2018 Nissan Frontier Owner Complaints

2018 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner... Battery inconsistently drains fast when off and while driving. Indicator lights for battery, brakes, ABS and traction control come on. Gauges malfunction. Tried another battery and still having same symptoms. Alternator and battery passed bench test. Fuses are good. Wiring harness appears to be in good condition. Grounds are tight and clean. Wondering if this problem is related to the recall on the ignition switch.

NHTSA ID

11684525

Incident

Aug 7, 2025

The passenger dashboard airbag keeps generating error codes and the airbag light continually flashes. There have been 2 costly repair attempts by a Nissan dealership, but the problem persists. The dealership stated the passenger airbag was not functioning properly. They want to try a 3rd repair attempt which is the most expensive yet. I have been in contact with Nissan customer service and they have split the repair costs with me thus far on 2 of the repairs. At this point they are just throwing parts at the problem hoping something fixes the issue without knowing or properly diagnosing which component is actually at fault. The problem first manifested in August 2024 at around 62k miles. The light came back on within 5 days of the first attempt. Likewise the light came back on within a few days after the 2nd repair attempt. I am not confident the 3rd attempt will address the issue either.

NHTSA ID

11683111

Incident

Aug 8, 2024

15 mph door lock system does not work. Have been in garage with truck, and heard doors lock with no one near vehicle. I understand there is a class action suit about the door lock system. Seems to me this system could malfunction and possible lock you in vehicle. This is a 2018 Nissan frontier SL. The FOB function normal locking and unlocking vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11681142

Incident

Aug 10, 2025

I bought this truck from my boss man and had it put in the shop to replace the head gasket but they ended up changing the valve cover the intake manifold gasket and putting plugs in it due to a smoking issue and skipping but after all the repairs were done it turns out that the valves are bad in the engine and they more than likely they were bad when they installed originally. It's causing stalling issues in traffic and I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem.

NHTSA ID

11673177

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Jan 29 2025 vehicle failed to start . Turned switch to start several times .no response at all no dash lights no starter reaction no clicking from battery, which would indicate battery problem. Waited several mins approx 30 minutes. Vehicle started and been ok for several more starts today. Suspect ignition switch ,seems many models this vehicle has problems. Mine did not show a recall?

NHTSA ID

11639440

Incident

Jan 29, 2025

Upon inspection found passenger side truck bed mount with a crack and portion missing from where the bed connects to the frame.

NHTSA ID

11624460

Incident

Nov 10, 2024

Paint peeling on front left finder and where both front finders connect to the cab. N/A The dealer was informed and photos sent. Just the photos sent N/A

NHTSA ID

11620265

Incident

Aug 26, 2024

Passenger airbag warning light on dashboard flashes continually. This indicates it may not deploy in accident. It was taken to a Nissan dealer and mechanic inspected and stated in report, "Found occupancy classification module to be installed incorrectly and non OEM". Warning light began flashing in February, 2023. No prior problems with airbags or warning lights. Airbags never deployed and never worked on. Vehicle was purchased new from a Nissan dealer. Airbag and warning light have not been repaired and it continues to flash when the truck is on. The warning light first came on spontaneously while driving and not in response to accident.

NHTSA ID

11520532

Incident

Feb 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera intermittently failed to operate. There was either a blank or foggy image on the infotainment screen. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was given a diagnostic test fee. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information as provided by the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11508968

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that upon inserting the key in the ignition switch to start the vehicle, the ignition switch was significantly loose, preventing the vehicle from starting. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the ignition switch plastic body needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V551000 (Electrical System). An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,260. The defect was repaired and the contact is requesting reimbursement.

NHTSA ID

11507645

Incident

Feb 12, 2023

Mileage

50,260 mi

The back-up camera beeps most all the time in reverse. You do not know if it's something is there are not. It has almost caused a wreak.

