2021 Nissan Frontier Problems
- Complaints
- 20filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,500miles, 4 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 2021 Nissan Frontier (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 2021 Nissan Frontier. The part named most often is electrical system, with 6 complaints (30% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (5) and other or unknown (4). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 60 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 27 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins 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.
- Electrical system6 30%
- Other or unknown4 20%
- Air bags3 15%
- Fuel system3 15%
- Brakes2 10%
- Engine2 10%
- Exterior lighting1 5.0%
- Seat belts1 5.0%
Also reported: Seats (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “My husband and I bought a new truck. My husband pulled the truck into our garage, once in the garage the back tires started to spin out of control, he looked down and saw he had his foot on the brake only, but truck surged forward causing no injuries but have minor truck and property damage. Have a picture of where there is stationary tire marks on our epoxy garage floor showing the black tire marks of the tires spinning out of control just before the truck surged forward. After this incident we found articles about sudden unintended acceleration which we feel is what happened to my husband. …”
NHTSA complaint #11435971, filed 2021-10Transmission and drivetrain: “I brought my truck in for service on 3/10/23 and they preformed the recall for the transmission. This involved reprogramming no parts were available yet. On my trip home from the shop I noticed right away my fuel economy went from 21MPG to 18 MPG (same roads I always drive) and I have been having a warning light come on after I let and it has came on and off twice. I worry about what would make such a drastic change and what is it doing to my transmission. I have notified the dealer but they are not open till Monday. I do not want my private information shared. …”
NHTSA complaint #11511361, filed 2023-03Other or unknown: “I purchased a 2021 certified preowned Nissan frontier with 21k miles and was promised it had passed a 167 point inspection and came with limited 7 year 100k power train warranty. This is addition to the factory warranty 3 year 36k and 5 year 60k mile that is still in effect. the truck has had to have several repairs upon purchasing. This includes AC line flushed because it was sloshing in the dash. A leaf in the right blower motor. And now my truck has been ins hop two weeks. Initially diagnosed as a bolt missing was causing a rattling in the dash . …”
NHTSA complaint #11531163, filed 2023-07Air bags: “When someone is sitting in passenger seat the light for their airbag blinks, is on or off. So we are unsure if the airbag would in fact deploy if we were to be in a collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11676628, filed 2025-07Mileage when problems were reported
75% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,000 and 36,000 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 2021 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: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: 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 2021 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 2021 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. 60 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…
- 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.
- 10251535Feb 22, 2024Equipment, Electrical system. SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin is no longer active. To access infotainment software updates via the Infotainment Software Update Utility: Select SPECIALTY TOOLS, and then…
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 2021 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 2021 Nissan Frontier as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Nissan Frontier is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 6 complaints (30% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 5.
Has the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Frontier do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Frontier get?
The EPA rates the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Frontier reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,500 miles and the middle half falls between 17,000 and 36,000 miles; 75% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.