2022 Nissan Frontier: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2022 Nissan Frontier ranged from $28,690 to $38,120 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=fronti…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/frontier
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-frontier-buying-guide
Known issues
-
Reports that the transmission parking pawl may not fully engage in Park, creating a rollaway risk; addressed by service bulletin.
occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–60k miles · transmission
-
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.
commonly reported · 24 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–60k miles · transmission
-
Electrical and infotainment glitches reported, including touchscreen and electrical-system faults on the redesigned model.
commonly reported · 25 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–50k miles · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=FRONTI…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=fronti…
- lemonlawexperts.comhttps://lemonlawexperts.com/nissan-9-speed-transmission-problems/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Rugged body-on-frame build and competitive midsize towing and hauling.
- Standard 310-hp 3.8L V6 gives strong, confident performance across the lineup.
- Modern cabin with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen and standard active-safety features on most trims.
- Strong resale value and a reputation for long-haul durability.
Cons
- Rear-seat space is tight, particularly in the King Cab.
- Fuel economy trails more efficient rivals in the class.
- Nine-speed automatic can shift harshly or hesitate, especially at low speeds.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $28,690 | $32,150 | — | — |
| SV | $31,390 | $36,190 | — | — |
| Pro-X | $35,120 | $38,570 | — | — |
| Pro-4X | $38,120 | $41,870 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2022-nissan-frontier-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-frontier-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($28,690). Higher trims started higher (up to $38,120), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2022 loses roughly another 23% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-frontier/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/frontier
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-frontier-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2022 Nissan Frontier have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2022 Nissan Frontier reliable?
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.
How much did the 2022 Nissan Frontier cost new?
Between $28,690 and $38,120 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Nissan Frontier expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
Checking a listing right now?
The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.
Add to Chrome · FreeNo account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.
Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.