2017 Nissan Frontier: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2017 Nissan Frontier shows a low-confidence complaint pattern with 37 total complaints, led by fuel/propulsion system issues. Current data includes 37 complaints, with Fuel/Propulsion System as the top reported area.
2017 Nissan Frontier Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2017 Nissan Frontier trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2017 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested — showing 2017 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
21.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
21.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
NISSAN FRONTIER 2017 has 37 NHTSA complaints, with fuel/propulsion system issues leading at 10 complaints. Electrical faults and transmission problems each account for 6 complaints. One recall is recorded. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Frontier
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 37
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Nissan Frontier Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Fuel/Propulsion System, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Nissan Frontier?
The 2017 Frontier may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the fuel system complaints warrant caution. With low data confidence, buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel system issues can lead to costly repairs and potential safety risks. Electrical and transmission problems also affect reliability and ownership experience.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who need a basic truck and are willing to perform diligent pre-purchase checks.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal maintenance surprises may want to avoid this year due to the fuel system complaint pattern.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Nissan Frontier
Inspection Focus
- Inspect fuel system components for leaks or performance issues.
- Check electrical systems including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and unusual noises.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect fuel/propulsion system for leaks, pressure, and component condition.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Nissan Frontier, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Nissan Frontier has 37 owner complaints and 1 recall. The top concern is the fuel/propulsion system with 10 complaints, followed by electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues (6 each). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2017 Frontier has a moderate complaint count, but data confidence is low, limiting direct comparisons.
Recall context: With only 1 recall, the recall count is low, but buyers should still verify all open recalls are completed before purchase.
- Fuel/Propulsion System accounts for 10 of 37 total complaints.
- Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain each have 6 complaints.
- There are 4 crash-related complaints among the 37 total.
- Fuel/Propulsion System (10 complaints)
- Electrical faults (6 complaints)
- Transmission/drivetrain (6 complaints)
All 2017 Nissan Frontier Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Frontier. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Frontier. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I drive on the highway and my truck stalls out and just shuts off. When I’m driving at slow speeds, it just keeps stalling I lose power and it takes a few tries for it to start again then I have to peel out so it stays started and hope I don’t have to slow down.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 73,471 and at t…
Check engine light came on and when filling with fuel, gas came shooting back out.
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving at 30 MPH or above, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. On a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled and drastically shifted out of gea…
I had a check engine light come on and took it to my mechanic for diagnosis and repair if needed. He diagnosed it as error code P2004. The code indicated a bad runner control valve position sensor. It is located on the end of intake manifold and has two torx screws to remove it…
Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pick…
Fuel tank developed leak at the filler neck connection point. The tank is "plastic". Connection neck is "plastic" but a different color than the tank. (Perhaps dissimilar materials that are somehow fused/bonded together.) Fuel spilled from the tank onto my garage floor initia…
Since buying the vehicle new, the airbag light has been on and off throughout the entire time (The vehicle has never been crashed). I have brought it in to multiple dealerships asking for them to take a look at it and have never gotten much feedback other than them resetting it o…
From the first snow fall in Minnesota, I had to drive very slow, there is no traction, or control of the car. I had 2 spin outs, and one person hit me. I do not feel safe in this car, but you won't trade it in for me. I fear for my life, driving in Minnesota winter. The wheels ju…
Hit a cement barrier going 60 mph at a 45 degree angle on the passenger side and only the passenger side curtain airbag deployed.
There was a coolant leak. It was leaking from head gasket. When it was being rebuilt there were two head bolts stripped. The truck only has 58,000 miles. We were told that the engin isn't covered by the warranty.
The two square head carriage bolts that secure the roof clamp to the rack were poor quality. The heads sheared off which cause the roof rack to rip off from the top of the truck and fly into traffic on the freeway. The items being held by the rack did not exceed the 150 lb limit.…
As I was driving my truck this morning it stalled on me, two times. The first time I was able to turn the key off and back on again and it started right up. I then drove it about 20 yards (luckily I was in a parking lot) and it stalled again but this time the dash lights remain…
When I got in my truck yesterday some of the dash warning lights were on and the digital mileage was showing up. This is all without a key in the ignition. I could start it but it cranked a bit. So I opened the hood to disconnect the battery and I could hear that the engine wa…
AIRBAG LIGHT ON, COMPETITOR (MAZDA) DEALER STATED THAT AIR BAG MODULE NEEDS REPLACING ESTIMATED COST $2500. ALSO WHEN 4X4 IS ENGAGED IT'S REALLY HARD TO DO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, w…
FUMES AND ODOR ENTERING CABIN EXTREME AT TIMES GET DIZZY DRIVING WHEN FUMES ENTER THE CABIN I HAVE TO PULLOVER. TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD RETURN TO DEALER PROBLEM UNRESOLVED WAS TOLD TO CHANGE CABIN FILTER CHANGE PROBLEM PERSIST UNTIL TODAY. VEHICLE BOUGHT NEW. PROBLEM IS WHILE DR…
THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS FLASHING AND DOES NOT TURN OFF ON THE TRUCK. I DROVE THE TRUCK WITH MY FRIEND AND WE WERE BOTH IN OUR SEAT BELTS, FOR AN ENTIRE 1 HOUR RIDE THE LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AS SOON AS I START THE TRUCK NOW AND DOES NOT SHUT OFF UNLE…
WHEN IT RAINS OR SNOWS, THE FUEL FILL OVERFLOW VALVE STOPS WORKING CORRECTLY AND FUEL SPITS RIGHT BACK OUT WHEN TRYING TO FILL WITH FUEL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING IN RAIN OR SNOW. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STARTED TO LEAK FUEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS TO INDICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SAFELY PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED.…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Nissan Frontier.
2017 Nissan Frontier Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Nissan Frontier. With only 1 recall, the recall count is low, but buyers should still verify all open recalls are completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Nissan Frontier Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Nissan Frontier reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 37 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Frontier may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the fuel system complaints warrant caution. With low data confidence, buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Frontier?▾
#1: Fuel/Propulsion System (10 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Nissan Frontier?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Nissan Frontier?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Nissan Frontier, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 37 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Nissan Frontier. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. With only 1 recall, the recall count is low, but buyers should still verify all open recalls are completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Nissan Frontier?▾
The 2017 Frontier may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the fuel system complaints warrant caution. With low data confidence, buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Fuel system issues can lead to costly repairs and potential safety risks. Electrical and transmission problems also affect reliability and ownership experience. Pay extra attention to Fuel/Propulsion System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Frontier reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Nissan Frontier based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.