2021 Nissan Frontier: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2021 Nissan Frontier has 17 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls, with electrical and transmission issues being the top concerns. Current data includes 17 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2021 Nissan Frontier Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2021 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. 2 trims analysed.
NISSAN FRONTIER 2021 has 17 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Top issues include electrical faults (4) and transmission problems (4). Airbag and fuel system complaints each total 3. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Frontier
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 17
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
Most Common 2021 Nissan Frontier Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Nissan Frontier?
The 2021 Frontier may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the low complaint count limits reliability conclusions. Pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical and transmission components is recommended.
Electrical and transmission issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making it important to check these systems before buying.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize a traditional midsize truck and are willing to perform thorough pre-purchase checks.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability with minimal risk may want to consider other model years with fewer reported issues.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Nissan Frontier
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical system for faults, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Check transmission for smooth shifting and any signs of slipping or leaks.
- Verify airbag system functionality and recall status.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for electrical system faults, including battery and alternator.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect airbag system and fuel system.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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 2021 Nissan Frontier shows a low number of total complaints (17) and recalls (2), but the confidence level is low due to the small sample size. Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues each account for 4 complaints, while airbag malfunctions and fuel/propulsion system problems each have 3 complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2021 Frontier has a low complaint count, but data is insufficient to rank it definitively.
Recall context: Two recalls indicate that some vehicles may have unresolved safety issues, so verifying recall completion is essential.
- Electrical faults account for 4 complaints, the highest count alongside transmission issues.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems also total 4 complaints, tied for most frequent.
- Airbag malfunctions and fuel/propulsion system issues each have 3 complaints.
- Electrical Faults (4 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (4 complaints)
- Airbag Malfunctions (3 complaints)
All 2021 Nissan Frontier Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Frontier. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 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 2021 Nissan Frontier. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 B…
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.
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 c…
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 …
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 but…
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…
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. th…
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.…
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 re…
Numerous complaints of problems with bad/defective engine mounts .
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…
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
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 tak…
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…
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 ti…
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 prop…
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 transmissi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Frontier.
2021 Nissan Frontier Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Nissan Frontier. Two recalls indicate that some vehicles may have unresolved safety issues, so verifying recall completion is essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Nissan Frontier Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 17 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Frontier may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the low complaint count limits reliability conclusions. Pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical and transmission components is recommended. 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 2021 Nissan Frontier?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (4 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (4 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Nissan Frontier?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Nissan Frontier?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Nissan Frontier, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 17 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Nissan Frontier. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Two recalls indicate that some vehicles may have unresolved safety issues, so verifying recall completion is essential. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Frontier?▾
The 2021 Frontier may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the low complaint count limits reliability conclusions. Pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical and transmission components is recommended. Electrical and transmission issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making it important to check these systems before buying. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults 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 2021 Nissan Frontier based on your ownership experience.
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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.