NHTSA ID

11459800

Incident

Feb 26, 2022

I have a 2018 Nissan Frontier bought it in 2019 I noticed a little vibration at first and now 2 years later it’s vibrating a lot more I took to Nissan in 2020 they said they saw nothing wrong but now I’m told that it’s my motor mounts and Nissan doesn’t want to fix cause it’s only covered by bumper to bumper and not power train warranty now I can’t drive because I’m scared for motor to break or transmission and I’ve researched and heard of people that have the same problem and can’t get any help

NHTSA ID

11431227

Incident

May 7, 2020

Squeaking sound coming from front driver side suspension. This has been happening ever since purchased in 2018 that dealer cannot find. Getting worse as it ages. Afraid tire may drive train may break while driving.

NHTSA ID

11424735

Incident

Jul 14, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INCREASED SPEED AND RUNS ON IDLE FOR ABOUT FIVE OR SIX SECOND AND AFTER IT WOULD RUN OK, THE CONTACT MENTION THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ONCE TO THREE TIMES A MONTH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE HIS WIFE WAS AT A STOP AND TO GO, THE VEHICLE WOULD GO SLOW ON IDLE AND WHEN MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN IT RETURN TO NORMAL. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOUR TIMES TO FUCCILLO NISSAN OF CLEARWATER, 15232 US-19, CLEARWATER, FL 33764, AND WAS DIAGNOSED BUT COULD NOT FIND A FAULTY CODE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVING BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE TWICE AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER BUT STILL WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,800.

NHTSA ID

11385416

Incident

Dec 29, 2019

Mileage

27,800 mi

2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEM WITH ALIGNMENT.*LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER COULD NOT COMPLETE AN ALIGNMENT BEFORE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE WITH A KIT. THE MANUFACTURER ASSISTED %50 OF THE REPAIR COST. THE CONSUMER WAS DISSATISFIED DUE TO THE FAILURE BEING A MANUFACTURING FLAW. *JS

NHTSA ID

11349409

Incident

Feb 27, 2020

JUST BOUGHT A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK PUT WINDOWS DOWN IN THE BACK AND I'M HEARING A SOUND COMING FROM TIRES LIKE UNBALANCED. GOT HOME AND LOOK TO SEE IF THERE WAS TIRE WEIGHTS ON THE RIM BECAUSE ITS LIKE ITS UNBALANCED WITH A LOUD SOUND AND I NOTICED ALSO THAT A SWAYING A LITTLE. AND I REMEMBER THE THIS WEBSITE WAS GETTING RECALLS ON TIRES. SO I WANTED TO SEE IF MINE WAS ON THE LIST WHICH IS P265\60\R18 109T. THIS IS ON REGULAR CITY ROADS. EMAILED MY SALES MAN THAT SOLD ME THE TRUCK AND TOLD HIM I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM LIKE A SHIMMY IN REAR TIRE. SO WE WILL SEE MAYBE THIS WEEKEND IF THEY GET BACK TO ME TODAY IS 2/25/2020

NHTSA ID

11311507

Incident

Feb 25, 2020

I WENT FOR INSPECTION AND THEY TOLD ME I NEED FROM BRAKES AND ROTOR AND I ONLY GOT TEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED MILES

NHTSA ID

11270992

Incident

Oct 24, 2019

Mileage

10,800 mi

I OWN A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER 9745 MILES. AS A PREVIOUS OWNER HAS EXPLAINED HIS BRAKE PROBLEM SAME AS MINE WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL SOLID IT ALMOST GOES TO THE FLOOR ALSO WHEN THIS PEDAL GOES LOW THE ACCELERATOR GOES DOWN TOO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER. I HAVE CONTACTED 3 NISSAN DEALERS THEY CLAIM THEY CANT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ON A ROAD TEST.. NISSAN CORP ADMIN LADY FINALLY CALLED, SHE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS...I AM A 75 YEAR OLD 100% DISABLE VETERAN AND JUST WANT A CAR WITH GOOD RELIABLE BRAKES, UNFORTUNATELY NISSAN TRUCKS AREN'T FOR ME....IF NISSAN CANT SOLVE MY PROBLEM I WILL BY BUYING ELSEWHERE NO ACCIDENT BUT VERY CLOSE CALL............

