VinSpectorAI Logo
HomeHow It Works Pricing Vehicle StatsBlog Garage VIN Search Inspection Guide
LoginDemo
Vehicle Stats/Nissan/Frontier Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Jul 2026Methodology

Nissan Frontier Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 447 complaints and 22 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Nissan Frontier options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

447
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
22
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
31
Crash-Related
crash complaints
11
Fire-Related
fire complaints
12
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2017–2026

Free VIN check

Found a Nissan Frontier? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Nissan Frontier has 447 owner complaints and 22 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2022 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.

Nissan Frontier — key reliability facts
Make
Nissan
Model
Frontier
Model years analyzed
2017–2026 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
447
Safety recall campaigns
22
Crash-related complaints
31
Fire-related complaints
11
Worst model year (by complaints)
2022 (110 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2025 (7 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Jul 28, 2026
This Frontier has 22 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Nissan Frontier: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2022110 complaints202046 complaints201738 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20257 complaints202117 complaints201825 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2022 Nissan Frontier? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The NISSAN FRONTIER has 447 NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls on record. 31 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 447 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 22 federal recall campaigns
  • 31 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2017
38
2018
25
2019
28
2020
46
2021
17
2022
110
2024
36
2025
7

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

22 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#25V508000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWAREJuly 8, 2025
Safety recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

#25V324000BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWAREApril 6, 2025
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#24V582000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSJune 8, 2024
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#22V671000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONJuly 9, 2022
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#22V671000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONJuly 9, 2022
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

#21V958000SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERSSeptember 12, 2021
Safety recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

#19V654000BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERADecember 9, 2019
Safety recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

#19V654000BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERADecember 9, 2019
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#22V457000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

#26V023000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#18V551000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#18V551000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety recall

TRAILER HITCHES

#21V917000TRAILER HITCHES
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#22V457000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Safety recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

#22V527000BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Safety recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

#22V772000BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

#26V023000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#24V154000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

#24V479000SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#22V457000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 447 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM116 complaints
02
POWER TRAIN106 complaints
03
SERVICE BRAKES78 complaints
04
UNKNOWN OR OTHER66 complaints
05
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE62 complaints
06
ENGINE54 complaints
07
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL37 complaints
08
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM23 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

447 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMOct 2025

I [XXX] PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM DAYTONA, NISSAN ON [XXX] ON THE MORNING OF [XXX], THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. AND WAS FLASHING. I TOOK VIDEOS OF ALL THE DIFFERENT OCCURRENCES.I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TALKED TO THE SALESMAN THAT SOLD IT TO US.HIS NAME WAS SIMON.AND HE BROUGHT US IN, AND WE WERE TALKING TO A MANAGER THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND TRY TO RESET IT AS WE WERE LEAVING, THE SALESMAN WALKED US OUT.WHEN WE FIRED UP THE VEHICLE, THE WHOLE DASH FLASHED AND WENT BLACK IN FRONT OF THE SALESMAN.A DAY LATER, WE BROKE DOWN IN THE TRUCK AND HAD TO BE JUMPED.WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY PUT A NEW BATTERY IN AND A COUPLE DAYS LATER, IT CAME ON AGAIN.BUT TOOK IT IN AGAIN, AND THEY PUT US IN A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK THEY TOLD US WHEN WE GOT THE TRUCK BACK THAT THEY CHANGED A AIRBAG SENSOR AND THEN A COUPLE WEEKS LATER, MY SON WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON HIM WHILE DRIVING IT TOOK HIM 4X TO FIRE IT BACK UP. WHEN IT DID FIRE BACK UP, IT WOULD ONLY GO 7 MILE AN HOUR. AND IT WAS JERKING FORWARD. HE TOOK IT DIRECTLY TO NISSAN. THEY RAN SOME DIAGNOSTIC ON IT. AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AGAIN, BUT THEY COULDN'T SEE IT. DO IT AGAIN. SO ON [XXX] THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON. AND FINALLY ON SEPTEMBER 11TH WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY PUT US IN A RENTAL CAR. AND THE MECHANIC TOLD US THAT HE THINKS THAT IT POSSIBLY COULD BE THE INDICATOR LIGHT. THE PARTS MANAGER AT DAYTONA NISSAN SAID HE'S LOOKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THEY SAID THAT THE PART THAT WE NEED IS ON. INDEFINITE, BACK ORDER AND PROBABLY WON'T GET IT. WE HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE TO TRY TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION HER NAMED IS BHAVIKA PHONE NUMBER 888-800-5139 EXT 7320456 CASE # [XXX] SHE SAYS THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE I'M HAVING TO PAY $820 A MONTH FOR A VEHICLE THAT'S UNSAFE AND NOT IN MY POSSESSION. PLEASE HELP ME! THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME ALSO TO FULL TANK 200 MILES AND AC WHISTLES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGSJul 2025

When someone is sitting in passenger seat the light for their airbag blinks, is on or off. So we are unsure if the airbag would in fact deploy if we were to be in a collision.

