Photo: Autosdeprimera / CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2021 Nissan Frontier: common problems and reliability
An average Frontier year.
38 owner complaints, most about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Frontier?The 2021 Nissan Frontier has 38 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag timing chain/guide complaints (2005+ models): mentioned as a potential maintenance item.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Nissan Frontier vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Frontier years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Frontier?
Across the 29 Frontier model years we track, complaint volume runs from 25 (2018) to 1,234 (2006). With 38 complaints, the 2021 Frontier sits below the model's median of 74.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Frontier
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 22V457000Nissan 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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 22V671000Nissan 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation and is generally positive for well-maintained, post-2010 models.
- IsolatedTiming chain/guide complaints (2005+ models)
Mentioned as a potential maintenance item.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Frontier. See the full Frontier owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Frontier listings typically run $13,127–$32,339.
Other Frontier model years
Compare every Frontier year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Frontier against its rivals
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