Frontier engines split cleanly by generation and the 2005 change is the one that matters most. The 1998-2004 truck ran the KA24DE four-cylinder and the VG33E and supercharged VG33ER V6. From 2005 the truck moved to the VQ40DE 4.0 V6, which is the engine most Frontier buyers are looking for and which ran for fifteen model years with very few changes - a long production run means a deep pool. Xterra and Pathfinder listings of the same years are the same engines.
Nissan Frontier Used Engines — engine options by generation
| Years |
Engine |
Family / VIN code |
Notes |
| 1998-2004 (D22) |
KA24DE 2.4L I4 |
VIN C |
The four-cylinder truck - timing chain |
| 1999-2004 (D22) |
VG33E 3.3L V6 |
VIN D |
Pushrod V6, timing belt |
| 2002-2004 (D22) |
VG33ER 3.3L supercharged |
VIN E |
Supercharged - a dedicated part |
| 2005-2019 (D40) |
VQ40DE 4.0L V6 |
VIN B |
The volume engine - fifteen model years |
| 2005-2019 (D40) |
QR25DE 2.5L I4 |
VIN A |
Four-cylinder option - shared with the Altima |
| 2020-current (D41) |
VQ38DD 3.8L V6 |
VIN C |
Direct injection - nothing shared with the VQ40 |
How to pick the right one
Generation first: 1998-2004, 2005-2019 or 2020-onward, and nothing crosses those lines. Within the first truck, tell us four-cylinder or V6, and if it is a V6 whether it is supercharged, because the VG33ER is a different engine with a different intake and its own cooling. On the 2005-2019 truck the VQ40DE and the QR25DE are different engines entirely despite sitting in the same body. From 2020 the VQ38DD is direct injection and no VQ40 will substitute. Xterra and Pathfinder engines of the matching years are the same parts. Send us the VIN and we read the engine code off the build.
What usually fails on these engines
The VQ40DE is a durable engine and the commonest reason one comes out is not the engine at all - it is the timing chain guide and tensioner, which rattle at a cold start, and a leaking timing cover. Worth knowing before you buy: on 2005-2010 Frontiers and Xterras the radiator can fail internally and push coolant into the transmission, which destroys the transmission rather than the engine, and Nissan extended coverage on that. If your truck has a milkshake-coloured transmission fluid, that is what happened. On the KA24DE the items are the timing chain guides and the front main seal. The VG33E is a belt engine on a 105,000-mile interval, so fit a belt and water pump with any one you buy. Every engine is compression and leak-down tested.
What ships with every unit
-
Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
-
VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
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Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
-
Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.
Related reading: Nissan VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine guide, all engine guides.
Nissan Frontier used engines - frequently asked questions
Which engines did the Nissan Frontier use?
Across 1998 to today the Nissan Frontier was built with KA24DE 2.4L I4, VG33E 3.3L V6, VG33ER 3.3L supercharged, VQ40DE 4.0L V6, QR25DE 2.5L I4 and VQ38DD 3.8L V6. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.
How do I know which engine is in my Nissan Frontier?
The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.
Will an engine from a different year fit my Nissan Frontier?
Generation first: 1998-2004, 2005-2019 or 2020-onward, and nothing crosses those lines. Within the first truck, tell us four-cylinder or V6, and if it is a V6 whether it is supercharged, because the VG33ER is a different engine with a different intake and its own cooling.
What usually fails on these engines?
The VQ40DE is a durable engine and the commonest reason one comes out is not the engine at all - it is the timing chain guide and tensioner, which rattle at a cold start, and a leaking timing cover. Worth knowing before you buy: on 2005-2010 Frontiers and Xterras the radiator can fail internally and push coolant into the transmission, which destroys the transmission rather than the engine, and Nissan extended coverage on that.
What comes with a used Nissan Frontier engine?
Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.
