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Nissan TitanModel year report

2018 Nissan Titan Problems

Compared with other Nissan Titan years

Typical for this model

55/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2019

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
90filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
15,000miles, 31 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns 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, 4 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
18 mpgcombined, 5.6L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 21 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Nissan Titan (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2018 Titan most often report engine problems, especially crankshaft failures and diesel fuel-system faults such as the high-pressure fuel pump, along with transmission hesitation on acceleration and fuel filler issues. Many complaints involve low mileage and vehicles still fairly new, and some describe the truck dropping into reduced-power mode or shutting off while driving.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission hesitation and delayed acceleration

    • 20 complaints (22%)
    • median 6,559 mi at 2.1 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • filed 2018–2026

    Complaints describe delayed acceleration when pulling out or merging, with the engine revving high before the transmission engages, and occasional slow or harsh downshifts. Several owners say the dealer found no codes, applied a software update, or told them the behavior was normal, and that the symptom returned afterward. Reported very early, often under 10,000 miles and sometimes within the first few thousand miles.

    What to check: Test-drive from a stop and during a highway merge, and ask whether any transmission software updates have been applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When flooring the accelerator pedal (as to pull out on entrance ramp) it has diesel lag response (just take a few seconds to accelerate) and also transmission has shifting issues during this time. Sometimes intermittent I had a near miss experience when this happened to me I was pulling out onto the highway from the entrance ramp..”

    NHTSA complaint #11190265, filed 2019-03, 4,500 miles

    “My job requires me to travel a lot and in doing so when I'm either merging onto the interstate or needing to pull out at intersections from a dead stop . It's as tho my truck stalls and my throttle response goes dead . Leaving the other cars do come close in rear ending me . It's scary especially when I have my wife along with my three kids ranging from 8 to 12 months of age .”

    NHTSA complaint #11109565, filed 2018-07, 3,000 miles
  2. Engine

    Crankshaft failure and engine knock

    • 21 complaints (23%)
    • median 71,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2019–2026

    Complaints describe a loud knocking noise followed by loss of power or the engine shutting off, sometimes at highway speed, with no warning lights beforehand. Owners report metal debris in the oil and, after inspection, a cracked or broken crankshaft and damaged rod and main bearings. Some say the dealer diagnosed a need for engine replacement, and several mention repair quotes in the tens of thousands of dollars, with warranty coverage declined because the truck was out of the original warranty period. Reported from under 50,000 miles up to about 127,000 miles, often with no prior symptoms.

    What to check: Ask for oil change records and have a mechanic check for engine knock, metal in the oil, and stored low-oil-pressure codes such as P0524 before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Crankshaft failure resulting in complete engine failure. I still have both halves of the crankshaft laying on my bench. During the engine failure experience the truck lost all engine power and came to a stop alongside of interstate barrier wall. I couldn't even open my door without obstructing a lane of interstate traffic. No warning lights led up to the event or any symptoms leading to the catastrophic engine failure.”

    NHTSA complaint #11584153, filed 2024-04

    “Vehicle was well maintained and only drive it around 10,000 miles per year or less. Had no issues or warning signs, my truck just bogged down while going 65mph on the highway. By the time I pulled over and cut it off I checked all fluids and tried to turn it over again, all you hear is a heavy knocking sound like the engine was struggling. Took it to a mechanic shop and found out it had a broken crankshaft, it has under 50,000 miles!”

    NHTSA complaint #11619830, filed 2024-10
  3. Fuel system

    Diesel high-pressure fuel pump failure (CP4)

    • 5 complaints (6%)
    • typically at 6.8 yrs old
    • filed 2024–2026

    Owners of diesel trucks describe sudden loss of power, no start, or the truck dropping into reduced-power mode, with the fuel pump found to have failed and sent metal through the fuel system. Complaints mention repair estimates ranging from about $2,300 for a lift pump to over $10,000 and, in some cases, far higher when the whole fuel system is contaminated. Some owners say Nissan declined assistance after warranty expired. Typically reported between roughly 40,000 and 135,000 miles, including during towing and highway driving.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: For a diesel, ask whether the high-pressure fuel pump has been replaced and have a mechanic check for metal in the fuel filter and for stored fuel-system codes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I tow full-time as a working nomad. My truck has gone into limp-mode (low-power mode) onto a complete loss of power. I have been stranded on 3 difference occasions. The issue first began at 75,000 miles which I have records of. After this most recent incident, I realized there was a pattern emerging. After further research, I have discovered that there is a lawsuit out for these CP4 fuel systems. I called Nissan and opened a case number. They processed and then stated that they will not assist me since I am not over 100k miles. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11691057, filed 2025-10

    “Truck would not start it is a 2018 nissian Titan xd with 41000 miles on it and had to have towed to a nissian dealer and they diagnosed it as the lifter fuel pump bad called nissian corp help number and they would not cover it since factory warranty ran out 3 months ago so had to pay $2300 out of pocket to replace and as I have read this is a know issue with these lifter pumps in these nissian Titan trucks”

    NHTSA complaint #11605342, filed 2024-07
  4. Fuel system

    Fuel filler whistle and fuel spill during refueling

    • 7 complaints (8%)
    • median 16,281 mi at 2.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2019–2026

    Owners report a high-pitched whistle from the filler neck while pumping gas, and in some cases fuel backing up and spilling out before the tank is full. Complaints describe the dealer replacing the fuel tank and canister without resolving it, while others say dealers described the noise as normal or said engineers were aware of it. Often noted from the first fill-up or within the first few thousand miles.