NHTSA ID

11242124

Incident

Aug 2, 2019

Mileage

9,745 mi

THIS TRUCK IS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER THAT HAS ~10K MILES AND IS DRIVEN DAILY. IN THE EVENINGS IT IS KEPT OUTSIDE. RECENTLY, A HORRIBLE ODOR BEGAN COMING FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. I IMMEDIATELY STARTED DISMANTLING THE PASSENGER DASH, REMOVED THE CABIN AIR FILTERS, AND DISCOVERED A DEAD MOTHER RAT AND 4 OFFSPRING IN THE COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE FILTERS. IF I HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM, THE TRUCK WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY UNUSABLE. HOW WERE THEY ABLE TO GAIN ENTRY? I AM GUESSING THROUGH SOME FRESH AIR INTAKE THAT IS OBVIOUSLY OPEN TO THE EXTERIOR. NISSAN NEEDS TO ADD A VERY SIMPLE WIRE MESH COVER TO THE OFFENDING ENTRANCE. TO ALLOW ACCESS TO A FULLY GROWN RAT, IT IS ASSUREDLY 2-3" IN DIAMETER! THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IT IS SUMMER, HIGH TEMPERATURES, AND HAD THE TRUCK BEEN LEFT UNATTENDED FOR SEVERAL DAYS, THE RESULTING ODOR MAY HAVE NEVER BEEN REMEDIATED. MY CONCERN IS, IF I CAN'T FIND AND COVER THE OPENING, THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11240890

Incident

Jul 30, 2019

Mileage

10,000 mi

AFTER 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THIS NEW VEHICLE, WHEN PUMPING GAS IT WOULD CUT OFF WHEN BEGINNING TO PUMP THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE BUT IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME,TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY REPLACE A BUNCH OF PARTS AFTER FIRST FILL UP IT WAS OK THE SECOND FILL UP THIS MORNING TOOK 10MINUTES TO GET 10 GALLONS IN TO IT I WILL CALL DEALER TODAY

NHTSA ID

11210771

Incident

May 30, 2019

Mileage

6,500 mi

I BOUGHT MY 2018 FRONTIER WITH 40K MILES ON IT BACK IN APRIL 2018. I NOW HAVE ABOUT 56K MILES ON IT. OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS IT GOT HARDER AND HARDER TO PUT GAS IN IT AND FOR A MONTH NOW IT SHUTS OFF MULTIPLE TIMES AND OR SPITS GAS OUT WHEN I TRY TO FILL IT. YES, WHILE FILLING THE TANK THE GAS PUMP WILL SHUT OFF AND GAS WILL SPIT OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE AND SPILL ONTO THE GROUND! TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND ASSUMED IT WOULD BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY NOT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS COMMON ISSUE. DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND TOLD ME $1,600 AND SUGGESTED REPLACING FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY, CANISTER FILLER, CANISTER ASSEMBLY, CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY AND EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM PRESSURE SENSOR. THE PAPERWORK SAYS 'PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE FOUND DTC FOR VENT VALVE P0448 SERVICE BULLETIN NTB15-079.' THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS OVER THE 35K GENERAL WARRANTY MILEAGE. I DID ONE MINUTE OF RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FOUND A TSB AND NISSAN WEBSITE FOR THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT (15YRS/150K). I CALLED THE DEALER BACK AND SAID WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE TSB, THE NISSAN WEBSITE AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 15 YEARS WITH MULTIPLE MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES? NOT MUCH OF A RESPONSE EXCEPT YOU CAN CALL NISSAN. I CALLED NISSAN AND WAS ASSIGNED A CASE MANAGER. THEY EXPLAINED THAT THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT WAS VIN SPECIFIC AND DID NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. HE SAID HE WOULD REVIEW THE CASE AND GET BACK TO ME IN 4 DAYS! HE CALLED BACK AND SAID THEY HAD DECIDED NOT TO HELP ME AT ALL WITH THE REPAIR. SO, HERE I AM WITH A 2018 VEHICLE AND NISSAN WANTS ME TO SPEND $1600 TO FIX THIS ISSUE THEY HAVE HAD FOR 15 YEARS. THE SAME ISSUE THEY ARE COVERING FOR THOUSANDS OF OTHER CARS UP TO 15 YEARS OLD WITH THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT. HTTPS://WWW.NISSAN-TECHINFO.COM/ASISTGC_1/USENG/DISKDOCS/1/V/I/1VI38.PDF HTTPS://WWW.NISSANASSIST.COM/CAMPAIGNS/NISSAN-EVAP-EMISSION-WARRANTY-POLICY-ENHANCEMENT/

