Avoid: 2023, 2022, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2018
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 29 model years, the Nissan Frontier has 5,469 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 104 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and fuel system. 2006 drew the most complaints (1,234), 2018 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (25).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Nissan Frontier vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $13,127–$32,339.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2023 | 132 |
| 2022 | 111 |
| 2021 | 38 |
| 2020 | 46 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2016 | 43 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2013 | 48 |
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2011 | 64 |
| 2010 | 118 |
| 2009 | 74 |
| 2008 | 272 |
| 2007 | 1,040 |
| 2006 | 1,234 |
| 2005 | 1,064 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2003 | 77 |
| 2002 | 139 |
| 2001 | 145 |
| 2000 | 210 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 1998 | 135 |
Highest: 2006 (1,234 complaints). Lowest: 2018 (25).
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation and is generally positive for well-maintained, post-2010 models.
Catastrophic failure specific to 2005-2010 models with automatic transmissions.
Noted on newer models (2022+), where the first inch of pedal travel does very little.
Specifically attributed to the Bilstein dampers on Pro-4X models (2022+).
Cited as a significant drawback for parking and maneuverability.
Dash and interior rattles develop, making the truck feel older than its mileage.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Frontier. Individual model years are broken down above.
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