The Lemon Index2021 Nissan Frontier.
The 2021 Nissan Frontier is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 14 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 24, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 19 to 20 mpg combined. The best Nissan Frontier year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 20 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Frontier year. 2021 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.
Recalls 2
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
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 60 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…
- HESITATION AND/OR SHIFT SHOCK This bulletin has been amended
- DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on…
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 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.8L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 24; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Frontier year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Frontier problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (21%), transmission & drivetrain (21%) and fuel or ev drive system (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have?
2 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Frontier get?
19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 21% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Nissan Frontier cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have?
3.8L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Frontier year is better than the 2021?
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