NHTSA ID

11180604

Incident

Feb 5, 2019

Mileage

55,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, FOOT ON BRAKE, EXITING A PUBLIC PARKING LOT, WHEN SUDDENLY ENGINE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND WHEELS WERE SCREECHING. THE PASSENGER OF VEHICLE HAD TO PLACE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, THEN PARK TO STOP VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD. THIS ACTION DID NOT STOP ENGINE FROM REVVING AT EXTREME HIGH SPEED--RATHER, THE ENGINE WOULD SLOW DOWN AFTER ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES, WITHIN A 10 MINUTE 4 MILE DRIVE, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY. DRIVING APPROX. 15-25 MPH BETWEEN STOP SIGNS: BRAKE WOULD BE APPLIED AND THEN ENGINE AND TRUCK WOULD RACE FORWARD. EACH TIME THE PASSENGER WAS REQUIRED TO PUT SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL TO AVOID HITTING VEHICLES OR OBJECTS IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WOULD CLEARLY STATE THAT FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL.

NHTSA ID

11172445

Incident

Jan 27, 2019

Mileage

1,800 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. WHILE BRAKING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD ALSO DEPRESS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOOSE AND WOULD TRAVEL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED HARD. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH JEFF WYLER FAIRFIELD CADILLAC KIA NISSAN (5815 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014, (513) 682-2500). THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. *TT*JB

NHTSA ID

11162672

Incident

Sep 20, 2018

Mileage

500 mi

THE REAR WHEELS LOCK-UP WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH - 40 MPH. THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND VEHICLE STOP ACCELERATING AND THEN WILL START BACK. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. IT WORKED FINE FOR A WEEK AND DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. THIS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AGAIN. IT HAS LESS THAN 4500 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID

11141852

Incident

Oct 9, 2018

Mileage

4,200 mi

THE THROTTLE CONTROL, FOOT PEDAL, HAS DEAD SPOTS THAT HAPPEN WHEN LEAVING A STOP SIGN, GREEN LIGHTS, PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. ALSO CLIMBING A HILL WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION KICKS DOWN THEN YOU GO TO FAST. THIS HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. IT IS BETTER IF YOU TURN OF THE OVERDRIVE DID IT STILL HAPPENS. I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES.DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION, REPROGRAMMED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THEN REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. WHEN I PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC I DO NOT KNOW IF THE TRUCK IS GOING TO MOVE OR NOT. SOMETIME THERE IS ABOUT A SECOND DELAY UNTIL IT CATCHES AND THEN SOMETIMES IT CHIRPS THE TIRES. I HAVE JUST OVER 1000 MILES ON THIS TRUCK AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE. THIS IS MY FORTH NISSAN FRONTIER, I NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY FEAR IN DRIVING THE OTHER TRUCK. I BELIEVE IT AND ANY OTHERS WITH THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RECALLED OR THE TRUCKS REPLACED. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK.

NHTSA ID

11140130

Incident

Aug 5, 2018

Mileage

120 mi