Most common 2021 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of the 20 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 →
2021 Nissan Frontier recalls (2)
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.
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: Model Year 2020-2022 Frontier vehicles: reprogram Transmission Control…
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.
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.
What 2021 Nissan Frontier owners say
Electrical system
My husband and I bought a new truck. My husband pulled the truck into our garage, once in the garage the back tires started to spin out of control, he looked down and saw he had his foot on the brake only, but truck surged forward causing no injuries but have minor truck and property damage. Have a picture of where there is stationary tire marks on our epoxy garage floor showing the black tire marks of the tires spinning out of control just before the truck surged forward. After this incident we found articles about sudden unintended acceleration which we feel is what happened to my husband. The dealership we bought the vehicle from has been derogatory from the start of this incident. We have contacted several attorneys to only be turned down saying we don't have a case because my husband wasn't injured (thank God). …
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. After several attempts, the contact was able to start the vehicle, after which the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that when the failure occurred, the exterior lights would not function properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake light switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module error. The contact was informed by the mechanic to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,172.
The Vehicle hesitates when taking of from a stand still of from switching lanes from a stop. The Transmission is trying to switch from a stop causing the Vehicle to have no power of RPM's on the Torque Converter. Very Dangerous. Has almost caused me to have a wreck several times. Have taken the Vehicle to the Nissan Dealership 2 times . Dealership said there was a problem and Nissan has had other complaints but their Engineers does not have a fix. The first time at the Dealership they reprogramed the Transmission . Said that would fix it. The Reprogram was a Recall. Did not fix the issue. Today 06/27/2023 The said there was some complaints in Nissan's data the same as mine. Tech said he test a 2023 Nissan with same transmission ant they mine and it shifted the same. Told them they crazy my is a 2021 2 wheel drive , the one the test drove was 2023 4 wheel drive. Totally different.
Fuel & propulsion system
Descending my driveway which is an approximately 15 degree slope with the transmission selected to remain in 1st gear, and approximately one third of a tank of fuel or less remaining in the fuel tank the engine seems to momentarily cut out as the vehicle feels like the transmission is in neutral, but the tachometer indicates the engine is running. When this occurs the MIL comes on along with the check AT light. Stopping the vehicle and restarting the vehicle clears the Check AT light, but it takes several drive cycles to clear the MIL light. This has happened on two occasions. After the first occurrence the dealer checked for any locked in codes, but none were present. Since the MIL only stays locked in for a limited time it appears that the on board diagnostics are not storing codes due to it being a momentary issue.
Transmission in Park Nissan sent notice truck could roll away. Radio turns self on and off 2-3 times after starting vehicle no lights or messages show up Cell phone bluetooth won't work
2021 Nissan Frontier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Frontier rates better than average: 44% 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 2021 Nissan Frontier?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (5) and fuel & propulsion system (3).
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Frontier, the most recent from September 7, 2022 (automatic transmission). 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 2021 Nissan Frontier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 75% 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.