The Lemon Index2018 Nissan Frontier.
The 2018 Nissan Frontier is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 14 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 17, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 2 recalls, 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 25 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Frontier year. 2018 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 1K to 27K miles on the car (11 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- back over prevention 2019
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
- 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 73 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended
- ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION…
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 | not rated | ★★★☆☆ | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC AWD | not rated | ★★★☆☆ | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD | 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
I went for inspection and they told me I need from brakes and rotor and I only got ten thousand eight hundred miles
2018 Nissan Frontier owner · NHTSA complaint 11270992
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 17; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Frontier year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Frontier problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (21%), brakes (21%) and suspension (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have?
2 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Frontier get?
17 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Nissan Frontier cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Frontier year is better than the 2018?
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