RoadVitals

2021 Nissan Frontier

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
19
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Sep 7, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 19 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Nissan Frontier, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 60 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Powertrain (other)520.0%
  • Electrical520.0%
  • Fuel system312.0%
  • Airbags312.0%
  • Driver assistance28.0%
  • Seat belts14.0%
  • Suspension14.0%
  • Tires & wheels14.0%

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.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Sep 7, 2022
197,230 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will perform the applicable repairs below, free of charge: • Model Year 2020-2022 Frontier vehicles: reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM) • Model Year 2020-2022 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM and Engine Control Module (ECM) • Model Year 2023 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM • Model Year 2023 Z vehicles: reprogram TCM. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Nissan North America, Inc.Manufacturer number R22A9 R22B1/2/3View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Jun 24, 2022
180,176 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will replace the transmission parking pawl pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A2 R22A3.
Nissan North America, Inc.Manufacturer number R22A1View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistance
Filed Sep 20, 2026

My 2021 Ford Explorer appeared to maintain or resume speed without cruise control being activated. Braking and switching cruise off did not reliably stop the behavior, and speed varied by as much as 15 mph without my input. My concerns are: * apparent speed control when cruise had never been activated; * continued propulsion after braking; * apparent cruise operation after its dashboard indicator went out; * inconsistent response from the SET/accelerate control; * fluctuations approaching 15 mph I drove the Explorer on 9/18/26 on the interstate for a few hours and cruise control was bananas. The vehicle was clearly using cruise control, even though I had not turned it on. Even after I would break, it would want to resume a speed. It had a headset its own. When I would turn on cruise control, and see the light on the dashboard indicating that it was on, I could set it at a speed, but it would not necessarily stay at that speed. Sometimes it would slow down and start coasting or sometimes just adjust the speed downward by only 4 mph. When going downhill, it would definitely accelerate. Using the set/acceleration button would sometimes work for acceleration and other times not. When I would turn the cruise control off and see the light on the dashboard had gone off it would continue to operate cruise control. I could see as much as a 15 mph fluctuation in my speed without touching brake, accelerator or button. Regarding your listed questions, the vehicle has not been inspected by anyone since the incident, there were no warnings or messages. i did not feel unsafe in the vehicle at the time. I’m hoping my husband will drive it today to see if the problem occurs again.

NHTSA ID
11765603
Incident
Sep 18, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Sep 15, 2026

Started rolling in park, then would not start towed to dealer , no word and no help!!!!

NHTSA ID
11764290
Incident
Sep 11, 2026
AirbagsElectricalFuel system
Filed Oct 14, 2025

I [XXX] PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM DAYTONA, NISSAN ON [XXX] ON THE MORNING OF [XXX], THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. AND WAS FLASHING. I TOOK VIDEOS OF ALL THE DIFFERENT OCCURRENCES.I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TALKED TO THE SALESMAN THAT SOLD IT TO US.HIS NAME WAS SIMON.AND HE BROUGHT US IN, AND WE WERE TALKING TO A MANAGER THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND TRY TO RESET IT AS WE WERE LEAVING, THE SALESMAN WALKED US OUT.WHEN WE FIRED UP THE VEHICLE, THE WHOLE DASH FLASHED AND WENT BLACK IN FRONT OF THE SALESMAN.A DAY LATER, WE BROKE DOWN IN THE TRUCK AND HAD TO BE JUMPED.WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY PUT A NEW BATTERY IN AND A COUPLE DAYS LATER, IT CAME ON AGAIN.BUT TOOK IT IN AGAIN, AND THEY PUT US IN A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK THEY TOLD US WHEN WE GOT THE TRUCK BACK THAT THEY CHANGED A AIRBAG SENSOR AND THEN A COUPLE WEEKS LATER, MY SON WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON HIM WHILE DRIVING IT TOOK HIM 4X TO FIRE IT BACK UP. WHEN IT DID FIRE BACK UP, IT WOULD ONLY GO 7 MILE AN HOUR. AND IT WAS JERKING FORWARD. HE TOOK IT DIRECTLY TO NISSAN. THEY RAN SOME DIAGNOSTIC ON IT. AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AGAIN, BUT THEY COULDN'T SEE IT. DO IT AGAIN. SO ON [XXX] THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON. AND FINALLY ON SEPTEMBER 11TH WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY PUT US IN A RENTAL CAR. AND THE MECHANIC TOLD US THAT HE THINKS THAT IT POSSIBLY COULD BE THE INDICATOR LIGHT. THE PARTS MANAGER AT DAYTONA NISSAN SAID HE'S LOOKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THEY SAID THAT THE PART THAT WE NEED IS ON. INDEFINITE, BACK ORDER AND PROBABLY WON'T GET IT. WE HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE TO TRY TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION HER NAMED IS BHAVIKA PHONE NUMBER 888-800-5139 EXT 7320456 CASE # [XXX] SHE SAYS THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE I'M HAVING TO PAY $820 A MONTH FOR A VEHICLE THAT'S UNSAFE AND NOT IN MY POSSESSION. PLEASE HELP ME! THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME ALSO TO FULL TANK 200 MILES AND AC WHISTLES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11693475
Incident
Jun 19, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jul 28, 2025

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 ID
11676628
Incident
Feb 10, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module error. The contact was informed by the mechanic to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,172.

NHTSA ID
11641955
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
Mileage
99,172 mi
Filed Oct 16, 2024

Recall R22A1 has not been repaired by the dealership. Riverside Nissan in Rome, GA held the truck for twelve (12) weeks and was unable to repair the truck. They claim the part is not available. Another repair was subsequently requested at Town Center Nissan in Kennesaw, GA. They initially reported they could get the part within two weeks but now state the part is backordered and unavailable. Vehicle is undrivable without repair.

NHTSA ID
11620251
Incident
Oct 14, 2024
Electrical
Filed Aug 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which, upon pressing the Push to Start button the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000.

NHTSA ID
11609947
Incident
Aug 21, 2024
Mileage
17,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Aug 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. After several attempts, the contact was able to start the vehicle, after which the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that when the failure occurred, the exterior lights would not function properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake light switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.

NHTSA ID
11609478
Incident
Aug 19, 2024
Mileage
36,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB09-131C

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).

NTB09-131C

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).

NTB13-027D

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.

NTB13-107G

ELECTRICAL 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.

NTB10-066C

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.

NTB17-127C

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

Nissan Frontier by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026810—
2025830—
2024223053.1
2023661050.6
20221116057.6
2021Viewing192049.3
2020232055.8
2019291045.3
2018252037.4
2017381049.1
2016431044.7
2015330035.6
2014422051.0
2013481047.2
2012783047.6
2011641041.8
2010596151.8
2009375150.8
20081366151.1
20075202147.2
20066177255.2
20055326152.5
2004664052.4
2003777053.9
20021248054.3
20011347159.8
20001896055.3
1999785052.3
19981295053.1

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.