The Lemon Index2017 Nissan Frontier.
The 2017 Nissan Frontier is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 21 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 25, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel or ev drive system, it has 1 recall, and it gets 17 to 21 mpg combined. The best Nissan Frontier year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 38 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Frontier year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 38K miles on the car (24 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- electrical 2018
In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 85 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
- DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on…
- Oil Pressure Switch Dealer Inventory *****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is conducting a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Ever since the last service a couple weeks ago, the last two times getting gas the gas has backed up and spilled out the fuel fill up door. Unable to fully fill tank. Engine warning light comes on.
2017 Nissan Frontier owner · NHTSA complaint 11185545
More owner reports
Gas tank vent not working properly while refueling. Spill over at fuel fill up door, unable to load full tank of fuel into gas tank. Engine warning light illuminates.
NHTSA complaint 11065390
When it rains or snows, the fuel fill overflow valve stops working correctly and fuel spits right back out when trying to fill with fuel and the check engine light comes on. The light comes on when driving in rain or snow.
NHTSA complaint 11331162
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 25; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Frontier year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2017 Nissan Frontier problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel or ev drive system (33%), transmission & drivetrain (14%) and airbags (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Frontier have?
1 safety recall (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Nissan Frontier get?
17 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Nissan Frontier safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Frontier problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,000 and 38,800 miles. The middle report was at 17,500 miles, from 24 complaints.
Does the 2017 Nissan Frontier have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Nissan Frontier cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Nissan Frontier have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Frontier year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works