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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2020 Nissan Frontier Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
52%of 23 total for the year
Median mileage
28,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Nissan Frontier, 52% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 2026-07

“My vehicle was the subject of Nissan's Safety Recall for the parking pall not engaging. I had the vehicle into the Dealer twice six months ago, where they supposedly addressed this defect. Beginning last week, my vehicle's parking pall will not engage when the vehicle is in Park, allowing it to roll freely. The manufacturer's fix is either not working or the material or workmanship is a problem. I am bringing the vehicle to the Dealer tomorrow for the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11583527, filed 2024-04

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into park (P), the vehicle accelerated forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11507688, filed 2023-02, 28,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased but the contact was offered no assistance. The contact continued driving the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking while depressing accelerator pedal. Occasionally, the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle had rolled back while stopped on an incline. …”

NHTSA complaint #11504002, filed 2023-01, 32,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was in the park position, but while exiting the vehicle it began to roll and crashed into the garage door. There were no reported injuries. There was no fire or police report filed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11497294, filed 2022-12, 16,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026327%
2025220%
2024627%
20231320%
20222421%
2021525%
20201252%
2019725%
201828%
2017616%
201637%
2015515%
2014614%
2013613%
20122025%
2011914%
20101525%
2009822%
20085440%
200722243%
200622036%
200526249%
20041320%
200379%
200276%
200186%
20002614%
19991215%
199897%

Other parts of the 2020 Nissan Frontier

Engine
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Nissan Frontier

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology