RoadVitals

2021 Nissan Frontier Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Latest Sep 20, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Nissan Frontier, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Powertrain (other)520.0%
  • Electrical520.0%
  • Fuel system312.0%
  • Airbags312.0%
  • Driver assistance28.0%
  • Seat belts14.0%
  • Suspension14.0%
  • Tires & wheels14.0%
  • Brakes14.0%
  • Engine14.0%
  • Interior & seats14.0%
  • Exterior lighting14.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11764290 · filed Sep 15, 2026

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 · filed Feb 11, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11764290 · filed Sep 15, 2026

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 · filed Oct 14, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 14, 2025

Transmission in Park Nissan sent notice truck could roll away. Radio turns self on and off 2-3 times after starting vehicle no lights or messages show up Cell phone bluetooth won't work

NHTSA ID 11486649 · filed Sep 27, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 14, 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 · filed Jul 28, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 20, 2026

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. The dealership we bought the vehicle from has been derogatory from the start of this incident. We have contacted several attorneys to only be turned down saying we don’t have a case because my husband wasn’t injured (thank God). We waived the manufacturer arbitration and found only one attorney who took us through pre-litigation but then discharged us after getting the denial letter from the manufacturer, telling us to get a second opinion. We're at a crossroads and don't know what to do at this point. Morally, would it be right to trade in what we feel is a dangerously defective new vehicle? For that is the crossroads we stand at, either pursuing a civil lawsuit or trading it in. The truck was inspected once by the manufacturer and once by the dealership where we bought it. We are currently asking the dealership’s garage to further check the electronic throttle-control and brake override system on this truck. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11435971 · filed Oct 7, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

have gone to Nissan for excessive rattle noise in passenger footwell would sound louder as i gave it gas they concluded that the heater core bracket was loose and tighten but sound did no go away took it in again heater core bracket not good would need to replace so had to take it in third time for same heater core issue eventually they replaced heater core but still have problems with the air was taken to Nissan over 7 times for climate problems. it was not equal driver side blew hotter than the that passenger side eventually it stop blowing air through front vents only the defrost vent works seat adjusting bracket did not lock in place when coming to a stop the passenger seat would slide forward defective Nissan replaced --few month later passenger seatbelt tensioner went bad check engine error code took it to Nissan was replaced by Nissan Nissan service mechanics driving car with defective seatbelt that no issue until part came in same with bracket i had to take them on a ride they kept saying they cant recreate problem as far as climate its been a heat wave over 98 degrees outside and I'm having to drive in a hot car these problems have been since first day i drove car home I've been to service center over 12 times don't feel safe with vehicle i have spoken to Nissan arbitration dept enter Jessica Willis car currently has no air and they are aware of my situation and the heat wave that im having to deal with

NHTSA ID 11475981 · filed Jul 26, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11764290 · filed Sep 15, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Sidewall failed at 70MPH on I-40 Westbound causing immediate deflation of the tire almost causing loss of vehicle control. The problem has NOT been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has NOT been inspected by any police or manufacturer. The low tire warning lamp illuminated seconds after said blowout. HANCOOK DYNAPRO AT M P265/75R16

NHTSA ID 11460884 · filed Apr 15, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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. The dealership we bought the vehicle from has been derogatory from the start of this incident. We have contacted several attorneys to only be turned down saying we don’t have a case because my husband wasn’t injured (thank God). We waived the manufacturer arbitration and found only one attorney who took us through pre-litigation but then discharged us after getting the denial letter from the manufacturer, telling us to get a second opinion. We're at a crossroads and don't know what to do at this point. Morally, would it be right to trade in what we feel is a dangerously defective new vehicle? For that is the crossroads we stand at, either pursuing a civil lawsuit or trading it in. The truck was inspected once by the manufacturer and once by the dealership where we bought it. We are currently asking the dealership’s garage to further check the electronic throttle-control and brake override system on this truck. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11435971 · filed Oct 7, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Numerous complaints of problems with bad/defective engine mounts .

NHTSA ID 11511824 · filed Mar 14, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

have gone to Nissan for excessive rattle noise in passenger footwell would sound louder as i gave it gas they concluded that the heater core bracket was loose and tighten but sound did no go away took it in again heater core bracket not good would need to replace so had to take it in third time for same heater core issue eventually they replaced heater core but still have problems with the air was taken to Nissan over 7 times for climate problems. it was not equal driver side blew hotter than the that passenger side eventually it stop blowing air through front vents only the defrost vent works seat adjusting bracket did not lock in place when coming to a stop the passenger seat would slide forward defective Nissan replaced --few month later passenger seatbelt tensioner went bad check engine error code took it to Nissan was replaced by Nissan Nissan service mechanics driving car with defective seatbelt that no issue until part came in same with bracket i had to take them on a ride they kept saying they cant recreate problem as far as climate its been a heat wave over 98 degrees outside and I'm having to drive in a hot car these problems have been since first day i drove car home I've been to service center over 12 times don't feel safe with vehicle i have spoken to Nissan arbitration dept enter Jessica Willis car currently has no air and they are aware of my situation and the heat wave that im having to deal with

NHTSA ID 11475981 · filed Jul 26, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 19, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .