Best and worst Nissan Titan years — which to avoid

Nissan Titan makes a solid choice in the pickup category on the used car market, but only if you can pick a reliable model year. Since there have been numerous issues with certain models, we’ll give you an updated buying guide by outlining the problematic years and pointing out the good ones.

Our team has created this guide on the best and worst Nissan Titan years by using information from reliable sources, and we applied that information to rank the model years by their reliability. What we came up with was a perfect recipe for buying a used Titan based on NHTSA submissions, details on manufacturer recalls, and driver complaints, and we’ll tell you all about it in this guide.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Nissan Titan years

If you are serious enough in your decision to buy a used Nissan Titan, you’ll want to know if you can trust our guide. We get you completely as we’d want a buying guide of the same type, which is why our team ensures you’ll have no second thoughts with information found on reputable driving safety organizations.

We compared the records we found on NHTSA with official recalls that certain Titan model years had to go through, as well as real ownership submissions and complaints. We even cross-referenced these with Nissan Titan forums where the current and previous owners state their opinions, so here’s what we found out:

Most common Nissan Titan problems

The Nissan Titan had some excellent model years with nearly zero reported issues and that reflects the model’s overall reliability. However, there have also been some model years plagued by common issues that Titan models have faced, and we’ll guide you through these to help you understand why certain model years are best avoided.

1. Fuel pump failure

Fuel pump failure is a frustrating problem as it always makes drivers trouble starting their cars. It also starves the engine of gasoline.

The Nissan Titan is known to have problems with its fuel pump due to clogged fuel filters. Some drivers have reported that the fuel pump issue also damaged their catalytic converter, which, if left unchecked, can cause the engine to shut down.

In addition, drivers have also complained of hearing whistling sounds from the filler neck while the fuel tank is being filled. It is a most common problem for the 2018 Titan model.

2. Transmission problems

Transmission problems are common on Titan, but the 2016 model is known to have it in excess. Drivers experienced hard shifting; some were left stranded as the transmission was infamous for stopping abruptly during a drive.

The 2016 Titan is notorious for having this problem on a large scale. It is surprising that no recall was made on it to correct the issue.

3. Rear-axle seal leakage

The job of the seal on the rear axle is to keep the transmission fluid from leaking. However, the seals on Titan’s rear axles leak easily, with that of the 2004 to 2006 models a more severe problem. The leakage is reported to be because of a lack of ventilation or overheating.

The problem should be dealt with upon the early symptoms of low transmission fluid, as excess transmission fluid leakage causes damage to the axle bearings, differential assembly, and transmission system. It is best to replace the entire differential assembly to fix the issue rather than replace only the problematic rear differential or component. One driver had to take the truck back to the mechanic after only a week of repairs as the same problem of leaks had resurfaced.

4. Faulty interior accessories

There have been many complaints from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the seats of the Titan. The driver and passenger seats are well-known for shaking or separating from the seat frame after only two years of usage.

Reports have also been filed about the dash lights on the truck turning dim in daylight, making it hard to tell which warning is up, while some other drivers complained about a disappearing starter button.

5. Engine problems

Some drivers have been unfortunate enough to witness smoke wafting out of the engine compartment caused by an exploded plenum. Others tabled reports about the engine’s loud sounds, which caused the truck to shake immediately after turning on the key in the keyhole. There have also been complaints of busted nail indicators that caused rod knock and other sounds coming from the engine.

Titan’s 2008 model is most notorious for such engine problems and more.

Worst Nissan Titan years to avoid

For all its flaws, the Titan has many redeemable features and there are at least two decent model years for each badly-rated one. Still, you need to know about the worst-rated model years so you can avoid them and get the most out of your purchase decision. Here’s a full list of model years you should avoid:

• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2008
• 2017
• 2018

Of course, we’ll go through the problems of these model years by Nissan Titan generations and try to explain why you should stay clear of those further.

First-generation Titan (2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 model years)

When checking out a Nissan Titan, it is best to avoid the models of the first generation. Excluding the first-generation facelifts,  almost all the first-generation models, excluding the last one (2007), were riddled with many problems. The first Titan is labeled as the worst as it had the most complaints for very severe problems. The rear differential kept failing, and the cooling system was always messy.

The most complaints about the 2004 model were about its drive train,  with NHTSA receiving almost 450 complaints. Drivers had to spend around $3,000 after 95,000 miles to repair the rear differential, which always developed a fault at that time. The vehicle was dangerous enough, as drivers sometimes experienced the wheels locking up suddenly while in mid-drive. 

The other two problematic models in this generation continued with the acute powertrain problem, though that of 2006 tried to rectify some of the differential issues. The 2005 Titan even added faults in the electrical system, which caused a lot of features like the BCM, 4×4, wiring harness, and cruise control switch to not function properly. All these issues usually sprang up at about 73,000 miles of usage.

Despite efforts on the 2006 model, the Titan remained pretty unsafe as the drivetrain became the primary cause for concern, with drivers and passengers at risk of fire.

For the first-generation facelift models, that of 2008 is to be avoided. The drivetrain was no longer the issue, as the NHTSA received the most complaints about the engine and transmission. After about 101,000 miles, the vehicle would start misbehaving, making it a terrible option in the resale market. 

Second-generation Titan (2016 model year)

The second generation of Titans fared better than the first. Out of the models available, you should be wary of the 2016 model year.

The 2016 model was surprising as it brought a dent into the line after four years of minimal problems. Its exhaust system and transmission formed the bulk of complaints for this model. It was infuriating because the fluid consumption became outrageous after only about 5,000 miles, with exhaust fumes finding their way into the cabin.

Transmission issues began before the vehicle had done 10,000 miles and were mainly manifested in hard shifts, lurches during acceleration, and sudden complete transmission failure during movement.

What are the best Nissan Titan years to buy?

We don’t want you to get the wrong idea here – Nissan Titan is a fairly reliable model for the most part, but we had to warn you of the biggest concerns related to specific model years. So, now comes the good part and it all starts with the question – what are the best Nissan Titan years?

The best Nissan Titan years are 2011 and 2020, but here’s a more detailed overview:

• 2007
• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022

The more recent Nissan Titans come equipped with the latest innovations from the car industry to increase safety and enhance the experience. All of the models on this list are pretty safe as used Titan buying options, but we’ll either way discuss the two best-rated years in more detail.

2011 Nissan Titan

The 2011 Titan model showcased great reliability through excellent safety ratings, a low number of NHTSA complaints, and just a single official airbag recall being made. It had less than 100 driver complaints reported through the lifespan of the model, making it a pretty safe option considering it’s been out for more than a decade now.

Plus, it earned remarkable ratings and scores on trusted car evaluation sites like Edmunds, hitting a rare 4.7 out of 5 stars for a reliability score.

2020 Nissan Titan

As for the newer generation of Titan models, it’s safe to say that all the models from 2019 onwards are great options. The 2020 one in particular serves as a great reference and a testament to the model’s quality and dependability since it’s been out there for some time now, and yet no severe issues were reported by drivers.

While there have been some rumors of electrical and A/C system issues, it’s still not a done deal as the number of complaints is fairly low. Plus, there have been no reports of engine or transmission problems whatsoever, making this model a perfect pick among more recent Titan pickups.

Looking for a good truck? We’ve looked at what drivers say and the usual problems to show you which trucks are solid and which ones aren’t. Check out our easy reviews on the Ford F-150 years to avoid, Chevy Silverado years to avoid, and Ram 1500 years to avoid to find a great truck without the hassle.