    What to check: Refuel the truck during a test drive and watch for a whistle or fuel backing up the filler neck, and ask whether the tank or canister has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While the truck is fueling and stationary the filler neck emits a high-pitched whine noise. The noise varies in pitch with relation to how full the tank becomes. The mentioned complaint has occurred since the first fill up when I purchased it brand new off the lot. Additionally, I've made attempts of informing two separate dealers of what was happening and provided video of the complaint. One asked for a copy of video, and the other said the engineers are aware and will respond shortly. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11253219, filed 2019-09, 250 miles

    “Gas spilling out when refilling. Fuel tank had been whistling from beginning ownership in 2020 but no problem refilling. Most recently however gas will quickly overflow when attempting to fill. This has occurred several times recently, but it was never an issue before. Spillage is not dependent on tank volume. Spillage occurs when low and/ or mostly filled. I have to trickle gas from pump in order to fill, but this takes quite a while to put in several gallons. If I attempt to fill normally gas will come gushing out after a few seconds.”

    NHTSA complaint #11626128, filed 2024-11

Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on engine noise and oil condition, transmission behavior during a highway merge, and fuel-system function including the filler neck and gauge. Ask for service records showing whether any software updates or fuel-system repairs have been done.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 90 consumer complaints for the 2018 Nissan Titan. 31 of the complaints include a mileage, and 84% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 15,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 173 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 Nissan Titan model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 55 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.

Also reported: Seats (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Exterior lighting (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “My 2018 Nissan Titan started making a knocking sound in the engine. I have 28000 miles on the truck the noise has gotten louder in the last 6,000 miles. The dealership keeps telling me it's normal. There is no way it's normal. This has been a ongoing problem with the 2nd generation Titan”

NHTSA complaint #11413692, filed 2021-04, 15,000 miles

Fuel system: “When filling gas tank it has a high pitch whistle and blows gas back out all over the side of the truck and on the ground causing a fire hazard. Nissan knows of the issue and has issued a TSB but I feel it is very dangerous and needs a recall before someone gets burnt or killed thanks for your help”

NHTSA complaint #11277585, filed 2019-11, 300 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “Truck has bad hesitation when automatic transmission is shifting from gear to gear and the rpms fluctuate badly. No low end power. This condition is worse when towing. Dealer said they all do this. I have owned 4 titans including my 2018 none of my other trucks did this. Wish I didn't trade in my 2013”

NHTSA complaint #11130202, filed 2018-09, 2,000 miles

Electrical system: “On date the truck was purchased, before we drove truck off lot, center console had update error message displayed (see images). Nothing on center console would work, but vehicle would run fine. Blind spot detection would not work. System would try to reboot itself for about an hour before system would come back online and everything would be normal, including blind spot detection. Next day, I took truck to work and console went out again as I was driving. Blind spot detection no longer worked again. Took it to dealership. …”

NHTSA complaint #11203764, filed 2019-04, 3,886 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

84% of the 31 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,000 and 41,000 miles.

45%0–1016%10–2523%25–506%50–750%75–10010%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (31 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 15,000 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.

20182019202020212022202320241920252026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Nissan Titan. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Titan · crew cab AWD★★★★☆4 / 5554 · 19.8% risk
Titan · crew cab AWD★★★★☆4 / 4554 · 19.8% risk
Titan · crew cab RWD★★★★☆4 / 5554 · 19.8% risk
Titan · crew cab RWD★★★★☆4 / 4554 · 19.8% risk
Titan · extended cab AWDnot rated———4 · 19.8% risk
Titan · regular cab AWDnot rated———4 · 19.8% risk
Titan · extended cab RWDnot rated———4 · 19.8% risk
Titan · regular cab RWDnot rated———4 · 19.8% risk

Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: 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 2018 Nissan Titan version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Titan 2WD5.6L 8-cyl7-speed automatic152118$3,700
Titan 4WD5.6L 8-cyl7-speed automatic152118$3,700
Titan 4WD PRO4X5.6L 8-cyl7-speed automatic152017$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

Recall details for the 2018 Nissan Titan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

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. 173 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 173 bulletins →

Other model years of the Nissan Titan

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20241513,5002417—Too new
20231744,0002418—Too new
2022146,8504418—Not enough data
2021589,950541886 · MoreFalling
2020238,5005418—Stable
20194914,400441844 · TypicalStable
20189015,000441855 · TypicalRising
201718718,450341888 · MoreRising
20151234,0001—15—Not enough data
20141019,2702—15—Not enough data
20131139,3263—15—Not enough data
20122264,0002—15—Rising
20112642,3261—150 · FewerStable
20104655,0003—1521 · FewerStable
20094756,1473—1533 · FewerRising
200813361,0005—1469 · MoreFalling
200713964,0001—14Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200643063,0005—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200589166,0004—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20041,04660,0005—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Nissan Titan model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Titan?

Owners of the 2018 Titan most often report engine problems, especially crankshaft failures and diesel fuel-system faults such as the high-pressure fuel pump, along with transmission hesitation on acceleration and fuel filler issues. The issues reported most often: Transmission hesitation and delayed acceleration; Crankshaft failure and engine knock; Diesel high-pressure fuel pump failure (CP4).

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Nissan Titan have?

NHTSA recorded 90 consumer complaints for the 2018 Nissan Titan as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2018 Nissan Titan is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 45 complaints (50% of the total), followed by fuel system with 18.

Has the 2018 Nissan Titan been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2018 Nissan Titan do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Nissan Titan 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 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 2018 Nissan Titan get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Nissan Titan (Titan 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Nissan Titan reported?

Among the 31 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 15,000 miles and the middle half falls between 3,000 and 41,000 miles; 84% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.