Pickup trucks · NHTSA data

Used Nissan Frontier: recalls, complaints and safety ratings by year

What the federal data says about every Nissan Frontier model year from 2015 to 2022, before you buy one used in Texas.

Used Nissan Frontier Recalls and Complaints by Year
Short answer. Among 2015–2022 model years, NHTSA data shows the 2015 Nissan Frontier with the fewest recall campaigns plus owner complaints (0 recalls, 33 complaints), and the 2022 with the most owner complaints (112). Complaint counts also rise with how many were sold, so compare years, not brands.

Year by year

Model yearRecall campaignsOwner complaintsMost reported componentBest NCAP overall
2015033AirbagsNot rated
2016144Unknown Or OtherNot rated
2017138Fuel/Propulsion System4 of 5 stars
2018225Electrical SystemNot rated
2019128Power Train4 of 5 stars
202020None ReportedNot rated
202120None ReportedNot rated
20226112Forward Collision Avoidance4 of 5 stars

Recall campaigns and complaints are counted from NHTSA records for each model year. NCAP shows the highest overall rating among the tested versions; some versions are not tested.

What owners report most

Components named most often in owner complaints across all years on this page (280 complaints in total). One complaint can name more than one component.

Electrical System50
Unknown Or Other49
Power Train42
Forward Collision Avoidance33
Airbags32
Service Brakes26

Before you buy a used Nissan Frontier in Texas

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask the seller for proof that open recalls were repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
  2. Check the title for salvage, rebuilt or flood brands. See how to check a Texas title.
  3. Get an independent pre-purchase inspection, focused on the components owners report most (above).
  4. If you live in an emissions county (Travis, Williamson, or Bexar since November 1, 2026), plan for the emissions test before registration renewal. See Texas inspection and emissions rules.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a used Nissan Frontier has open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows recalls that have not been repaired on that exact vehicle. A recall listed on this page may already be fixed on the car you are looking at.

Are NHTSA complaints about the Nissan Frontier verified?

No. Complaints are reports filed by owners and NHTSA does not confirm each one. They are useful to see which parts owners report most, not as proof of a defect.

Which Nissan Frontier years are on this page?

Model years 2015 to 2022, the range most shoppers in the Austin and San Antonio used market look at. Data was pulled from the NHTSA API on 2026-11-05.

Sources

Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything.

Want a personalized car guide?

Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars.

Anthony Hunt

Anthony Hunt

Web developer and car enthusiast in Austin, Texas. Anthony has spent the last year and a half around used cars and auctions, digs into every rule and recall so you don't have to, and knows people across the car business. Need help choosing a car? Ask him, it's free.

anthonyhunts.com
Chat with Anthony on WhatsApp