2013 Nissan Frontier Problems
Compared with other Nissan Frontier years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Nissan Frontier year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 20 of its 48 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported part: Air bags (15 complaints, median 38,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 48filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles, 37 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Nissan Frontier (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 48 consumer complaints for the 2013 Nissan Frontier. The part named most often is air bags, with 15 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electrical system (8) and other or unknown (7). 37 of the complaints include a mileage, and 68% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 27,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 128 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 10 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the fuses and circuit breakers and 30 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Frontier model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags15 31%
- Electrical system8 17%
- Other or unknown7 15%
- Seat belts5 10%
- Engine4 8.3%
- Vehicle speed control4 8.3%
- Brakes3 6.3%
- Wheels3 6.3%
- Body and structure2 4.2%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1), Steering (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “While the vehicle is running, the airbag warning light on the dashboard flashes, whether or not there is a passenger in the passenger seat. There was no damage to the vehicle or any initiating factor that I can determine. One day when I turned the vehicle on, the warning light also turned on. The light does not turn off during the operation of the vehicle. The vehicle is under 40,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11192677, filed 2019-03, 38,000 milesElectrical system: “The electronic control module went out on my vehicle after only 60,000 miles. I tried every possible solution such as replacing sensors, replaced spark plugs, crank and shift sensors, etc until my local Nissan dealership ran a diagnostic and determined it to be the ECM. They found it strange to have the ECM go out so quickly. My truck was running fine but then it slowly started to give out when I would try to start it. I have a manual transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11331161, filed 2020-06, 60,000 milesOther or unknown: “Purchased 4 new general grabber hts tires size 25/75r15 less than 4 months ago. Tires were installed at a reputable dealership. I now have 2,600 miles on the tires. Last week the first tire blew out at the bead, where the tire meets the rim. I installed my full size spare while the first failure is investigated. Now two days later, a second tire is severely deformed at the tire bead and looks like it is about to explode just like the first one. Both failures are right under the 'ge' in general at the tire bead. …”
NHTSA complaint #11407557, filed 2021-04, 76,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Transmission won't go into gear forward or reverse at times. When driving on the road transmission won't shift out of 3rd gear into over drive, after topping a hill and going back downhill. Truck will do a jerking motion when pulling out from a stop. On interstate i81 truck speed was 50-55 MPH the RPM's was 6,000 and the RPM's would not shift into higher gear. When it did shift it was a very hard shift. It has been going on since the day I bought this truck brand new. I have had it to the dealership numerous times and they can not find out what it is. …”
NHTSA complaint #11165681, filed 2019-01, 3,800 milesMileage when problems were reported
68% of the 37 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 13,500 and 59,697 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Nissan Frontier. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier · extended cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Frontier · crew cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Frontier · crew cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Frontier · extended cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 21.2% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Nissan Frontier version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V052000Feb 12, 2014Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakersCovers: Nissan Frontier 2012–2014
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…
Recall details for the 2013 Nissan Frontier → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 128 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11007001Jul 8, 2024Air bags. VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51)…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Frontier
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 2,700 | 1 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 9 | — | 3 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 22 | 1,100 | 3 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 66 | 4,500 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 94 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 112 | 2,000 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 20 | 26,500 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 23 | 28,000 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 28 | 12,000 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 21 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 25 | 9,745 | 2 | — | 19 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 38 | 17,500 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 44 | 32,500 | 1 | — | 19 | 46 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 33 | 29,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 23 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 42 | 35,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 48 | 27,000 | 1 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 80 | 43,000 | 3 | — | 19 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2011 | 64 | 47,800 | 1 | — | 19 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 59 | 41,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2009 | 37 | 60,097 | 3 | — | 19 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 136 | 85,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 520 | 82,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 617 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 532 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 66 | 61,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 77 | 65,500 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 124 | 69,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 134 | 73,850 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 189 | 88,125 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 78 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 129 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan Frontier model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA recorded 48 consumer complaints for the 2013 Nissan Frontier as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Nissan Frontier is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 15 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electrical system with 8.
Has the 2013 Nissan Frontier been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Nissan Frontier get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Nissan Frontier (Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Nissan Frontier reported?
Among the 37 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 27,000 miles and the middle half falls between 13,500 and 59,697 miles; 68% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.