A Hidden Failure in the Nissan Frontier V6 Could Turn a Small Issue Into Engine Damage

The Reliable V6 That Might Not Be BulletproofSince 2020, the Nissan Frontier has been offered with just one engine: the 3.8-liter VQ38DD. It checks a lot of boxes for buyers looking for a no-nonsense V6, free from complexity and rooted in the well-established VQ family. With 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, it’s competitive for the segment and keeps things refreshingly simple.The VQ38DD brings a familiar formula: all-aluminum construction, direct injection, dual overhead cams, and electronically controlled variable valve timing. It’s widely regarded as one of the more robust engines in its class, with many expecting it to easily reach 200,000 miles or more with proper care.But as with most engines known for reliability, there’s often more to the story. A recent teardown by I Do Cars uncovered a potential weak spot that could turn a mino …