them to replace the clutch master cylinder when they do the clutch job.

[Miriam C.]

Len, ask a lawyer about that lemon law. 3 times because the issue is on going but complete failure more than once is probably a different story. Be sure to file a complaint with Consumer protection too.

The part of the law I read seemed to be saying the car needed to perform in a way that was expected....

[Miriam C.]

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
To file a safety complaint.

One thing I bought the extended bumper to bumper coverage. But you do have to be a nag to get attention.

[iplay10us2]

I did a quick google search on 2006 Nissan clutch problems and it seems to be a very common problem, and not limited to the Frontier. I would do some google research, contact people with similar problems, and start building my case to take to the dealer and to Nissan corporate. I would file a complaint with the BBB, and perhaps your Consumer Protection office.

I would also look at small claims court as a course of action.

[tonyj]

You might have more luck if you bypass the local dealer and directly contact the regional service manager with your problem. They will usually work pretty hard to solve issues that the local dealer can't resolve, especially if it is a warranty problem (where a dealer has to stay within guidelines), or a common problem that affects more than just your vehicle.

[asianflava]

Yeah, do what Eddie said and check the Nissan forums. Sometimes vehicles have problems that the dealer or manufacturer doesn't want to admit to. Sometimes there is a problem (or fix) that the mfr knows about but the dealer doesn't. The folks on there will compare notes when they have problems and what the fix was.

You can also look to see if there is a more heavy duty option if and when you replace it.

[emiller]

If the clutch disc is what is going out then there is not enough pressure on it when not stepping on the pedal and it slips causing it to wear out quickly. Then I would say Nissan should correct the problem. If it is the master cylinder and I believe it is the plastic kind try and find a cast aluminum one from like Napa or Pep Boys one of the other parts store and not Nissan. My Boss has a Jeep that had the problem with his master cylinder on his clutch leaking at times and we accidentally found a cast one from Autozone and replaced the plastic one and so far no problems and it has been about two years now.

[Joe G]

It looks like a common problem with no easy fix.

If it were me, I would put one more clutch in it, sell the truck at your earliest opportunity, take your lumps, and curse the name of Nissan for the rest of all time.

[len19070]

It looks like a common problem with no easy fix.

If it were me, I would put one more clutch in it, sell the truck at your earliest opportunity, take your lumps, and curse the name of Nissan for the rest of all time.

I had the same thoughts too Joe.

happy Trails

Len

[George Taylor]

I had a 03 frontier and towed a utility trailer to get fire wood. I know that I pushed the limits of what I should have towed. I had the 4 cyl and 2 wd and pulled more than 3500lbs. I never had a problem with the cluch. It does seem that it is slipping more than it should be. the only problem I ever had with Nissan was tring to get a part from them. I did have to contact corprate to get the problem fixed. Definatly give them a call.

[dguff]

I had a 2007 Nissan Frontier. 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual, 2wd. Towed my teardrop an estimated 18000 miles over numerous trips with it. Got about 25 mpg on the highway, 21 mpg while teardrop towing. Never had a problem in nearly 50000 miles. No clutch problem or anything else. Never had it back to the dealer after the initial oil change. Very reliable truck.

Jerome

[stevem50]

hey lenny-
find your nearest kid with a low riding souped up "ricer" nissan 240sx...

no really- then ask the kid about a reputable tuning shop in your area for nissans, go there and find a sturdier "jdm" clutch. everybody in the baltimore area with a 240 has turboed them. stock fragile clutches dont work too well when you double and triple the horsepower.... stock clutches grenade!
ram, mcleod, centerforce, etc... they all make import upgrade clutches. as long as you have a hydro actuated clutch ( not cable pull ) you will barely feel a difference in pedal resistance.
it wont be a factory part- but if you are killing the stock clutch replace it with a stronger one!
this coming from the guy towing with a lil' honda fit.

[stevem50]

also- check your state lemon law..
as a car dealer here im MD I know that our lemon law only goes to 24 months or 18000 miles. after that your owners manual will direct you to your best couse of action. the dealer will only tell you what is best for the service dept. as a rule. contact the manufacturer directly, as your dealers service manager is probably not going to be as "open and honest" as he could be... sad to say but the laws that govern these issues are pretty open to interpretation.
long and short of it- forget the dealer and go aftermarket

[Gaston]

best way to fix the problem clutch is.............
trade it off on a FORD

sorry I just could't help my self