2021 NISSAN Frontier Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

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.

Feb 11, 2025

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.

Jun 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V457000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

May 24, 2023

I brought my truck in for service on 3/10/23 and they preformed the recall for the transmission. This involved reprogramming no parts were available yet. On my trip home from the shop I noticed right away my fuel economy went from 21MPG to 18 MPG (same roads I always drive) and I have been having a warning light come on after I let and it has came on and off twice. I worry about what would make such a drastic change and what is it doing to my transmission. I have notified the dealer but they are not open till Monday. I do not want my private information shared. I do not know if this is a normal or common problem

Mar 11, 2023

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

When someone is sitting in passenger seat the light for their airbag blinks, is on or off. So we are unsure if the airbag would in fact deploy if we were to be in a collision.

Jul 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated and was flashing. The contact continued driving to his residence. The following day the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be inspected. The mechanic found and tightened a loose wire to fix the failure however, several days later the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer who reset the air bag sensor to clear the code. The contact was concerned that the failure would recur. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

Nov 08, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Recall R22A1 has not been repaired by the dealership. Riverside Nissan in Rome, GA held the truck for twelve (12) weeks and was unable to repair the truck. They claim the part is not available. Another repair was subsequently requested at Town Center Nissan in Kennesaw, GA. They initially reported they could get the part within two weeks but now state the part is backordered and unavailable. Vehicle is undrivable without repair.

Oct 16, 2024

I purchased a 2021 certified preowned Nissan frontier with 21k miles and was promised it had passed a 167 point inspection and came with limited 7 year 100k power train warranty. This is addition to the factory warranty 3 year 36k and 5 year 60k mile that is still in effect. the truck has had to have several repairs upon purchasing. This includes AC line flushed because it was sloshing in the dash. A leaf in the right blower motor. And now my truck has been ins hop two weeks. Initially diagnosed as a bolt missing was causing a rattling in the dash . They said the dash would have to be broken down to find it and fix it. I ask them how they really know if they have to break down the dash. I had to get consumer affairs involved with Nissan because dealer said I would have to pay for the repair even though it is still under factory warranty and it was sold certified which means it was fully inspected for defects. A week and half later I was texted that it was a broken crash bar weld in dash. When the service tech called me and I raised safety concerns given it was broke after 27k miles. And he said it was not a major part of car and it is a bar that the dash attaches to and the steering column. But it wasn’t a major repair or concern. An additional question is what other wells were poorly done during production. Consumer affairs initially opened a case for replacement or buyback. But was denied when reviewed at corporate level. I appealed the decision. The truck is still in shop as I fear to drive a truck thats welds are breaking on crash bar at 27k miles. I have a young daughter that I travel long distances with every few weeks. The only way we know if a repair works is if we’re in a wreck. It is a little late at that point. Especially when service tech minimizes it purpose or the safety implications.

