Nissan Frontier: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Nissan Frontier years to approach with the most caution are 2005, 2006, and 2007. The strongest years in our data are 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Nissan Frontier year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2019 Recommended 7 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 7 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2015 Recommended 7 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2014 Recommended 7 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2013 Recommended 7 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2024 Caution 6 Reports that the transmission parking pawl may not fully engage in Park, creating a rollaway risk; addressed by service bulletin.; Nine-speed automatic transmission can hesitate, lag and shift harshly, especially at low speeds, with reports of jerking and shift shock; Nissan issued software remaps and TSBs.; Electrical and infotainment glitches reported, including touchscreen and electrical-system faults on the redesigned model. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 Reports that the transmission parking pawl may not fully engage in Park, creating a rollaway risk; addressed by service bulletin.; Nine-speed automatic transmission can hesitate, lag and shift harshly, especially at low speeds, with reports of jerking and shift shock; Nissan issued software remaps and TSBs.; Electrical and infotainment glitches reported, including touchscreen and electrical-system faults on the redesigned model. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 New-for-2020 nine-speed automatic draws hesitation, lag, jerking and hard-shifting complaints and is the subject of a class action and multiple TSBs including valve-body replacement.; Scattered electrical-system faults reported on these final old-body trucks. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.; Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.; Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.; Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 5 Reports that the transmission parking pawl may not fully engage in Park, creating a rollaway risk; addressed by service bulletin.; Nine-speed automatic transmission can hesitate, lag and shift harshly, especially at low speeds, with reports of jerking and shift shock; Nissan issued software remaps and TSBs.; Electrical and infotainment glitches reported, including touchscreen and electrical-system faults on the redesigned model. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 New-for-2020 nine-speed automatic draws hesitation, lag, jerking and hard-shifting complaints and is the subject of a class action and multiple TSBs including valve-body replacement.; Scattered electrical-system faults reported on these final old-body trucks. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.; Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.; Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks. Full report ↗
2007 Avoid 4 The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.; Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks. Full report ↗
2006 Avoid 4 The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.; Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks. Full report ↗
2005 Avoid 4 The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.; Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks. Full report ↗

Nissan Frontier problems by year

2024 Nissan Frontier Caution

Third-gen Frontier with low complaint volume as the design matures; the 310-hp V6 is strong and equipment modern, though the 9-speed automatic's shift manners remain a minor caveat. A capable, improving midsize truck.

  • Reports that the transmission parking pawl may not fully engage in Park, creating a rollaway risk; addressed by service bulletin.
  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can hesitate, lag and shift harshly, especially at low speeds, with reports of jerking and shift shock; Nissan issued software remaps and TSBs.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches reported, including touchscreen and electrical-system faults on the redesigned model.

2023 Nissan Frontier Caution

Redesigned Frontier rated below average for reliability this year, with electrical/infotainment and 9-speed transmission complaints leading; capable and well-equipped but verify software and transmission behavior.

  • Reports that the transmission parking pawl may not fully engage in Park, creating a rollaway risk; addressed by service bulletin.
  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can hesitate, lag and shift harshly, especially at low speeds, with reports of jerking and shift shock; Nissan issued software remaps and TSBs.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches reported, including touchscreen and electrical-system faults on the redesigned model.

2022 Nissan Frontier Caution

All-new third-generation Frontier with a 310-hp 3.8L V6; as a launch year it shows the most complaints of the new generation, led by electrical and 9-speed power-train items. Promising but still settling in.

  • Reports that the transmission parking pawl may not fully engage in Park, creating a rollaway risk; addressed by service bulletin.
  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can hesitate, lag and shift harshly, especially at low speeds, with reports of jerking and shift shock; Nissan issued software remaps and TSBs.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches reported, including touchscreen and electrical-system faults on the redesigned model.

2021 Nissan Frontier Caution

Final old-body Frontier with the 3.8L V6 and 9-speed automatic; the 9-speed's shift quality (hesitation, jerking) remains the main concern despite a remap, and the interior is dated. Test-drive the transmission.

  • New-for-2020 nine-speed automatic draws hesitation, lag, jerking and hard-shifting complaints and is the subject of a class action and multiple TSBs including valve-body replacement.
  • Scattered electrical-system faults reported on these final old-body trucks.

2020 Nissan Frontier Caution

Drops the new 3.8L V6 and 9-speed automatic into the old body; that 9-speed draws hesitation/hard-shift complaints and a class action. Low overall volume but the transmission is the year's question mark.

