POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2020 Nissan Frontier
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 23 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Nissan Frontier, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), brakes and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 66 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| Feb 2022 | 2 | 4 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 5 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 6 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 7 |
| Jan 2023 | 2 | 9 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 10 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 11 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 12 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 13 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 14 |
| Oct 2024 | 2 | 16 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 17 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 18 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 19 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 20 |
| Jun 2026 | 2 | 22 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 23 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)1134.4%
- Brakes515.6%
- Engine515.6%
- Driver assistance39.4%
- Electrical26.3%
- Interior & seats26.3%
- Transmission13.1%
- Seat belts13.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 ID
- 11749618
- Incident
- Jul 2, 2026
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 ID
- 11747458
- Incident
- Jun 25, 2026
The 9 speed automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure (codes PO893 and PO876), forcing the vehicle into limp mode. The vehicle loses propulsion unexpectedly in traffic, and the transmission risk complete mechanical lockup while driving. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on public roads, creating a severe crash hazard.06
- NHTSA ID
- 11747306
- Incident
- Jun 25, 2026
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 also knew about the debt that was still owed on the car by Santander Consumer USA and they did not inform me what they call fraud by selling a car with a lien holder I ask for a refund of all my money $ 15,538.10 amount to the principal balance + 18,022.23 interest payments + 8,000 downpayment that makes the total of $41,560.33 which I have lost all my money invested in that car and they took my vehicle and are advertising it on this page for sale
- NHTSA ID
- 11690226
- Incident
- Mar 26, 2025
Hello, I was an owner of a new 2020 Nissan Frontier pro4x. My vehicle had 33,000 miles, garaged in the winter and never used for towing. All minor maintenance were performed at a certified Nissan dealer. On [XXX] I was driving my truck on [XXX] in Youngstown when suddenly I heard a terrifying loud grinding noise coming under the truck causing also the truck to shake violently. I'm blessed that I didn't not lose control of the vehicle and most importantly it did not happen on the freeway. This happen as I was ready to merge into [XXX]. I arranged the truck to be towed to Sims Nissan dealer in Youngstown. I was told that my driveshaft came apart somehow causing other major damages to other critical parts of the truck. I end up also calling my Insurance. I discussed with them the incident, and the insurance started a comprehensive claim. On May 29th Robert Griffith the Adjuster call me to inform me that the truck will be totaled. I've already reached out with a letter to Nissan Headquarters, I explained what happened but most importantly wanted to Nissan to be aware of my incident. Didn't get any help or support but I was given a claim number, [XXX]. I've also contacted BBB of my incident. I feel really strong that this incident should have never happened and I will do my best to get an answer. Thank you so much for your time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11665234
- Incident
- May 18, 2025
The truck will not start due to it thinking it’s not in park when it is in park and has slipped out of park but I had my e brake on
- NHTSA ID
- 11661603
- Incident
- May 16, 2025
The truck is jerky during low speed take offs. It also died off during acceleration and then surged all of a sudden recently. It is now in the repair shop being diagnosed for an electric transmission control warning light. It would not start.
- NHTSA ID
- 11657026
- Incident
- Apr 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the brake system was erroneously activated causing the vehicle to reduce speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the front and rear brake assemblies but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11620138
- Incident
- Jan 16, 2024
- Mileage
- 55,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
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: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
POWER TRAIN
9 SPEED A/T VALVE BODY (CONTROL VALVE TCM) REPLACEMENT This bulletin is no longer active. Please discard previous versions of NTB20-077.
ELECTRICAL 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.
ELECTRICAL 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.
ELECTRICAL 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.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 7 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2023 | 64 | 1 | 0 | 52.1 |
| 2022 | 110 | 6 | 0 | 57.8 |
| 2021 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 45.2 |
| 2020Viewing | 23 | 2 | 0 | 57.3 |
| 2019 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 46.3 |
| 2018 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 45.2 |
| 2017 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2016 | 43 | 1 | 0 | 44.7 |
| 2015 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 38.4 |
| 2014 | 42 | 2 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 2013 | 48 | 1 | 0 | 47.2 |
| 2012 | 78 | 3 | 0 | 47.6 |
| 2011 | 64 | 1 | 0 | 41.8 |
| 2010 | 59 | 6 | 1 | 51.8 |
| 2009 | 37 | 5 | 1 | 50.8 |
| 2008 | 136 | 6 | 1 | 51.1 |
| 2007 | 520 | 2 | 1 | 47.2 |
| 2006 | 616 | 7 | 2 | 55.0 |
| 2005 | 532 | 6 | 1 | 52.5 |
| 2004 | 66 | 4 | 0 | 52.4 |
| 2003 | 77 | 7 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2002 | 124 | 8 | 0 | 54.3 |
| 2001 | 134 | 7 | 1 | 59.8 |
| 2000 | 189 | 6 | 0 | 56.4 |
| 1999 | 78 | 5 | 0 | 52.3 |
| 1998 | 129 | 5 | 0 | 53.1 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.