Jul 09, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I [XXX] PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM DAYTONA, NISSAN ON [XXX] ON THE MORNING OF [XXX], THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. AND WAS FLASHING. I TOOK VIDEOS OF ALL THE DIFFERENT OCCURRENCES.I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TALKED TO THE SALESMAN THAT SOLD IT TO US.HIS NAME WAS SIMON.AND HE BROUGHT US IN, AND WE WERE TALKING TO A MANAGER THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND TRY TO RESET IT AS WE WERE LEAVING, THE SALESMAN WALKED US OUT.WHEN WE FIRED UP THE VEHICLE, THE WHOLE DASH FLASHED AND WENT BLACK IN FRONT OF THE SALESMAN.A DAY LATER, WE BROKE DOWN IN THE TRUCK AND HAD TO BE JUMPED.WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY PUT A NEW BATTERY IN AND A COUPLE DAYS LATER, IT CAME ON AGAIN.BUT TOOK IT IN AGAIN, AND THEY PUT US IN A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK THEY TOLD US WHEN WE GOT THE TRUCK BACK THAT THEY CHANGED A AIRBAG SENSOR AND THEN A COUPLE WEEKS LATER, MY SON WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON HIM WHILE DRIVING IT TOOK HIM 4X TO FIRE IT BACK UP. WHEN IT DID FIRE BACK UP, IT WOULD ONLY GO 7 MILE AN HOUR. AND IT WAS JERKING FORWARD. HE TOOK IT DIRECTLY TO NISSAN. THEY RAN SOME DIAGNOSTIC ON IT. AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AGAIN, BUT THEY COULDN'T SEE IT. DO IT AGAIN. SO ON [XXX] THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON. AND FINALLY ON SEPTEMBER 11TH WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY PUT US IN A RENTAL CAR. AND THE MECHANIC TOLD US THAT HE THINKS THAT IT POSSIBLY COULD BE THE INDICATOR LIGHT. THE PARTS MANAGER AT DAYTONA NISSAN SAID HE'S LOOKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THEY SAID THAT THE PART THAT WE NEED IS ON. INDEFINITE, BACK ORDER AND PROBABLY WON'T GET IT. WE HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE TO TRY TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION HER NAMED IS BHAVIKA PHONE NUMBER 888-800-5139 EXT 7320456 CASE # [XXX] SHE SAYS THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE I'M HAVING TO PAY $820 A MONTH FOR A VEHICLE THAT'S UNSAFE AND NOT IN MY POSSESSION. PLEASE HELP ME! THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME ALSO TO FULL TANK 200 MILES AND AC WHISTLES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 14, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which, upon pressing the Push to Start button the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000.

Aug 21, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

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.

Aug 19, 2024

ENGINE

1 complaint

Numerous complaints of problems with bad/defective engine mounts .

Mar 14, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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

Sep 27, 2022

SEAT BELTS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

have gone to Nissan for excessive rattle noise in passenger footwell would sound louder as i gave it gas they concluded that the heater core bracket was loose and tighten but sound did no go away took it in again heater core bracket not good would need to replace so had to take it in third time for same heater core issue eventually they replaced heater core but still have problems with the air was taken to Nissan over 7 times for climate problems. it was not equal driver side blew hotter than the that passenger side eventually it stop blowing air through front vents only the defrost vent works seat adjusting bracket did not lock in place when coming to a stop the passenger seat would slide forward defective Nissan replaced --few month later passenger seatbelt tensioner went bad check engine error code took it to Nissan was replaced by Nissan Nissan service mechanics driving car with defective seatbelt that no issue until part came in same with bracket i had to take them on a ride they kept saying they cant recreate problem as far as climate its been a heat wave over 98 degrees outside and I'm having to drive in a hot car these problems have been since first day i drove car home I've been to service center over 12 times don't feel safe with vehicle i have spoken to Nissan arbitration dept enter Jessica Willis car currently has no air and they are aware of my situation and the heat wave that im having to deal with

Jul 26, 2022

TIRES

1 complaint

Sidewall failed at 70MPH on I-40 Westbound causing immediate deflation of the tire almost causing loss of vehicle control. The problem has NOT been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has NOT been inspected by any police or manufacturer. The low tire warning lamp illuminated seconds after said blowout. HANCOOK DYNAPRO AT M P265/75R16

Apr 15, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

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). We waived the manufacturer arbitration and found only one attorney who took us through pre-litigation but then discharged us after getting the denial letter from the manufacturer, telling us to get a second opinion. We're at a crossroads and don't know what to do at this point. Morally, would it be right to trade in what we feel is a dangerously defective new vehicle? For that is the crossroads we stand at, either pursuing a civil lawsuit or trading it in. The truck was inspected once by the manufacturer and once by the dealership where we bought it. We are currently asking the dealership’s garage to further check the electronic throttle-control and brake override system on this truck. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Oct 07, 2021

Crash: 1

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Aug 22, 2021

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4.3/5.0

70 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2021 NISSAN Frontier have?

The 2021 NISSAN Frontier currently has 17 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2021 NISSAN Frontier?

The most common problems reported for the 2021 NISSAN Frontier are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2021 NISSAN Frontier problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2021 NISSAN Frontier comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.