Transmission Assembly for 2010 Nissan Frontier
Product Notes Read before buying
This is a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD, 4x2) transmission. It will NOT fit 4-Wheel Drive (4WD, 4x4) models.
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | Crew Cab Pickup | 2010 | L4 2.5L | RWD | Automatic |
| SE | Extended Cab Pickup | 2010 | L4 2.5L | RWD | Automatic |
| XE | Extended Cab Pickup | 2010 | L4 2.5L | RWD | Automatic |
Know This Transmission Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this transmission family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:
- Verify the 4th digit of the VIN is 'B' or '2' to confirm the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.
- Verify the vehicle is 2WD (RWD) with a single driveshaft and no 4WD selector switch on the dash.
- Locate the metal ID tag on the right rear side of the transmission case and confirm the JATCO model code starts with 97X.
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- Heavy-duty transmission jack
- Extra-long socket extensions (30 inches or more) with universal swivels
- Bi-directional OBD2 scan tool (Nissan Consult II or equivalent)
Budget for these consumables at install:
- Genuine Nissan Matic-S ATF (or certified fully synthetic equivalent like Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF)
- New transmission filter (metal screen) and pan gasket
- Torque converter seal (front pump input shaft seal)
- Professional aerosol transmission line flush (e.g., Lubegard Kooler Kleen)
- New radiator (if original was contaminated by SMOD)
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: Adaptive learning / TCM relearn procedure
sources differ: Arm 1 states no programming is required for this used OEM unit as the TCM already contains factory software, but recommends an adaptive relearn. Arm 2 states programming/relearn is required to clear adaptive memory. Cautious value 'model_dependent' selected; a professional scan tool is highly recommended to perform the adaptive reset to prevent harsh shifting.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- Torque converter must be fully seated (rotated and pushed until it drops/clicks three distinct times) and recessed at least 1 inch (or 25.0 mm) inside the bellhousing face before bolting to the engine to avoid crushing the front pump gear.
- Ensure alignment dowel pins remain in the engine block and are not missing or doubled up.
- The transmission dipstick tube on the 2.5L Frontier is secured to the firewall with a 10mm bolt that must be removed to pull the dipstick.
- Fluid level must be checked with the vehicle level, engine idling at operating temperature (122°F to 176°F), after shifting slowly through all gears.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Ordering for a 4.0L V6 engine model.
- Ordering for a 4WD vehicle.
- Reusing a SMOD-contaminated radiator, which will instantly ruin the replacement transmission.
- Failing to flush the transmission cooler lines before starting the engine.
- Using generic Dexron III or CVT fluid instead of Nissan Matic-S.
- Skipping the TCM adaptive relearn procedure, leading to persistent harsh shifting.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace the radiator with a new unit or install an auxiliary external transmission cooler to bypass the radiator entirely. Flush all lines thoroughly.
🔎 Recommended at install: Repair or replace the internal TCM/lead frame or valve body assembly.
🔎 Recommended at install: Check main electrical connector pins or replace failing internal TCM.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 400-51528-1054442). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2010 Nissan Frontier 2.5L RE5R05A Transmission: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Identify the Jatco RE5R05A, understand the fatal SMOD failure, and learn what to check before buying and installing a used OEM replacement unit.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
5 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
Nissan: 31020-ZL42B, 31020-ZL42C, 31020-ZS16A, 31020-ZS16B, 31020-ZZ74A, 31020-ZZ74B, 31020-ZZ74C, 31020ZZ74B
Other: ZZ74B
Fits Years: 2010
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This unit ships with the selling yard's 120-day warranty. Longer plans can be requested during checkout.
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