Last updated: 2026-10-10

Nissan Frontier

Nissan Frontier Years to Avoid

7 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 80/100

No Frontier year falls clearly below the rest. The years differ mainly in power train complaints, which cluster in 2020 and 2019, and in recall counts, which are highest in 2024. The 2021 model year is the one to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2021 84/100
Model average
80/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Nissan Frontier Problems?

POWER TRAIN

21 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2024

2020: Trucks roll away with the shifter in Park.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Battery drain and electrical glitches lead this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

10 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2024

2019: A soft, mushy pedal with too much travel and weak stopping in an emergency is the main complaint.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: The heater blows cold air at idle and only warms up once the truck is moving.

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018

2019: A flashing airbag warning light is the most common problem, reported at 45,000 and 56,000 miles.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2018

2024: The throttle can lag when pulling away from a stop.

Best Nissan Frontier Year to Buy Instead

84
ExcellentReliability score: 84 out of 100, rated Excellent

2021 Nissan Frontier

The 2021 model year has no owner complaints and no recalls on file. By comparison, 2020 has 10 power train complaints, 2019 includes two fire reports, and 2024 has three recalls. Unlike the newest years, 2021 has also had time to build a record.

Score: 84/100 (Excellent)0 recalls0 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2021 Nissan Frontier has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Nissan Frontier Years by Generation

Nissan Frontier Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nissan Frontier years should I avoid?
None clearly. No model year falls well below the Frontier's own average, and every year with data rates good or excellent. Differences between years are small, so pick by condition and history, with 2021 as the preferred year.
Which Nissan Frontier years have the most power train problems?
The 2020 model year has the most power train complaints at 10, followed by 2019 with six and 2024 with three. The shared symptom is a sudden loss of acceleration. The data does not single out the transmission as the cause.
Which Nissan Frontier years have the most recalls?
The 2024 model year has the most, with three recalls. The 2018 and 2020 years each have two, and 2019 and 2026 each have one. The 2021 and 2025 years have none on file. The data here does not say what each recall covered.
Is a 2025 or 2026 Nissan Frontier a good used buy?
It is too early to say. The 2025 year rates excellent with no complaints, but that mostly reflects little time on the road. The 2026 year rates good with two complaints. Neither has enough history to favor over 2021.
Should I worry about the fire reports on the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
The 2019 model year has two fire reports, so ask about them. It also has one recall, and the data does not tie the two together. Overall it rates excellent for reliability, but request service history before buying one.

How we score every Nissan Frontier model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

See incorrect data? Report an issue