CarBrief

The 2019 Nissan Frontier has 28 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and one recall, which covers the back-up camera[2]. EPA combined fuel economy runs from 17 to 21 MPG depending on engine and drive[3][4].

28owner complaints[1]
1recalls[5]
17–21MPG combined (EPA)[3]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 28 owner complaints for this model year[1]. One mentions a crash, one a fire, and 2 mention injuries[1]. None report deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

The power train group has the most, at 7 complaints[7]. None of them mention a crash, fire or injury, and the median mileage at failure is 9,337[7]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe clunking noises, trouble getting out of park, and moments of lost power or poor acceleration[7].

Other groups are smaller:

The crash, fire and injury counts are the same for unknown or other[8], air bags[9] and seat belts[14]. That points to one serious report filed under several groups, not several separate events. The sample is small, so it says little about how often any of this happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for the 2019 Frontier.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2019 Frontier from 17 to 21 MPG combined[3][4]. The 2.5L 4-cylinder with a manual transmission and 2WD is the most efficient[3]. The 4.0L 6-cylinder with 4WD and an automatic is the thirstiest, tied with the 4WD FFV version[4][15].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.5L, Automatic 5-spd[16] 17 / 22 / 19 $3,550
2WD, 2.5L, Manual 5-spd[3] 19 / 23 / 21 $3,200
2WD, 4.0L, Automatic 5-spd[17] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550
2WD, 4.0L, Manual 6-spd[18] 16 / 22 / 19 $3,550
2WD FFV, 4.0L, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85[19] 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700
4WD, 4.0L, Automatic 5-spd[4] 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
4WD, 4.0L, Manual 6-spd[20] 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
4WD FFV, 4.0L, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85[15] 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950

EPA's annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the PU/CC AWD version 4 stars overall[6], 3 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash and 4 stars for rollover[6]. Its rollover risk is 19.8%[6]. The PU/CC RWD version also gets 4 stars overall, 3 frontal and 5 side, but only 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 21.2%[21].

Engine and size

Two engines appear in EPA's test data. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated at 152 hp[22]. The 4.0L 6-cylinder is rated at 261 hp[23].

These sizes are Canadian-market specifications, so US trucks can differ slightly.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew Cab 4x4 PRO-4X[24] 206 in 73 in 70 in 126 in 4,597 lb
Crew Cab 4x4 SL[25] 219 in 73 in 70 in 140 in 4,749 lb
Crew Cab 4x4 SV[26] 219 in 73 in 70 in 140 in 4,570 lb
King Cab 4x4 SV/PRO-4X[27] 206 in 73 in 70 in 126 in 4,312 lb
King Cab S/Box 4x2 S[28] 206 in 73 in 69 in 126 in 3,774 lb
King Cab S/Box 4x2 SV[29] 206 in 73 in 70 in 126 in 4,145 lb

How 2019 compares with other years

1998: 129 complaints, 2 recalls19981999: 78 complaints, 2 recalls2000: 189 complaints, 3 recalls2001: 134 complaints, 3 recalls20012002: 124 complaints, 4 recalls2003: 77 complaints, 4 recalls2004: 66 complaints, 1 recalls20042005: 532 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 617 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 520 complaints, 1 recalls20072008: 136 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 37 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 59 complaints, 4 recalls20102011: 64 complaints, 1 recalls2012: 80 complaints, 3 recalls2013: 48 complaints, 1 recalls20132014: 42 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 33 complaints, 0 recalls2016: 43 complaints, 1 recalls20162017: 38 complaints, 1 recalls2018: 25 complaints, 2 recalls2019: 28 complaints, 1 recalls2820192020: 23 complaints, 2 recalls2021: 20 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 112 complaints, 6 recalls20222023: 66 complaints, 1 recalls2024: 22 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 9 complaints, 3 recalls20252026: 11 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Frontier model year. The 2019 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19981292
1999782
20001893
20011343
20021244
2003774
2004661
20055323
20066174
20075201
20081365
2009373
2010594
2011641
2012803
2013481
2014422
2015330
2016431
2017381
2018252
2019281
2020232
2021202
20221126
2023661
2024223
202593
2026111

NHTSA has 28 complaints and 1 recall on file for the 2019 Frontier[5]. Some years look better. 2018 has 25 complaints, 2020 has 23, 2021 has 20, 2024 has 22, 2025 has 9 and 2026 has 11[5]. Others look worse. 2005, 2006 and 2007 have 532, 617 and 520 complaints, and 2022 has 112 complaints and 6 recalls[5]. Only 2015 and 2027 show no recalls[5].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2019 Frontier?

The complaint count is modest at 28, though some other years have fewer[1][5]. Before buying, ask a Nissan dealer whether the back-up camera recall (19V654) update has been done, since it is free[2]. In the small sample of complaints we read, owners describe clunking and power problems, and air bag warning lights, so those are worth checking on a test drive[7][9]. Choose the engine with fuel cost in mind, since annual fuel cost runs from $3,200 to $3,950 across versions[3][4]. This page cannot tell you about towing, oil capacity or tire size.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
Power train has the most complaints with 7 of the 28 on file[1][7]. In the sample we read, owners describe clunking noises, trouble getting out of park and lost power[7].
Has the 2019 Nissan Frontier been recalled?
Yes, once. Recall 19V654 covers the back-up camera settings. The fix is a free dealer software update[2].
What MPG does the 2019 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA rates it from 17 to 21 MPG combined, depending on engine and drive[3][4].
How many complaints does the 2019 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA lists 28, with 2 injuries and no deaths reported[1].
How safe is the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA gives the PU/CC AWD and RWD versions 4 stars overall[6][21].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Nissan Frontier (1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 19V654, filed September 12, 2019: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Frontier model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 7 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,337). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 5 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 3 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 2 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 2 complaints name the seat belts component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2019 Nissan Frontier with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 152 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2019 Nissan Frontier with 4.0L 6-cylinder: rated 261 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.