Truck · Gas
Nissan Frontier 2005–2021 (D40)
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- Price
- $18,000–$36,000
- MPG
- 21
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Excellent capability
- Strength: Excellent value retention
- Watch-out: Poor tech
- Watch-out: Poor running costs
How it scores for you10 scores
A rugged, dependable workhorse with strong towing and value retention, undercut by thirsty fuel economy, dated tech, and a crude, cramped cabin.
Recalled far less often than cars of the same model years; 2 of its 5 recalls were serious. About 7% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted +6 points for its wider reputation.
4-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 3, side 5, rollover 3).
About $3,200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 23% of cars we track.
Cargo volume isn't published for this car.
Crew cab seats 5 but rear legroom is tight and cabin feels cramped by modern midsize standards; adequate but not spacious.
Old-school body-on-frame truck with proven 4.0L V6 (261hp) offering decent grunt, but dated chassis, vague steering, and crude ride make it more utilitarian than engaging to drive.
The D40 Frontier went largely unchanged for over 15 years, leaving it with an antiquated cabin, small screens, and minimal driver-assist tech versus modern rivals.
Dated interior with firm, stiff ride typical of an aging body-on-frame design; tight seating and basic materials trail newer midsize trucks.
Trucks have historically held their value best.
Rated to tow 6,100 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls9 recalls
9 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2015–2021
- Powertrain — 11 complaints (2020)
- Recall — Powertrain: automatic transmission (2021)
- Airbags — 10 complaints (2016)
2021
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission22V457000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission22V671000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
2020
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission22V457000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission22V671000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain11 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The 9 speed automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure (codes PO893 and PO876), forcing the vehicle into limp mode. The vehicle loses propulsion unexpectedly in traffic, and the transmission risk complete mechanical lockup while driving. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on pub
2019
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio
- Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
I was driving a 2019 Nissan Frontier and after pulling out of a parking garage the vehicle was failing to accelerate properly and the engine was jerking. I immediately pulled over and discovered the high pressure AC line had a hairline crack in it and the refrigerant oil sprayed all over the serpent
- Complaint clusterAirbags5 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
Passenger side ocs control unit has failed .
2018
- RecallElectrical: ignition18V551000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio
- Complaint clusterElectrical5 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2018 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner... Battery inconsistently drains fast when off and while driving. Indicator lights for battery, brakes, ABS and traction control come on. Gauges malfunction. Tried another battery and still having same symptoms. Alternator and battery passed bench test. Fuses are g
2017
- RecallElectrical: ignition18V551000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion10 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I drive on the highway and my truck stalls out and just shuts off. When I’m driving at slow speeds, it just keeps stalling I lose power and it takes a few tries for it to start again then I have to peel out so it stays started and hope I don’t have to slow down.
- Complaint clusterElectrical6 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 73,471 and at the time of registrat
- Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving at 30 MPH or above, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. On a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled and drastically shifted out of gear into a different g
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
2016
- RecallElectrical: starter assembly; electrical system: wiring: front underhood16V181000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016 Frontier V6 vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to March 7, 2016. The starter motor wire harness may have been installed in an incorrect position, allowing the starter harness terminal to contact the heat shield and result in an ele
- Complaint clusterAirbags10 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light is blinking and has been for approximately 9 months. I live in Salida, CO which does not have a Nissan Dealership to take my vehicle into for servicing. I recently saw an article on Fox 31 News pertaining to the same airbag malfunction and would like to know what to do about
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OUR 2016 NISSAN FRONTER HAS A SLOW AIR LEAK ON THE TIRES AFTER HAVEING THEM CHECKED BY A TIRE DEALER IT WAS FOUND THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR (TPS) WAS LEAKING AT THE CORE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE CORE OR THE NUT THAT HOLDS THE TPS ON THE WHEEL. GALVONIC REACTION HAD WELDED ALL IN PLACE . DEALER
- Complaint clusterEngine6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Head gasket blew and it warped the heads at 98,000 miles Replace motor with a 51,000 mile motor and less than 2 months later, motor is knocking inside with broken peices of the motor. I have to replace it again.
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion5 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am experiencing a fuel pump issue that stalls the engine while driving. The issue will sometimes go away if I first loosen the fuel cap on the gas tank to relieve built up pressure but after driving for 10 to 15 minutes or so the vehicle will begin to jerk while accelerating then it will stall and
2015
- Complaint clusterAirbags9 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
2015 Nissan Frontier, air bag light came on, replaced clock spring, and no fault found, no change to air bag warning, blinking light still on.
Cost to own$17,200 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$18,000–$36,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$3,200/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
19
Highway MPG
23
Combined MPG
21
Horsepower
261 hp
Doors
4
Length
205.5 in
Width
72.8 in
Height
70.1 in
Wheelbase
126.0 in
Curb weight
4,597 lb
Towing capacity
6,100 lbs
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