POWER TRAINFeb 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module error. The contact was informed by the mechanic to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,172.

UNKNOWN OR OTHEROct 2024

Recall R22A1 has not been repaired by the dealership. Riverside Nissan in Rome, GA held the truck for twelve (12) weeks and was unable to repair the truck. They claim the part is not available. Another repair was subsequently requested at Town Center Nissan in Kennesaw, GA. They initially reported they could get the part within two weeks but now state the part is backordered and unavailable. Vehicle is undrivable without repair.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAug 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which, upon pressing the Push to Start button the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAug 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. After several attempts, the contact was able to start the vehicle, after which the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that when the failure occurred, the exterior lights would not function properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake light switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.

Read 14 more owner reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJul 2023

I purchased a 2021 certified preowned Nissan frontier with 21k miles and was promised it had passed a 167 point inspection and came with limited 7 year 100k power train warranty. This is addition to the factory warranty 3 year 36k and 5 year 60k mile that is still in effect. the truck has had to have several repairs upon purchasing. This includes AC line flushed because it was sloshing in the dash. A leaf in the right blower motor. And now my truck has been ins hop two weeks. Initially diagnosed as a bolt missing was causing a rattling in the dash . They said the dash would have to be broken down to find it and fix it. I ask them how they really know if they have to break down the dash. I had to get consumer affairs involved with Nissan because dealer said I would have to pay for the repair even though it is still under factory warranty and it was sold certified which means it was fully inspected for defects. A week and half later I was texted that it was a broken crash bar weld in dash. When the service tech called me and I raised safety concerns given it was broke after 27k miles. And he said it was not a major part of car and it is a bar that the dash attaches to and the steering column. But it wasn’t a major repair or concern. An additional question is what other wells were poorly done during production. Consumer affairs initially opened a case for replacement or buyback. But was denied when reviewed at corporate level. I appealed the decision. The truck is still in shop as I fear to drive a truck thats welds are breaking on crash bar at 27k miles. I have a young daughter that I travel long distances with every few weeks. The only way we know if a repair works is if we’re in a wreck. It is a little late at that point. Especially when service tech minimizes it purpose or the safety implications.

POWER TRAINJun 2023

The Vehicle hesitates when taking of from a stand still of from switching lanes from a stop. The Transmission is trying to switch from a stop causing the Vehicle to have no power of RPM's on the Torque Converter. Very Dangerous. Has almost caused me to have a wreck several times. Have taken the Vehicle to the Nissan Dealership 2 times . Dealership said there was a problem and Nissan has had other complaints but their Engineers does not have a fix. The first time at the Dealership they reprogramed the Transmission . Said that would fix it. The Reprogram was a Recall. Did not fix the issue. Today 06/27/2023 The said there was some complaints in Nissan's data the same as mine. Tech said he test a 2023 Nissan with same transmission ant they mine and it shifted the same. Told them they crazy my is a 2021 2 wheel drive , the one the test drove was 2023 4 wheel drive. Totally different.

POWER TRAINMay 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V457000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINEMar 2023

Numerous complaints of problems with bad/defective engine mounts .

POWER TRAINMar 2023

I brought my truck in for service on 3/10/23 and they preformed the recall for the transmission. This involved reprogramming no parts were available yet. On my trip home from the shop I noticed right away my fuel economy went from 21MPG to 18 MPG (same roads I always drive) and I have been having a warning light come on after I let and it has came on and off twice. I worry about what would make such a drastic change and what is it doing to my transmission. I have notified the dealer but they are not open till Monday. I do not want my private information shared. I do not know if this is a normal or common problem

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSep 2022

Transmission in Park Nissan sent notice truck could roll away. Radio turns self on and off 2-3 times after starting vehicle no lights or messages show up Cell phone bluetooth won't work

SEAT BELTS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJul 2022

have gone to Nissan for excessive rattle noise in passenger footwell would sound louder as i gave it gas they concluded that the heater core bracket was loose and tighten but sound did no go away took it in again heater core bracket not good would need to replace so had to take it in third time for same heater core issue eventually they replaced heater core but still have problems with the air was taken to Nissan over 7 times for climate problems. it was not equal driver side blew hotter than the that passenger side eventually it stop blowing air through front vents only the defrost vent works seat adjusting bracket did not lock in place when coming to a stop the passenger seat would slide forward defective Nissan replaced --few month later passenger seatbelt tensioner went bad check engine error code took it to Nissan was replaced by Nissan Nissan service mechanics driving car with defective seatbelt that no issue until part came in same with bracket i had to take them on a ride they kept saying they cant recreate problem as far as climate its been a heat wave over 98 degrees outside and I'm having to drive in a hot car these problems have been since first day i drove car home I've been to service center over 12 times don't feel safe with vehicle i have spoken to Nissan arbitration dept enter Jessica Willis car currently has no air and they are aware of my situation and the heat wave that im having to deal with

