Reliability
Nissan

Frontier (D40)

2005-2021 · Midsize Truck · 2 engines
2,332 NHTSA Complaints
22 Recalls
20 Fire Reports
63 Crash Reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
FRONTIERFRONTIER CREW CABFRONTIER KING CAB
View all 3 generations of the Nissan Frontier → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

3.0 / 10

Reliability score

Many more owner complaints than similar midsize trucks

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Complaints of oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating run well above similar vehicles. They set this score.

Owners filed 1,686 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize truck fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 665.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.8 points better in the typical case.

Most of the complaints came before 2023.

Breakdown
Complaints overall1,686 complaints against about 665 for similar vehicles
4.3
Last three years38 complaints against about 127 for similar vehicles
9.1
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced372 complaints against about 104 for similar vehicles
3.4
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating108 complaints against about 22 for similar vehicles
2.9

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20051.7
  • 20061.8
  • 20071.8
  • 20084.5
  • 20096.9
  • 20107.5
  • 20118.2
  • 20128.1
  • 20138.7
  • 20148.9
  • 20159.1
  • 20169.0
  • 20178.4
  • 20189.2
  • 20199.3
  • 20206.5
  • 20216.4

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record · from NHTSA's files, not reviewed by hand

Recall10V517
Engine And Engine Cooling · 128,982 vehicles (13% of those built)

Complaints by Engine Code

Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

VG30

3.0L 6-cyl
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
steering
1
fuel system
1

Same engine used in

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Frontier, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Transmission: 859 owner complaints
Fuel System: 664 owner complaints
Engine: 565 owner complaints
Cooling System: 256 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 236 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier

On a used 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (859), the fuel system (664) and the engine (565). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 859 owner complaints on the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier about the transmission and drivetrain.
  2. Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 664 owner complaints on the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier about the fuel system.
  3. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 565 owner complaints on the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier about the engine.
  4. With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 256 owner complaints on the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier about the cooling system.
  5. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 236 owner complaints on the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier

Recalls (22)

23V067000Feb 10, 2023serious
Air Bags

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

22V671000Sep 7, 2022serious
Powertrain

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.

22V457000Jun 24, 2022serious
Powertrain

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.

19V654000Sep 12, 2019serious
Back Over Prevention

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

18V551000Aug 22, 2018serious
Electrical System

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Show 17 older recalls
16V181000Mar 31, 2016serious
Electrical System

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016 Frontier V6 vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to March 7, 2016. The starter motor wire harness may have been installed in an incorrect position, allowing the starter harness terminal to contact the heat shield and result in an electrical short.

14V418000Jul 10, 2014serious
Seat Belts

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Frontier Crew Cab vehicles manufactured June 11, 2014 to June 26, 2014. The affected vehicles were manufactured with an out of specification anchor nut installed on the weld nut plate where the rear seat belt anchor is attached. The seat belt anchor bolt may not be attached as designed.

14V052000Feb 12, 2014serious
Electrical System

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.

12V462000Sep 20, 2012serious
Suspension

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. A wheel hub that was manufactured below hardness specification may wear prematurely and eventually crack.

11V592000Dec 19, 2011serious
Engine & Cooling

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 INFINITI FX, MODEL YEAR 2012 INFINITI M, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN FRONTIER, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN XTERRA, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE ENGINE OIL FILTER TO THE ENGINE IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO BELOW SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.

10V517000Oct 28, 2010serious
Engine & Cooling

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES. THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) RELAY THAT HAS A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE DIODE MOLDING WHICH CAUSES SILICON OXIDE TO DEVELOP ON THE ECM RELAY CONTACT DUE TO ARCING.

10V401000Sep 10, 2010serious
Equipment

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

10E043000Sep 3, 2010serious
Equipment

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

10V372000Aug 12, 2010serious
Child Seat

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 NISSAN FRONTIER KING CAB VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 10, 2010 THROUGH JUNE 26, 2010. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE WELD BETWEEN THE TETHER ANCHOR AND THE SEAT GUSSET BRACKET IS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, AND BASED ON NISSAN'S ENGINEERING JUDGMENT, THE TETHER ANCHOR COULD SEPARATE FROM THE SEAT WHEN TESTED UNDER THE CONDITIONS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

10E019000May 20, 2010serious
Suspension

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

10V208000May 14, 2010serious
Suspension

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, QX56, FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2010. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

10V075000Mar 3, 2010serious
Fuel System

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.

08V690000Dec 29, 2008serious
Air Bags

NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.

08V045000Jan 25, 2008cosmetic
Equipment

NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.' THE TIRE PLACARD LISTS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

07E046000Jul 3, 2007serious
Equipment

CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING OF WIRES BETWEEN THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER AND THE TOWING VEHICLE WIRING SYSTEM.

06E064000Jul 17, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06V092000Mar 30, 2006serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Midsize Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier complaints?

Owners have filed 2,332 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the fuel system and the engine.

Is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,332 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier have?

NHTSA has 2,332 owner complaints on file for the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier?

NHTSA lists 22 recalls covering some 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Nissan Frontier?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the fuel system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Frontier?

The 2021 Nissan Frontier received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 3 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,332 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver