Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Frontier has a complaint index of 10, the lowest of any other Frontier year in the data, and carries a Best verdict relative to other Frontier model years.

Does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have a transmission recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls, campaigns 22V671000 and 22V457000, both involving a transmission parking pawl that may not engage in Park, which can lead to a vehicle rollaway.

What is the most common problem area for the 2021 Frontier?

Electrical System complaints are tied with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the top problem area, each accounting for 26% of the 19 complaints on file.

How does the 2021 Frontier compare to other Frontier years?

It ranks 19th worst out of 21 model years, meaning only two years score better, with a complaint index of 10 versus much higher figures like 100 for 2006 and 90 for 2005.

At what mileage do 2021 Frontier problems tend to show up?

Electrical System complaints show a median mileage of 26,500, while Transmission & Powertrain complaints show a median of 99,172 miles.

2021 Nissan Frontier Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Best The 2021 Nissan Frontier has a complaint index of 10, the lowest among most Frontier years, and ranks 19th worst out of 21 model years with a Best verdict. It has 19 complaints and 2 recalls, both tied to a transmission parking pawl issue.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 10/100; #19 of 21 Frontier years
Verdict: Best; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 19; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 1; reported in complaints
Fires: 0
Injuries: 0
Top issue: Electrical System
Best nearby year: 2018; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 19.5; 17.5 city / 23.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 0 / 0

2021 Nissan Frontier recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 22V671000Sep 7, 2022Transmission & Powertrain197,230 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will perform the applicable repairs below, free of charge: Â Model Year 2020-2022 Frontier vehicles: reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM) Â Model Year 2020-2022 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM and Engine Control Module (ECM) Â Model Year 2023 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM Â Model Year 2023 Z vehicles: reprogram TCM. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
NHTSA 22V457000Jun 24, 2022Transmission & Powertrain180,176 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will replace the transmission parking pawl pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A2 R22A3.

2021 Nissan Frontier fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 17.5 MPG
Highway: 23.5 MPG
Combined: 19.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $3,325; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Regular
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2021 compared with other Frontier years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2019	Good	25	28	1	18.5
2020	Good	30	23	2	19.5
2021	Best	10	19	2	19.5
2022	Avoid	85	111	6	19.5
2023	Avoid	80	66	1	19.5

All Nissan Frontier years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Frontier has a complaint index of 10, the lowest of any other Frontier year in the data, and carries a Best verdict relative to other Frontier model years.
Does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have a transmission recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls, campaigns 22V671000 and 22V457000, both involving a transmission parking pawl that may not engage in Park, which can lead to a vehicle rollaway.
What is the most common problem area for the 2021 Frontier?: Electrical System complaints are tied with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the top problem area, each accounting for 26% of the 19 complaints on file.
How does the 2021 Frontier compare to other Frontier years?: It ranks 19th worst out of 21 model years, meaning only two years score better, with a complaint index of 10 versus much higher figures like 100 for 2006 and 90 for 2005.
At what mileage do 2021 Frontier problems tend to show up?: Electrical System complaints show a median mileage of 26,500, while Transmission & Powertrain complaints show a median of 99,172 miles.