2020 Nissan Frontier Problems
- Complaints
- 23filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Nissan Frontier (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Frontier. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 12 complaints (52% of the total), followed by engine (5) and brakes (4). 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 73% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 28,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 66 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 16 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Engine5 22%
- Brakes4 17%
- Electrical system3 13%
- Other or unknown2 8.7%
- Air bags1 4.3%
- Exterior lighting1 4.3%
- Seat belts1 4.3%
- Seats1 4.3%
Also reported: Steering (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Crank bolt snapped causing me to loose power steering, a part failed that shouldn't have .I have the bolt looks like in was cracked when they put it together, it was only on by about three threads, my mechanic and the one from nissan said they'd never seen one come apart before,lucky I wasn't on the highway or in traffic”
NHTSA complaint #11749618, filed 2026-07Engine: “UNKNOWNI want to report my repossessed car and hold Santander Consumer USA responsible because they sold my car without my consent and not only that, report the fraud of the sale of the same car that I bought and that neither the DMV Nissan of Orange nor Santander Consumer USA informed me of the debt that I still had on that car and Santander was charging me with a contract where they add the cost of the car with interest after I had paid a down payment and financed the car at a cost of 30,659.14 and then they charged me another 17,390.78 in interest which the dealership hid from me and they…”
NHTSA complaint #11690226, filed 2025-09Brakes: “Nissan Frontier won’t engage into park parking prowl issue I’ve looked it up on google but my vin doesn't say there is a recall for my truck. Can we get a full recall for the 2020’s ?”
NHTSA complaint #11747458, filed 2026-06Electrical system: “The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the dashboard lights were significantly dim, affecting his visibility of the speedometer while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and advised the contact that could they not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50.”
NHTSA complaint #11438111, filed 2021-10, 50 milesMileage when problems were reported
73% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,784 and 55,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 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 Crew Cab · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Frontier Crew Cab · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 2 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Frontier King Cab · extended cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Frontier King Cab · extended cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 21.2% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 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 | 3.8L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Frontier 4WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
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
- 22V671000Sep 7, 2022Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Nissan Frontier 2020–2022, Titan 2020–2023
Nissan 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.
- 22V457000Jun 24, 2022Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Nissan Frontier 2020–2022, Titan 2020–2022
Nissan 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.
Recall details for the 2020 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. 66 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…
- 11006459Aug 7, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. 9 SPEED A/T VALVE BODY (CONTROL VALVE TCM) REPLACEMENT This bulletin is no longer active. Please discard previous versions of NTB20-077.
- 11004963May 21, 2024Electrical system. INTELLIGENT KEY INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE STOPS OR WILL NOT CONTINUE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 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.
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 2020 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Frontier as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Nissan Frontier is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 12 complaints (52% of the total), followed by engine with 5.
Has the 2020 Nissan Frontier been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Nissan Frontier do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Nissan Frontier 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Frontier get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Frontier (Frontier 2WD, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Nissan Frontier reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 28,000 miles and the middle half falls between 6,784 and 55,000 miles; 73% 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.