  • New-for-2020 nine-speed automatic draws hesitation, lag, jerking and hard-shifting complaints and is the subject of a class action and multiple TSBs including valve-body replacement.
  • Scattered electrical-system faults reported on these final old-body trucks.

2019 Nissan Frontier Recommended

The last simple D40 before the 2020 powertrain change: proven VQ40 V6, low complaints and strong resale make it a favorite used pick. Interior is dated; confirm recalls.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2018 Nissan Frontier Recommended

Among the better Frontier years: low complaint volume, the durable 4.0L V6 and 5-speed automatic, dated interior aside. Confirm any open recalls. A reliable, affordable used midsize truck.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2017 Nissan Frontier Caution

A dependable late-D40 year with the proven V6; complaints are modest, led by fuel/propulsion and electrical items plus the Takata airbag recall. Good value with recalls confirmed.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2016 Nissan Frontier Caution

Reliable mechanically but Takata airbag-inflator recalls dominate this year's complaints; engine and fuel-system reports are minor. Verify the airbag recall; otherwise a dependable D40.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2015 Nissan Frontier Recommended

Continues the dependable mid-D40 run with the durable VQ40 V6, low complaint volume and good longevity; confirm the Takata airbag recall. A reliable, value-priced used pick.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2014 Nissan Frontier Recommended

A sweet-spot Frontier: proven 4.0L V6 powertrain, low owner-reported problems and strong resale, with the Takata airbag recall the main item to confirm. Among the most reliable years to buy.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2013 Nissan Frontier Recommended

One of the best Frontier years: low complaints, the bulletproof 4.0L V6 and simple 5-speed automatic, with only the industry-wide Takata airbag recall as a caveat. A strong, dependable used midsize truck.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2012 Nissan Frontier Caution

A generally dependable D40 year, though complaints are elevated by Takata airbag-inflator recalls and some power-train reports. The radiator 'milkshake' era is over; verify the airbag recall is complete.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2011 Nissan Frontier Caution

Enters the dependable middle of the D40 run with the proven 4.0L V6 and 5-speed automatic; main asterisks are Takata airbag recalls and scattered brake/power-train reports. Solid once recalls are confirmed done.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall covers these years; inflators can rupture and must be replaced under recall. Confirm the remedy was performed.
  • Occasional automatic-transmission and drivetrain concerns, markedly improved over the early D40; the radiator/transmission cross-contamination risk is gone from these years.
  • Some brake-system complaints reported on the early years of this range.

2010 Nissan Frontier Caution

Last model year carrying the early-D40 radiator/transmission 'milkshake' risk, now with Takata airbag-inflator recalls appearing. Otherwise low complaints; confirm radiator replacement and recall completion.

  • The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.
  • Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks.

2009 Nissan Frontier Caution

Reliability improves: low complaint volume and the worst years behind it, though the radiator/transmission risk isn't fully gone until 2011. Adds the Pro-4X. Reasonable used pick with cooling-system due diligence.

  • The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.
  • Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks.

2008 Nissan Frontier Caution

Complaints fall sharply from 2005-07 but the radiator/transmission 'milkshake' risk lingers and power-train stays the top concern. A better early D40, still inspect the cooling system.

  • The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.
  • Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks.

2007 Nissan Frontier Avoid

Still in the early-D40 trouble window: radiator-to-transmission coolant contamination, fuel-gauge sender failures and VQ40 timing-chain tensioner wear drive high complaint volume. Verify the radiator was replaced before buying.

  • The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.
  • Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks.

2006 Nissan Frontier Avoid

Highest-complaint Frontier year. The D40 radiator ruptures internally into the automatic transmission ('strawberry milkshake'), often near 100k miles, alongside fuel-sender and timing-chain issues. Inspect the cooling system or avoid.

  • The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.
  • Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks.

2005 Nissan Frontier Avoid

Launch D40 and one of the worst Frontier years: heavy power-train, fuel-system and engine complaints headlined by the radiator/automatic-transmission coolant cross-contamination ('milkshake') failure plus early-VQ40 timing-chain wear.

  • The radiator's internal automatic-transmission-fluid cooler can rupture and let engine coolant into the transmission (the 'strawberry milkshake'), causing transmission damage or failure, often around 100,000-110,000 miles; a class action led to an extended radiator warranty.
  • Takata airbag-inflator recall begins to cover the 2010 model year; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • VQ40DE 4.0L V6 plastic timing-chain tensioner shoes and guides can wear prematurely, causing rattle and requiring timing-chain service, mainly on 2005-2007 trucks.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Nissan models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.