What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Frontier?

The electrical system has the biggest group of complaints. Brakes, speed control and suspension follow with smaller groups.

Does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

Yes, recalls exist for this year. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.

How many complaints are filed for the 2018 Nissan Frontier?

NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on file. None mention a crash, a fire, or an injury.

Is the 2018 Nissan Frontier reliable?

The complaint file is fairly small and has no crash, fire or injury reports. The electrical system is the most named group. Check the Recalls section too.

What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Nissan Frontier?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

2018 Nissan Frontier Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Frontier^[1]. None of them mention a crash, a fire, or an injury^[1].

25owner complaints^[1]

2recalls^[2]

17–21MPG combined (EPA)^[3]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA file, biggest first.

Electrical System. 5 complaints^[4]. Owners describe a backup camera that keeps beeping, a loose ignition switch, a truck that would not start for a while, door locks that act on their own, and a battery that drains and sets off dash warning lights.
Unknown Or Other. 4 complaints^[5]. These reports do not fit a clear component group.
Speed Control. 3 complaints^[6]. Owners describe a gas pedal that hesitates when pulling away and then surges, and one owner describes the engine revving hard while stopped.
Brakes. 3 complaints^[7]. In the stories we read, owners say the brake pedal feels soft and sinks low, and that it sits close to the gas pedal. Some say dealers could not reproduce it.
Suspension. 3 complaints^[8]. Owners describe alignment trouble, a squeak up front, and a vibration that grew over time.
Power Train. 2 complaints^[9].
Fuel/Propulsion System. 2 complaints^[10].
Air Bags. 2 complaints^[11].

These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2018 Frontier is necessarily included.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera (19V654), September 2019. About 1,228,830 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Electrical System › Ignition (18V551), August 2018. About 153,047 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[14]	17 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[3]	19 / 23 / 21	$3,200
Frontier 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[15]	16 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Frontier 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[16]	16 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Frontier 2WD FFV, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive^[17]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Frontier 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive^[18]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Frontier 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive^[19]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Frontier 4WD FFV, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive^[20]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
PU/EC AWD^[21]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	19.8%
PU/CC AWD^[22]	n/a	3	n/a	4	19.8%
PU/CC RWD^[23]	n/a	3	n/a	3	21.2%
PU/EC RWD^[24]	n/a	n/a	n/a	3	21.2%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2018 Nissan Frontier with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[25]	152 hp
2018 Nissan Frontier with 4.0L 6-cylinder^[26]	261 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X4 PRO-4X^[27]	206 in	73 in	70 in	126 in	4,597 lb
FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X4 SL^[28]	219 in	73 in	70 in	140 in	4,749 lb
FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X4 SV^[29]	219 in	73 in	70 in	140 in	4,570 lb
FRONTIER KING CAB 4X4 SV/PRO-4X^[30]	206 in	73 in	70 in	126 in	4,312 lb
FRONTIER KING CAB S/BOX 4X2 S^[31]	206 in	73 in	69 in	126 in	3,774 lb
FRONTIER KING CAB S/BOX 4X2 SV^[32]	206 in	73 in	70 in	126 in	4,145 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Frontier model year. The 2018 is highlighted^[2].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1998	129	2
1999	78	2
2000	189	3
2001	134	3
2002	124	4
2003	77	4
2004	66	1
2005	532	3
2006	617	4
2007	520	1
2008	136	5
2009	37	3
2010	59	4
2011	64	1
2012	80	3
2013	48	1
2014	42	2
2015	33	0
2016	43	1
2017	38	1
2018	25	2
2019	28	1
2020	23	2
2021	20	2
2022	112	6
2023	66	1
2024	22	3
2025	9	3
2026	11	1

NHTSA's counts for the Frontier show 25 complaints and 2 recalls for 2018^[2]. Among the 30 model years listed, 6 have fewer complaints than 2018 and 23 have more^[2]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2006 (617)^[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2018 Frontier?

The 2018 Frontier has 25 complaints on file^[1]. The biggest group is the electrical system^[4]. Brakes and speed control each have a smaller share^[7]^[6]. No crash, fire or injury is mentioned in the file^[1]. Recalls exist for this year too, and you can see them in the Recalls section^[2].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Frontier?: The electrical system has the biggest group of complaints^[4]. Brakes, speed control and suspension follow with smaller groups^[7]^[6]^[8].
Does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have recalls?: Yes, recalls exist for this year^[2]. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.
How many complaints are filed for the 2018 Nissan Frontier?: NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on file^[1]. None mention a crash, a fire, or an injury^[1].
Is the 2018 Nissan Frontier reliable?: The complaint file is fairly small and has no crash, fire or injury reports^[1]. The electrical system is the most named group^[4]. Check the Recalls section too.
What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Nissan Frontier?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Nissan Frontier

2005 532 complaints, 3 recalls
2016 43 complaints, 1 recall
2018 this page
2019 28 complaints, 1 recall
2022 112 complaints, 6 recalls
2026 11 complaints, 1 recall

Compare all model years of the Nissan Frontier

Other Nissan models from 2018

2018 Nissan Sentra 185 complaints, 2 recalls
2018 Nissan Titan 90 complaints, 4 recalls
2018 Nissan Versa 60 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 Nissan Armada 75 complaints, 1 recall
2018 Nissan Maxima 36 complaints, 2 recalls
2018 Nissan Murano 113 complaints, 2 recalls

All Nissan models

Similar cars from 2018: pickup trucks

2018 Chevrolet Colorado 183 complaints, 1 recall
2018 GMC Canyon 53 complaints, 1 recall

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Frontier (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Frontier model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
4 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 19V654, filed September 12, 2019: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V551, filed August 21, 2018: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Frontier 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Frontier 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Frontier 2WD FFV, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Frontier 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Frontier 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Frontier 4WD FFV, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC AWD: frontal 3 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: frontal 3 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Nissan Frontier with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 152 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Nissan Frontier with 4.0L 6-cylinder: rated 261 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X4 PRO-4X: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,597 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X4 SL: length 219 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 140 in, curb weight 4,749 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER CREW CAB 4X4 SV: length 219 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 140 in, curb weight 4,570 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER KING CAB 4X4 SV/PRO-4X: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,312 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER KING CAB S/BOX 4X2 S: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,774 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FRONTIER KING CAB S/BOX 4X2 SV: length 206 in, width 73 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,145 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2018 Nissan Frontier: problems, recalls and fuel economy