The 2018 Nissan Frontier has 2 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (5 complaints).
Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints25filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
2018 Nissan Frontier in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
NHTSA recall 19V654000 · Sep 12, 2019 · 1,228,830 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Electrical system › Ignition
NHTSA recall 18V551000 · Aug 21, 2018 · 153,047 vehicles
Problem: 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 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.
Risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2018 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
21.2%
2018 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
19.8%
2018 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
19.8%
2018 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
21.2%
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Frontier 2WD
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Frontier 2WD
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Frontier 2WD
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Frontier 2WD
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Frontier 2WD FFV FFV
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Frontier 4WD
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Frontier 4WD
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
Frontier 4WD FFV FFV
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system Ignition › Switch
5
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
4
0
0
0
—
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal
3
0
0
0
500 mi
Service brakes
3
0
0
0
9,745 mi
Suspension
3
0
0
0
—
Power train
2
0
0
0
—
Fuel/propulsion system
2
0
0
0
—
Air bags
2
0
0
0
—
Structure Body
2
0
0
0
—
Service brakes, hydraulic Pedals and linkages
1
0
0
0
—
Back over prevention
1
0
0
0
—
Engine
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Aug 7, 2025Electrical 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 good. Wiring harness appears to be in good condition. Grounds are tight and clean. Wondering if this problem is related to the recall on the ignition switch.
Aug 8, 2024Air bags The passenger dashboard airbag keeps generating error codes and the airbag light continually flashes. There have been 2 costly repair attempts by a Nissan dealership, but the problem persists. The dealership stated the passenger airbag was not functioning properly. They want to try a 3rd repair attempt which is the most expensive yet. I have been in contact with Nissan customer service and they have split the repair costs with me thus far on 2 of the repairs. At this point they are just throwing parts at the problem hoping something fixes the issue without knowing or properly diagnosing which component is actually at fault. The problem first manifested in August 2024 at around 62k miles.…
Aug 10, 2025Electrical system 15 mph door lock system does not work. Have been in garage with truck, and heard doors lock with no one near vehicle. I understand there is a class action suit about the door lock system. Seems to me this system could malfunction and possible lock you in vehicle. This is a 2018 Nissan frontier SL. The FOB function normal locking and unlocking vehicle.
Jan 1, 2025Engine I bought this truck from my boss man and had it put in the shop to replace the head gasket but they ended up changing the valve cover the intake manifold gasket and putting plugs in it due to a smoking issue and skipping but after all the repairs were done it turns out that the valves are bad in the engine and they more than likely they were bad when they installed originally. It's causing stalling issues in traffic and I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem.
Jan 29, 2025Electrical system Jan 29 2025 vehicle failed to start . Turned switch to start several times .no response at all no dash lights no starter reaction no clicking from battery, which would indicate battery problem. Waited several mins approx 30 minutes. Vehicle started and been ok for several more starts today. Suspect ignition switch ,seems many models this vehicle has problems. Mine did not show a recall?
Nov 10, 2024Structure › Body Upon inspection found passenger side truck bed mount with a crack and portion missing from where the bed connects to the frame.
Aug 26, 2024Structure › Body Paint peeling on front left finder and where both front finders connect to the cab. N/A The dealer was informed and photos sent. Just the photos sent N/A
Feb 3, 2023Air bags Passenger airbag warning light on dashboard flashes continually. This indicates it may not deploy in accident. It was taken to a Nissan dealer and mechanic inspected and stated in report, "Found occupancy classification module to be installed incorrectly and non OEM". Warning light began flashing in February, 2023. No prior problems with airbags or warning lights. Airbags never deployed and never worked on. Vehicle was purchased new from a Nissan dealer. Airbag and warning light have not been repaired and it continues to flash when the truck is on. The warning light first came on spontaneously while driving and not in response to accident.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
