Nissan Frontier years to avoid and best years
Newer Nissan Frontier years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2022 has the most complaints per year, at 29 (111 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 2 (from 28 complaints), 2018 at 4 (from 25 complaints), and 2015 at 5 (from 33 complaints). The Nissan Frontier 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2022 Nissan Frontier, 14 of 111 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2019
2018
2015
2025–26
Nissan Frontier reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Nissan Frontier. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 19.3 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 19.3 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 20 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 19.5 |
| 2022 → Most | 29 | 111 | 6 | Powertrain | 19.5 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 19.5 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 19.5 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 2 | 28 | 1 | Powertrain | 18.5 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 4 | 25 | 2 | Electrical system | 18.5 |
| 2017 → | 6 | 38 | 1 | Fuel and propulsion system | 18.5 |
| 2016 → | 6 | 43 | 1 | Air bags | 18.7 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 5 | 33 | 0 | Air bags | 18.7 |
| 2014 → | 5 | 42 | 2 | Air bags | 18.7 |
| 2013 → | 7 | 48 | 1 | Air bags | 18.7 |
| 2012 → | 6 | 78 | 3 | Air bags | 17.8 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Pickup
- Oil
- 5W-30 (4.0L V6); 0W-20 or 5W-30 (2.5L 4-cyl per manual) · 5.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 265/70R16 to 265/60R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 16V181000. 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. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the starter wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
- Body styles
- Pickup
- Oil
- 0W-20 (3.8L V6) · 5.3 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 265/70R16 to 265/60R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 23V273000. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Titan and Frontier vehicles. The tires may have a tear in the inner bead which can cause a rapid loss of tire pressure. A rapid loss of tire pressure while driving can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace all four road tires, or inspect and replace the spare tire assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC973 and PC974.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Frontier years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 2 (from 28 complaints), 2018 at 4 (from 25 complaints), and 2015 at 5 (from 33 complaints).
Which Nissan Frontier year has the most owner complaints?
2022 has the most complaints per year, at 29 (111 complaints). On the 2022 Nissan Frontier, 14 of 111 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Nissan Frontier owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Nissan Frontier years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Nissan Frontier years are too early to compare?
The Nissan Frontier 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Nissan Frontier take?
D40 (through 2021): 5W-30 for the 4.0L V6. D41 (2022+): 0W-20 for the 3.8L V6 (about 5.3 qt with filter).
Does NHTSA campaign 23V273000 cover the Nissan Frontier?
It covers certain 2023 Frontier and Titan vehicles: tires may have a tear in the inner bead that can cause rapid pressure loss; dealers replace affected tires.
What generation is the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
D40 generation (2012-2021 in the years this site tracks). The D41 redesign starts in 2022.