Nissan Frontier: In case of emergency - Towing your vehicle

Basic information

When towing your Nissan Frontier, always follow all local, regional, and jurisdictional towing regulations. Using incorrect towing equipment or improper towing methods can seriously damage the vehicle. Detailed towing guidance is available from a NISSAN dealer, and professional towing operators are usually familiar with the legal requirements and correct procedures for safe vehicle recovery. To help prevent accidental damage to the Nissan Frontier, NISSAN recommends having the vehicle towed by a qualified service operator. The towing operator should carefully review the following precautions before moving the vehicle:

WARNING

• Never ride inside the Nissan Frontier while it is being towed.
• Never get under the vehicle after it has been raised or lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

• Before towing, make sure the transmission, axles, steering system, and powertrain are in proper working condition.

  If any of these systems are damaged, not operating correctly, or cannot be confirmed as functional, use towing dollies or a flatbed truck to avoid further damage.

• Always attach safety chains securely before towing the Nissan Frontier.

Towing recommended by NISSAN

Basic information

NISSAN recommends towing the Nissan Frontier according to its drivetrain configuration. Because towing requirements differ between 4WD and 2WD models, always refer to the diagrams in this section and confirm that the correct method is used before the vehicle is moved.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models with automatic transmission

For Nissan Frontier Four-Wheel Drive models equipped with an automatic transmission, NISSAN recommends using towing dollies or transporting the vehicle on a flatbed truck, as shown in the illustration.

CAUTION

Never tow 4WD Nissan Frontier models equipped with an automatic transmission with any wheels on the ground. Doing so may cause serious and expensive damage to the transfer case, transmission, and related drivetrain components.

NOTE:

If the battery is completely discharged, the transmission may not be shifted manually into other positions.

Two-Wheel Drive models with automatic transmission

For Two-Wheel Drive Nissan Frontier models equipped with an automatic transmission, NISSAN recommends towing the vehicle with the driving rear wheels lifted off the ground, or transporting the entire vehicle on a flatbed truck, as shown in the illustration.

CAUTION

• Never tow automatic transmission models with the rear wheels on the ground or with all four wheels on the ground, whether facing forward or backward. This can cause serious and costly transmission damage. If the Nissan Frontier must be towed with the front wheels raised, always place towing dollies under the rear wheels.
• When towing automatic transmission models with the front wheels on the ground or positioned on towing dollies:
  • Place the ignition switch in the OFF position and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position using a rope or similar suitable device.

  Never secure the steering wheel by placing the ignition switch in the LOCK position. On Nissan Frontier models equipped with a steering lock mechanism, doing so may damage the steering lock system and affect proper vehicle operation.

NOTE:

If the battery is completely discharged, the transmission may not be shifted manually into other positions. In this condition, additional service assistance may be required before the Nissan Frontier can be moved or towed correctly.

Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle)

Basic information

When the Nissan Frontier becomes stuck in sand, snow, mud, loose gravel, or another low-traction surface, there are two general recovery methods: pulling the vehicle out or carefully rocking it free. Both procedures require caution, proper equipment, and a clear understanding of the risks involved. For additional guidance, review the following sections before attempting recovery.

Pulling a stuck vehicle

WARNING

To help prevent vehicle damage, serious personal injury, or death while recovering a stuck Nissan Frontier, follow these precautions carefully:

• Contact a professional towing or recovery service if you are unsure about the correct recovery procedure or if the vehicle is deeply stuck.
• Attach recovery equipment only to the main structural members of the vehicle or to the recovery hooks, if equipped.
• Do not use the vehicle tie-down points to tow the Nissan Frontier or to pull it free from a stuck position.
• Use only equipment specifically designed for vehicle recovery, such as an appropriate recovery strap or tow strap, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always pull the recovery device straight out from the front of the vehicle.

  Never pull at an angle, because angled pulling can damage the vehicle structure, recovery points, or surrounding components.

• Route all recovery devices so they do not contact any part of the Nissan Frontier other than the approved attachment point.

If your Nissan Frontier is stuck in sand, snow, mud, or similar terrain, use a tow strap or another recovery device that is specifically designed for vehicle recovery. Always follow the recovery equipment manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid sudden jerks or unsafe pulling angles that could damage the vehicle or cause the strap to fail.

Rocking a stuck vehicle

WARNING

• Stand clear of a stuck Nissan Frontier during any recovery attempt. Vehicle movement, flying debris, or failed recovery equipment can cause serious injury.
• Do not spin the tires at high speed.

  Excessive wheel spin can cause the tires to overheat or burst, which may result in serious injury. Drivetrain components, brakes, and other parts of the vehicle may also overheat or become damaged.

If your Nissan Frontier is stuck in sand, snow, mud, or another soft surface, use the following procedure with care:

1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to allow controlled wheel movement during the recovery attempt.

2. Make sure the area in front of and behind the vehicle is clear of people, obstacles, rocks, traffic, and any objects that could interfere with movement.

3. Turn the steering wheel left and right to help clear space around the front tires and create a path for traction.

4. Slowly rock the Nissan Frontier forward and backward using gentle throttle input.

• Shift carefully between R (Reverse) and D (Drive).
• Apply only enough accelerator pressure to maintain a smooth rocking motion.
• Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R (Reverse) and D (Drive).
• Do not spin the tires above 34 mph (55 km/h).

5. If the vehicle does not become free after a few careful attempts, stop trying and contact a professional towing or recovery service.

Repeated aggressive attempts can dig the Nissan Frontier deeper into the surface, overheat the drivetrain, damage tires, or create an unsafe recovery situation. Professional assistance is the safest option when traction cannot be restored quickly.