TIRESApr 2022

Sidewall failed at 70MPH on I-40 Westbound causing immediate deflation of the tire almost causing loss of vehicle control. The problem has NOT been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has NOT been inspected by any police or manufacturer. The low tire warning lamp illuminated seconds after said blowout. HANCOOK DYNAPRO AT M P265/75R16

AIR BAGSNov 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated and was flashing. The contact continued driving to his residence. The following day the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be inspected. The mechanic found and tightened a loose wire to fix the failure however, several days later the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer who reset the air bag sensor to clear the code. The contact was concerned that the failure would recur. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEOct 2021

My husband and I bought a new truck. My husband pulled the truck into our garage, once in the garage the back tires started to spin out of control, he looked down and saw he had his foot on the brake only, but truck surged forward causing no injuries but have minor truck and property damage. Have a picture of where there is stationary tire marks on our epoxy garage floor showing the black tire marks of the tires spinning out of control just before the truck surged forward. After this incident we found articles about sudden unintended acceleration which we feel is what happened to my husband. The dealership we bought the vehicle from has been derogatory from the start of this incident. We have contacted several attorneys to only be turned down saying we don’t have a case because my husband wasn’t injured (thank God). We waived the manufacturer arbitration and found only one attorney who took us through pre-litigation but then discharged us after getting the denial letter from the manufacturer, telling us to get a second opinion. We're at a crossroads and don't know what to do at this point. Morally, would it be right to trade in what we feel is a dangerously defective new vehicle? For that is the crossroads we stand at, either pursuing a civil lawsuit or trading it in. The truck was inspected once by the manufacturer and once by the dealership where we bought it. We are currently asking the dealership’s garage to further check the electronic throttle-control and brake override system on this truck. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMAug 2021

Descending my driveway which is an approximately 15 degree slope with the transmission selected to remain in 1st gear, and approximately one third of a tank of fuel or less remaining in the fuel tank the engine seems to momentarily cut out as the vehicle feels like the transmission is in neutral, but the tachometer indicates the engine is running. When this occurs the MIL comes on along with the check AT light. Stopping the vehicle and restarting the vehicle clears the Check AT light, but it takes several drive cycles to clear the MIL light. This has happened on two occasions. After the first occurrence the dealer checked for any locked in codes, but none were present. Since the MIL only stays locked in for a limited time it appears that the on board diagnostics are not storing codes due to it being a momentary issue.

BACK OVER PREVENTIONApr 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was blank. The failure reoccurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V324000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

SERVICE BRAKESMar 2026

At around 9000 miles, the dealership had to replace the front rotors and brakes due to rotors cracking and warping. Now at 22,000 miles I’m having the same issue and I only do normal driving. There is obviously something wrong with the breaking system in the front of this vehicle. when I press the brakes, the steering wheel shakes.

POWER TRAINJan 2026

Transmission down shifts hard sometimes. Notice more when coming off highway and making exits slowing down.

Showing 20 of 447 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Nissan Frontier

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Nissan Frontier, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Nissan Frontier has 447 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Nissan Frontier has 22 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 31 of the Nissan Frontier's 447 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Nissan Frontier vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Nissan Frontier vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Nissan Frontier has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

Compare

Buyers also compare

How does the Nissan Frontier stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.

Toyota Camry reliability Ford F 150 reliability Chevrolet Silverado reliability
Nissan Frontier vs Toyota CamryNissan Frontier vs Ford F 150Nissan Frontier vs Chevrolet Silverado

Explore

Other Nissan models

Compare vs Honda Accord
Nissan AltimaNissan RogueNissan SentraNissan MaximaNissan PathfinderAll Nissan Models

By state

Check a Nissan Frontier by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Nissan Frontier.

VIN check in CaliforniaVIN check in TexasVIN check in FloridaVIN check in New YorkVIN check in PennsylvaniaVIN check in IllinoisVIN check in OhioVIN check in GeorgiaFree VIN check

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

All Nissan reliability statsSafest car brandsBest value carsMost accident-prone carsVIN check by stateAll vehicle stats

Nissan Frontier reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Nissan Frontier reliable?

Poor. The Nissan Frontier has 447 NHTSA owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Nissan Frontier years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2022 (110 complaints), 2020 (46 complaints), 2017 (38 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Nissan Frontier problems?

Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (116 complaints); POWER TRAIN (106 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (78 complaints).

Does the Nissan Frontier have recalls?

Yes — 22 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Nissan Frontier. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

VinSpectorAI

The world's most advanced AI-powered vehicle history platform. Comprehensive insights, fraud detection, and smart analysis for any vehicle.

5M+
Reports
50+
Brands
AI
Powered
Check Any VIN Free
Product
  • Free VIN Check
  • Free Recall Check
  • VIN Search
  • VIN Search by State
  • Vehicle Reliability Stats
  • AI Analysis
  • Pricing
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Affiliate Program
Support
  • FAQ
Legal
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy

© 2026 VinSpectorAI. All rights reserved.

contact@vinspectorai.com
Made with for car enthusiasts