Most common 2018 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Frontier complaints by model year
Best Frontier years: 2015, 2018, 2021. Years to avoid: 2022, 2023, 2006, 2007, 2005. Compare all years →
2018 Nissan Frontier recalls (2)
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
Remedy: 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.
What 2018 Nissan Frontier owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that upon inserting the key in the ignition switch to start the vehicle, the ignition switch was significantly loose, preventing the vehicle from starting. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the ignition switch plastic body needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V551000 (Electrical System). An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,260. The defect was repaired and the contact is requesting reimbursement.
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.
Speed control & acceleration
The throttle control, foot pedal, has dead spots that happen when leaving a stop sign, green lights, pulling out into traffic. Also climbing a hill when you step on the gas nothing happens until the transmission kicks down then you go to fast. This happens occasionally. It is better if you turn of the overdrive did it still happens. I have had it back to the dealer 3 times.dealer reprogrammed the transmission, reprogrammed the throttle body and then replaced the throttle body. When I pull out into traffic I do not know if the truck is going to move or not. Sometime there is about a second delay until it catches and then sometimes it chirps the tires. I have just over 1000 miles on this truck and do not feel safe. This is my forth Nissan Frontier, I never experienced any fear in driving the other truck. …
Vehicle was stopped, foot on brake, exiting a public parking lot, when suddenly engine accelerated rapidly and wheels were screeching. The passenger of vehicle had to place transmission in neutral, then park to stop vehicle from moving forward. This action did not stop engine from revving at extreme high speed--rather, the engine would slow down after about 3-5 seconds. This happened 5 times, within a 10 minute 4 mile drive, but not consistently. Driving approx. 15-25 MPH between stop signs: brake would be applied and then engine and truck would race forward. Each time the passenger was required to put shift lever in neutral to avoid hitting vehicles or objects in front of vehicle. The driver would clearly state that foot was not on the gas pedal.
Brakes
I own a 2018 Nissan Frontier 9745 miles. As a previous owner has explained his brake problem same as mine when you depress the brake pedal solid it almost goes to the floor also when this pedal goes low the accelerator goes down too close to each other. I have contacted 3 Nissan dealers they claim they cant duplicate the problem on a road test.. Nissan corp admin lady finally called, she knows nothing about maintenance problems...I am a 75 year old 100% disable veteran and just want a car with good reliable brakes, unfortunately Nissan trucks aren't for me....if Nissan cant solve my problem I will by buying elsewhere no accident but very close call............
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the brake and accelerator pedals were too close together. While braking, the accelerator pedal would also depress and the vehicle would lunge forward. The contact also stated that the brake pedal was loose and would travel all the way down to the floorboard when depressed hard. The contact spoke with jeff wyler fairfield Cadillac Kia Nissan (5815 dixie hwy, fairfield, oh 45014, [phone]). The dealer could not duplicate the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 500.
2018 Nissan Frontier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 22 / 19 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Nissan Frontier a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Frontier rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Frontier at the same age. It is one of the best Frontier years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Nissan Frontier?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the speed control & acceleration (3) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Frontier, the most recent from September 12, 2019 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Frontier?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2018 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2023, 2006, 2007 and 2005. See the full Nissan Frontier years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Nissan Frontier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 82% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.